Battlefords Union Hospital has marked its new chapter with the foundation relaunch on Sept. 18, 2024. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff))

By Kenneth Cheung

NEW CHAPTER

Hospital foundation relaunches; Pyxis MedStation in use

Sep 18, 2024 | 2:27 PM

Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) has started a new chapter with the relaunch of the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation and the introduction of updated healthcare equipment to provide top-quality services to the community.

“We realize the hospital itself is such a pillar to the community, and it’s so important that we continue to support the hospital’s needs,” said Leanne Ducommun, executive director of Battlefords Healthcare Foundation.

Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation was the original name. Ducommun explained the relaunch as Battlefords Healthcare Foundation makes it more diverse and equitable for the Battlefords community.

Leanne Ducommun, executive director of Battlefords Healthcare Foundation gives an opening speech to mark the new chapter of BUH on Sept. 18, 2024. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

She said previously there was no significant support for mental health, addiction, primary and long-term care workers, as the foundation had only funded the hospital for over 30 years. She emphasized that the foundation can provide education support for healthcare workers from various departments to enhance their professions.

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“This is going to open up new doors to expand new healthcare services within all of these facilities and create more sustainable healthcare for everyone,” she said.

New medication dispensing system

The foundation raised $916,000 in less than a year to bring in the new Pyxis MedStation system, thanks in part to the ‘On Air for Healthcare’ radiothon fundraiser held on Pattison Media radio stations CJNB, Q98 and 93.3 which raised a total of $443,219 last May.

Ducommun pointed out that BUH is the first hospital in the province to have all departments implement the system. She believes that it will not only enhance the effectiveness of medication delivery but also significantly improve patient care, enabling healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to attending to patients at their bedside.

According to Sarah Lynds, manager of Battlefords Union Hospital and Saskatchewan Hospital, the new system uses individual passwords and biometrics for user authentication, and every medication is associated with its barcode.

Lynds further explained the system automatically tracks medication expiry dates, and an automated packager in the pharmacy department helps manage medication inventory.

Also, the controlled medication reporting and metrics are in place, including the need for a cosign for waste reports and regular counts by licensed professionals at the beginning and end of every shift.

Lynds believes that as workers are still getting used to the new system, there may be some adjustments, but she and Ducommun are positive that everything has been going as planned, and the team has already developed strategies to ensure a smooth transition.

“The entire healthcare team has really embraced the new system and are seeing the benefits of it almost immediately,” Ducommun said.

The relaunch took place on Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. in the ground floor of BUH. Mayor of Battleford Ames Leslie and MLA Jeremy Cockrill were also there to support.

MLA Jeremy Cockrill attended the relaunch event to share the joy with BUH of their new milestone. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com