The Sanford Chairman’s Grant has awarded $200,000 in grants to six Sanford Health Network facilities. The Chairman’s Grant was established by the Sanford Health Board of Trustees to provide start-up or one-time funding for projects that enhance rural health care, provide better access to health care for patients and families and contribute to community development.
“Health care is a necessity in rural communities,” says Mikal Claar, Chairman of the Sanford Board of Trustees. “Through the Chairman’s Grant, we hope to enhance the programs that rural health care facilities are able to offer their communities.”
All facilities within the Sanford Health Network were invited to apply for the grant funding. Six were selected as recipients. Those receiving grants during 2008 include:
Community Memorial Hospital – Burke, SD
Community Memorial Hospital was awarded a $50,000 grant to help fund the purchase of a fixed computerized tomography (CT) scanner and remodel of the facility area where the scanner will be placed. This CT scanner will provide 24 hour-a-day coverage and quick diagnosis of patients in life-threatening conditions. This means critical time can be saved because patients do not need to be transported to other facilities to receive a CT scan.
Niobrara Valley – Niobrara, NE
Niobrara Valley Hospital was awarded a $40,000 grant to help fund the purchase of a new chemistry analyzer to replace the current, outdated analyzer. This new analyzer will mean a patient’s needs may be met on-site at Niobrara Valley Hospital, which eliminates the possible need to send samples to other facilities for testing. This means patients will be diagnosed more quickly.
Sanford Sheldon Medical Center – Sheldon, IA
Sanford Sheldon Medical Center was awarded a $30,000 grant to help fund the purchase of equipment for the new Sanford Boyden Clinic in Iowa. This clinic will serve the health care needs of those in the Boyden area, allowing them to decrease their travel time to receive medical care. The clinic is expected to open fall 2008.
Sanford Webster Medical Center – Webster, SD
Sanford Webster Medical Center was awarded a $50,000 grant to help fund the upgrade of their existing radiology equipment to digital technology. This upgrade will mean faster interpretations of radiology studies and online access for medical staff to review the studies.
Sanford Westbrook Medical Center – Westbrook, MN
Sanford Westbrook Medical Center was awarded a $20,000 grant to help fund the purchase of a new Steris cleaning system and corresponding infrastructure for colonoscopy equipment. The purchase of this equipment will increase the safety of patients undergoing a colonoscopy procedure and the medical staff involved.
Windom Area Hospital – Windom, MN
Windom Area Hospital was awarded a $10,000 grant to help fund the purchase of equipment for their Safe Patient-Handling Program. The purchase of this equipment will aid in the safer transfer of patients. As part of the program, Windom Area Hospital is also creating a Safe Patient-Handling Committee. This committee will review and implement policies meant to provide a safer environment for patients and employees.
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Posted In News, Webster, Westbrook, Windom
