The Phoebe Foundation Board of Directors recently approved more than $1.1 million for a wide range of new equipment and services that will soon be available to serve Phoebe patients and their families thanks to the generosity of donors to the Phoebe Foundation.

The foundation recently approved the funding for six projects, which officials said totals an amount that is larger than any other expenditure ever approved at one time by the board not related to a major capital campaign.

“Our hearts are filled with gratitude from the tremendous support of our generous donors who made it a priority to help us support our patient and family needs at Phoebe,” said Foundation Executive Director Lauren Ray. “It is a beautiful thing when philanthropy partners with a community hospital. So much need is met and lives made better thanks to their support.”

The money will go to the following projects:

· NICU Transporter – Often, premature twins need to be transported to Phoebe’s Level IV NICU.  This will allow our highly-trained experts to transport two babies at the same time.  It provides the best technology and safety for twins who need the elite and specialized care offered in our NICU.

· Education Technology for NICU Lactation Specialist – It will provide the clinician bedside opportunity to consult, educate, and support new mothers with NICU infants to ensure that breastfeeding is supported fully for the best outcome for their infant.

· Patient Communication Boards – Patient communication is essential.  451 new boards will be added in rooms at Phoebe Main, Phoebe North and Phoebe Worth to provide better communication between physicians, nurses, patients and caregivers.

· Wall Mounted Dina Maps for Phoebe Patient Rooms -- This important equipment ensures that our nurses have the right equipment at the right time for the right patient to utilize their clinical skills as efficiently and quickly as possible.  

· Transit Car Simulator for Rehab Patients – It will allow rehab patients, who are limited in their physical abilities, to practice getting in and out of a car.  The technology provides greater quality of life for daily activities for the patient and makes social outings possible.

· Cancer Survivor Clinic – It will provide the best environment for cancer survivors to learn how to live “well” after their cancer treatment.  Survivors will learn to manage post-treatment physical and emotional changes in a nurturing and supportive environment.