$100,000 raised for eICU
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News from Providence St. Joseph Medical Center
POLSON — In celebration of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s centennial anniversary, Providence Montana Health Foundation has raised $100,000 through a fundraising campaign to install electronic Intensive Care Unit equipment in the Polson hospital.
At a private gala held on Aug. 25, generous donors came forth to raise funds for the dedicated equipment necessary to support the eICU. The adoption of an eICU requires a substantial up-front capital investment.
“An eICU is a critical care telehealth program that combines technology with the bedside team of medical providers,” James Kiser, CEO of St. Joseph Medical Center, explained. “Working with our own local physicians, an off-site team of specially trained critical care physicians and nurses connects with patients through real-time audio, visual and electronic means. The eICU can provide real-time laboratory results, diagnostic tests, treatments and interventions. It’s an incredibly sophisticated way of giving the patients the best care possible — right here in Polson.”
As a critical access hospital, St. Joseph Medical Center did not have the ability to treat patients who required this higher level of care due to its size and location. Critical patients were transferred out of the area to larger hospitals. The eICU allows St. Joe’s to take care of these patients in their own community while reducing stress and costs for the patient and families.
“We’re incredibly humbled by the generosity of all who came forth to ensure the eICU was funded as we celebrated St. Joe’s Centennial. This cutting edge, life-changing program is an example of the health care technology that Providence St. Joseph Medical Center plans to invest in the Polson community over the next 100 years,” said Fran Albrecht, Executive Director of Providence Montana Health Foundation.
Sponsors of the fundraising event included S&K Technologies, First Interstate Bank, Glacier Bank, KwaTaqNuk Resort, Red Lion Inn & Suites, Super 1 Foods, Western Montana Family Dentistry, Life Flight Network, Bea’s Floral & Gifts, Big Day Rental, Eagle Bank, First Citizen’s Bank, Thomas Cuisine/Café Dieu, The Party Store, Posh Chocolate and Whistling Andy’s Distillery.
To support the work of Providence Montana Health Foundation, please go to www.supportpmhf.org
For more information, please contact Megan Beard, Development and Outreach Officer at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, at 406-883-8348, 406-396- 2549 or at megan.beard@ providence.org
