The BUH Foundation has announced the purchase of a new dual chamber external pacemaker, which is now saving lives at Battlefords Union Hospital.
According to their news release the pacemaker was purchased through surplus funds raised from the 2020 $100,000 Cash Lottery’s “Ask” line. This provided ticket buyers the opportunity to make a charitable donation to support the purchase of equipment in the Emergency Department.
The pacemaker can be used to treat patients suffering from symptomatic bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachyarrhythmia (fast heart rate), providing temporary electrical cardiac stimulation through wires inserted into the heart chambers which stabilizes a patient’s heartbeats.
Before, a cardiologist was flown in with the equipment to assist with the procedure. Now, the procedures can be performed by BUH physicians immediately without delays.
“We are very grateful for the funding to purchase the dual chamber external pacemaker for the Emergency Department for The Battlefords. This is an essential piece of equipment required for those patients suffering from heart abnormalities. Having this unit available on site for our ED physicians means those suffering from heart conditions and requiring a pacemaker will receive the most optimal care here at BUH. Thank you for your donations that made this purchase possible,” said Lauren Stade, Manager of Clinical Services, Emergency/Ambulatory Care/Intensive Care/Respiratory Therapy, in a statement.
“It is the mission of BUH Foundation to enrich patient care in The Battlefords. We are grateful when the donations are available to meet the needs to complete this mission and benefit our community. In many ways it appears to be such a simple piece of equipment, but it is so important and has a huge impact for patients,” said Claudette McGuire, BUH Foundation Executive Director, in a statement.
“We are pleased that we can be there to match the donors with the needs and make a difference for others.”
