Foundation gifts begin . . . thanks to donors
Northfield Hospital Foundation has given its first-ever gifts in 2023 to extend care and comfort for hospital patients. The Foundation is funded through generous donations from community members.
2023 care items improved patients’ experience in the Cancer Care & Infusion Center, Birth Center, and Medical/Surgical floor – where people feel most vulnerable, where even small gestures have a big impact.
2023 Gifts
While healthcare is mostly funded through insurance and other sources, some needs aren’t covered. The Foundation helps Northfield Hospital go beyond, providing exceptional care for those touched by emergencies, illness, childbirth, and end of life.
As an independent organization, Northfield Hospital counts on the Foundation’s financial support to enhance the personalized care it provides. NH+C is city-owned, but it is not city-funded and receives no money from taxes: All Northfield Hospital funds come from the services that NH+C provides.
Blood Pressure Cuffs for Expecting and New Moms
High Blood pressure during pregnancy puts mom and baby at risk and is a leading cause of pregnancy-related death. Regular blood pressure monitoring is a standard of care, and a potentially lifesaving measure. Portable cuffs are not typically covered by insurance. A Foundation grant allowed the Birth Center to purchase cuffs in several sizes. As a result, expecting and new mothers receive an appropriately sized blood pressure cuff, and are taught how to use it.
The result: Better maternal health.
Thermometers
Cancer patients are vulnerable to infection and need to monitor their temperature at home or at work. A surprising number of patients do not have home thermometers. A Foundation grant allowed the Cancer Care & Infusion Center to purchase a supply of thermometers to provide to patients who don’t have one at home.
The result: Better patient monitoring of fever and infection.
Medical/Surgical Concierge Cart
Even a pleasant facility like Northfield Hospital can be a stressful place to visit. Patients and family members may not have time to prepare, or forget small things at home. A Foundation grant allowed the hospital to acquire and stock a concierge cart with snacks and items that make a hospital or Emergency Department stay more comfortable.
The result: Provided amenities that reduced stress during hospital and ED stays.
Emergency Fund
Many visits to the hospital are unplanned emergencies – a car crash, an accident, or a sudden illness. Many patients arrive without resources and many more are already financially stressed, and a visit to the Emergency Department is never in the budget. A Foundation grant provided a small emergency fund to help staff better support patients and families with funds for emergency needs such as transportation to follow-up appointments and/or treatments,; to replace clothing and shoes lost in a car crash; or food during an extended hospital stay.
The result: Reduced stress at a difficult time.
Oncology Nurse Training
Cancer care is an important service NH+C provides to its communities. The need for specialized training and continuing education for nurses is vital. A Foundation grant provided $2,000 for an oncology nurse to attend a four-day Oncology Nursing Society Congress, the premier conference for oncology nurses. This was an educational investment the hospital could not make on its own.
“The training I received at the Oncology Nursing Society National Congress will help ensure the continued quality of care we provide for our patients,” says Cancer Care Navigator Juliana Sayner, MA, BSN, OCN.
The result: Enhanced the quality of oncology patient care.
