To effectively treat obstetrical hemorrhage and mitigate distress, the right equipment and training are essential. Our Family Birthing Centre team has both, thanks to the Impact Council, a group of young professionals who fundraise for Michael Garron Hospital.
Last year, funds raised at their events were used to buy equipment that helps our team respond quickly when patients experience obstetrical hemorrhage – a condition that affects up to 5% of births.
“Time is of the essence. How the team works together is crucial for how well obstetrical hemorrhage is managed,” says Christie Lockhart, Chief of Midwifery and Medical Co-Director of Maternal, Newborn and Child Services (MNC).
The new equipment enables clinicians to carry out life-saving blood transfusions as fast as possible. Other items support the insertion of breathing tubes and monitoring of patients’ vital signs.
Optimizing care
The Impact Council donation also helped nearly 60 Family Birthing Centre staff pursue training on trauma-informed care. This approach recognizes the effects of past emotional trauma and creates a safe environment for our patients.
Obstetricians, midwives, nurses, anesthesiologists and other staff participated in the training. “It was important to ensure everyone on our comprehensive team had the opportunity to build on their skills in this area,” says Dr. Elin Raymond, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Medical Co-Director of MNC.
Dr. Raymond says the training is already helping improve patient care by heightening clinicians’ ability to sensitively care for people with trauma and to mitigate psychological harm.
Soon these skills will be shared beyond our Family Birthing Centre. Twenty staff who were certified as trauma-informed care trainers will go on to educate colleagues and learners across our hospital.
Putting the fun in fundraising
To support our hospital, the Impact Council hosts lively fundraisers. This year’s events included Good Laughs, Bowl at the Beach and East End Eats, which generated a total of $120,000.
These proceeds are being invested in an artificial intelligence tool to help enhance patient experiences and treat more people.
To support exceptional care at our hospital, please give at mghf.ca/donate