NEWS RELEASE
FOUNDATION OF GUELPH GENERAL HOSPITAL
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At Guelph General Hospital, more than 800 new prescriptions are processed each day, every day. That’s about 300,000 prescriptions a year. For nurses, administering medication is a big part of their job and it carries a lot of responsibility.
Knowing this, and in keeping with its strategic commitment to patient safety, Guelph General Hospital is implementing a number of medication safety initiatives, including medication safety carts.
These computer-equipped carts are all about safety. It starts with a nurse scanning the unique barcode found on the patient’s wristband which results in the patient’s chart appearing on screen and the patient’s dedicated medication drawer on the cart being unlocked.
This ensures the patient can only get the medication meant for him or her. The carts also allow nurses to update patient charts on the spot instead of waiting until they’re back at the nursing station.
The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital has launched its Seasonal Fundraising Campaign which will help fund the purchase of these carts designed to ensure patient medication safety.
The carts are going to be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, transforming how nurses administer medications and helping Guelph General continue to provide the safest and highest quality care.
“Government funding doesn’t cover the costs of patient care equipment that hospitals use on a daily basis, including equipment like medication carts. Given the number of carts we need, the cost will be over a half a million dollars,” said Suzanne Bone, CEO of the Foundation. “We are looking to our generous donors and welcoming all members of our community to contribute towards this important initiative.
The Seasonal Campaign will include a series of letters to those who have made a donation to the Foundation in the past and will ask them to consider making another donation this holiday season.
Those who have not made a donation in the past can donate; online at www.gghfoundation.ca, by phone to 519-837-6422, or by cheque payable to The Foundation of GGH mailed to 115 Delhi Street, Guelph, ON N1G 4J4.
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