By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Houlton Regional Hospital’s emergency room will be just a little bit warmer thanks to the efforts of the Health Services Foundation.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
NEW EQUIPMENT — Houlton Regional Hospital has a new blanket warmer thanks to the efforts of the Health Services Foundation. Checking out the new unit are, from left, Elizabeth Dulin, Foundation executive director; Trish Murray, manager of the Emergency Room; and Dr. Philip McFarlane.
As part of the Foundation’s current fund-raising campaign an application was made to the Aaron A. and Maria H. Putnam Family Charitable Trust, for funding to help bring a new blanket warmer device to Houlton Regional.
“Most of us really don’t want to think about being wrapped up in a nice warm blanket when temperatures outside are soaring to the 90-degree mark on some summer days,” said Elizabeth Dulin, executive director for the Foundation. “However, if you are a trauma patient or someone who just wants the comfort of a warm blanket because they don’t feel well Houlton Regional Hospital’s new blanket warmer will do just that. A patient in stress or really ill can feel really cold, combine that with hospital air conditioning and a warm blanket is just what the doctor ordered.”
“This blanket warmer will provide more capacity to provide for our patients,” said Trish Murray, manager of the emergency room department. “Being in northern Maine, it can be very cold in the winter and both trauma patients and the elderly can benefit from a warm blanket.”
The new blanket warmer is part of a multi-equipment campaign the Foundation is conducting to replace aging equipment or upgrading current pieces due to the rapid changes in technology. Foundation efforts will cover nine items over several different departments.
“We were so grateful when we received word that our request had been granted for the full amount as a Naming Gift from the Trust, and cannot begin to thank them enough,” Dulin said. “It is wonderful knowing, due to this generous gift, all our patients who have need of something as simple as a warm blanket can be assured one will be ready for them.”
The current warmer is about 30 years old had a small capacity, Murray said. It also took a considerable amount of time to warm a blanket. The old unit will remain in service at the hospital, serving as a back-up device.
“Patients have told us how much having that warm blanket means for their comfort,” Dulin said. “This is a really big thing for them and they really appreciate it.”
Anyone wishing to know more about the Health Services Foundation, current projects and programs, or to make a donation please call the Foundation office 207-521-2147 where any questions will be answered or visit www.healthservicesfoundation.org.
