Not far from the Operating Rooms at Sault Area Hospital is a special workshop, where medical equipment is brought to be maintained and fixed.
Just like your car, your kitchen appliances or your home computer – medical equipment needs regular maintenance to work at its best. It is critical to regularly test and service the equipment at Sault Area Hospital. These tools need to work accurately – so we can rely on them to provide outstanding care.
A highly-specialized team of four Biomedical Engineers (often shortened to “Biomed”) manage the maintenance schedule for over 2,000 pieces of equipment across the hospital! This team is responsible for everything from simple vital signs monitors to advanced surgical equipment.
"Our job is primarily behind-the-scenes. Our goal is to maintain and catch issues so they don't reach the beside." - Daniel Proctor, Biomedical Engineer
With specialized training, the Biomed team can not only keep equipment working well, but also extend its lifespan. But to do their jobs, they require specialized tools that they use to test equipment. The support of our donors is helping purchase these tools, too!
Electrosurgery Testing
An electrosurgery tester measures electric current from surgical tools. It’s commonly used to test cautery units – which can be found in every operating room, and many minor procedure areas. If cautery isn’t safely calibrated, it could shock the operator or the patient. The tester helps ensure any current is within a safe and effective range.
The new tester is smaller and more lightweight – which is important when the team travels to other healthcare facilities. “We’ve serviced equipment at Group Health Centre, Matthews Memorial, Lady Dunn, Thessalon, Chapleau, Dubrueilleville... all over the Algoma District,” shared Biomedical Engineer Daniel Proctor. “Having lightweight tools makes travel much easier!”
Ultrasound Testing
Sault Area Hospital does not currently have an ultrasound tester – this is brand new equipment! “Ultrasounds aren’t just happening in Medical Imaging now... they are happening at the patient’s bedside,” Daniel shared. As standards of practice change, SAH needs to adapt. Investing in ultrasound testing tools can ensure ultrasound units across the hospital work well for years to come.
The support of our community keeps equipment working!
If medical equipment continues to work well, we won’t need to replace it. Gifts to Sault Area Hospital Foundation are putting critical tools in the hands of our Biomedical Engineers so they can keep equipment working across the entire Algoma District – helping all of us continue to deliver outstanding care.
The support of local donors helps SAH stay up-to-date with the latest equipment, helping every patient receive the best possible care.
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