The Humboldt and District Health Complex will be the recipient of a new $340,000 Nurse/Patient Call System with the support of the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation (HDHF).

The HDHF has been working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to fund the project. The HDHF announced it will contribute $170,000 for the new system. 

“The Nurse/Patient Call System is the only way a patient can communicate with nursing staff, it's that little red button that they have at the bedside to get the attention of a nurse if they are needing help or any kind of assistance,” says Lorrie Bunko, executive director of the HDHF. 

The system also plays a role in the Emergency Preparedness Plan, including Codes Blue and White, and staff emergency, which are called over this system so healthcare staff in other areas of the facility can be alerted.

“With the patient census and activity, and the growth that our facility has seen in the last couple of years, this new system will service now and into the future.”

“This investment will enhance our ability to provide seamless, safe, high-quality care, as close to home as possible,” says Melanie Olynick, Director of Acute Care, Integrated Rural Health South East, SHA. “By enhancing the Call System, we will be better able to meet every day health care demands and improve safety and quality of care for those accessing our services at Humboldt District Health Complex.”

The new system will expand into the areas of the facility that currently do not have alert buttons. 

“The technology offered with the new system will allow patients to safely access the Humboldt Urban Garden Sanctuary (HUGS) and re-enter the Inpatients Wing, eliminating the long walk for patients to re-enter the building. This specific entrance will be equipped with 24-hour video surveillance and will use video for patient recognition for re-entry into the facility,” says the HDHF in a release. 

“The nurse call system is an imperative communication tool throughout our health care facility and is paramount in patient and staff safety,” stated Aaron Behiel, Chair, HDHF.

Fundraising is underway, says the HDHF in a release and the new system will go live in the facility by the end of March 2023