Health Services Foundation launches new fund-raising campaign for HRH

HOULTON, Maine — Coming off a successful multi-equipment campaign for Houlton Regional, the Health Services Foundation has announced its new campaign to purchase general ultrasound equipment with 3D capabilities.    “This year we look forward to another opportunity of raising funds in support of the radiology department for new ultrasound equipment,” said Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for the Foundation. “The use of ultrasound in the medical field is growing and Houlton Regional Hospital providers are challenged to image patients of various ages, size and encompass a wide range of clinical areas. It takes a special ultrasound system to meet those demands.”
A mobile ultrasound system is designed to provide:
• Consistent image quality;
• Increase exam speed, comfort and productivity with user-sensitive design;
• Achieve high utilization across multiple applications with many tools;
• Be versatile and maximize purchasing cost;
• Broad range of transducers (a device that converts variations in a physical quantity, such as pressure or brightness into an electrical signal or vice versa);
• Deliver consistently clear images with minimal keystrokes.
According to Dulin, this system will reduce operator fatigue; is adjustable to be ergonomically correct for operator-monitor to attain an excellent viewing angle, and dedicated packages to assist technologists perform efficient, specialized exams. It will also help with early diagnosis, treatment and patient followup.
Among the different types of exams that can be done with this system are: carotid arteries, abdomen, kidneys, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, aorta, breast and pelvis. The obstetrics department will also have 3D capability with the new system.
The imaging unit can also be used to look for cysts and blood clots.
“For those using this service the benefits will be superior, clear imaging of many types of screenings that will be done with increased speed, efficiency and comfort,” Dulin said.
The start of a new fund-raising campaign is always exciting, Dulin added.
“Even though the Foundation has been raising money for Houlton Regional for many years there is always the excitement of waiting to hear what the next project might be,” she said. “I always think about Oscar Night and everyone waiting for the envelope to be opened. We wait with anticipation about what we can do next for the health and well being of our communities. When we find out what the new campaign will be the challenge begins, once again, to make it happen. We have some very serious times along the way, and we have the fun times all the while doing the very best we can to reach the goal. However, as I say over and over, none of the wonderful things we do can be accomplished without our donors and our gratitude toward them is never ending.”
Anyone wishing more information about this particular project or those who wish to make a donation to a Foundation project can call 521-2147 or visit www.healthservicesfoundation.org.