The Board of Directors of the Phoebe Foundation voted Tuesday to fund five purchases and projects totaling $162,635.  Three of those purchases will benefit Phoebe’s youngest patients.
 
The board approved buying 10 Kangaroo care chairs for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  The chairs allow mothers to safely hold and breastfeed their babies.  The skin-to-skin contact improves a baby’s immune system, supports healthy growth and helps relieve pain and distress.  “We had great success with two of these chairs we tested,” said Brittany Berry, NICU Nurse Manager.  “The chairs improve breastfeeding success and help with brain growth and weight gain and ultimately help get our infants home to their families faster,” Berry said.
 
Expenditures approved by the board also will provide 4 age-appropriate beds for young patients in the Pediatric Unit and will create a new pediatric behavioral health group room.  The room will include toys and technology in a warm and friendly atmosphere to encourage children to talk with therapists about their circumstances.  This newly developed program will assist with the behavioral health needs of our pediatric population.
 
“It is so important for us to continue to invest in equipment and technology to serve our pediatric patients,” said Becca Miller, Phoebe’s Children’s Miracle Network Coordinator.  “These purchases will be paid for by donations to Phoebe through CMN.  We thank everyone who helps children by supporting our local CMN fundraisers throughout the year.”
 
The board also approved buying two new Flotrac Monitoring Systems for the Critical Care Unit and updating the software in two existing units.  The non-invasive technology helps clinicians more accurately evaluate critically ill patients without adding to their distress.  “The Flotrac systems help us provide the kind of care this community deserves by providing us with the tools to treat our patients fighting for their lives,” said Dr. Enrique Lopez, Critical Care Unit Intensivist.
 
Also, the Carlton Breast Health Center will get a new DXA Scanner thanks to donor generosity.  It is used to diagnose osteoporosis and will assist rehabilitation and orthopedic patients as well as help oncologists make treatment decisions for breast and prostate cancer patients.