Foundation gives $85,000 to enhance Barton Health services

Barton Foundation released its first wave of funding for new equipment, services, and programs that will impact the Lake Tahoe community through Barton Health in 2018. The Foundation dispersed $85,000 to increase patient safety and privacy, offer comfort for children and their family members, and provide education and training for local first responders.

“With the continued support of our donors, the Foundation can do its part to make sure Barton Health can tailor its services to the needs of our region,” said Troy Matthews, Barton Foundation’s Executive Director. “We are delighted to demonstrate how donating to the Foundation means directly improving health care in our community with the first of many rounds of funding this year.”

At Barton Memorial Hospital, the MRI imaging suite now has a Ferromagnetic Threat Detector installed at the entrance. This device detects metal objects inside of or being carried by the patient before they enter the MRI suite and risk becoming a projectile. Barton Health Skilled Nursing Facility received new Accora Floor Beds that reduce the risk of falls and improve patients’ head and foot mobility to receive care while still in bed.

Patient privacy has been improved through new sound resistant privacy curtains in Lake Tahoe Surgery Center, which extend all the way to the floor. Privacy glass has been added at the Barton Community Health Center, ensuring more privacy for tele-medicine visits.

Barton Foundation presented a wagon full of teddy bears to the hospital’s Emergency Department to help ease anxiety for pediatric patients. Hundreds of teddy bears were donated for patients of all ages and their families needing a little extra comfort. Further relief is being offered in the form of Buzzys, a combination ice pack and vibration kit that numbs and distracts individuals nervous about needles. Buzzys have been provided to various departments across Barton Health to ensure patient satisfaction.

Recommended by the American College of Surgeons as well as the Department of Homeland Security, Barton Health Emergency Department staff will receive training on the Stop Bleed Program. This program educates medics and nurses on the use of tourniquets in the event of a mass casualty incident. Training classes be available to local first responders at schools, police departments and fire protection agencies in addition to Barton employees.

Barton Foundation now provides funding to Barton Health throughout the year rather than once annually, supporting its mission to inspire philanthropy for the health of our community. For giving or to learn more about recent donations, visit bartonhealth.org/foundation or call 530.543.5612.