In addition to designating your financial contribution towards a specific service area of Southwest Healthcare Services, various funds have been set up to support future projects that are critically important to the provision of local healthcare.
Implementation of an Electronic Health Record System. In the next few years, healthcare facilities will need to transition to a digital (computerized) format which will improve the accessibility, availability and retention of health information. The implementation of an Electronic Health Record will greatly improve the quality and efficiency of care provided by enhancing accessibility of pertinent health information throughout our entire operation. Health reports and records that are currently mailed can be sent electronically to visiting specialists and tertiary facilities alleviating downtime for patients who are transferred for specialized care. This system will also allow us to transition to digital x-ray imaging and storage.
Renovation of Sunny Apartment Units. Built in 1963, our independent living facility is adjacent to our nursing home and contains 14 individual units that continually remain occupied by local seniors. The common area of Sunny Apartments was renovated in 2008. Now we are in the process of renovating each apartment unit. For the single units, the cost of renovation is $11,500. For the double units, the cost increases to $13,500.
Replacement of Nursing Home Carpet - If you have had the opportunity to walk down the hallways of our nursing home, you will notice that the carpet is in great need of replacement. This carpet sees a lot of traffic and is routinely cleaned to ensure cleanliness of our facility. The total cost of replacing the carpet is expected to be over $45,000.
General Fund - Gifts made to the General Fund are used by the discretion of Southwest Healthcare Services towards equipment and technology purchases and improvements made to enhance all our facilities and services. (Hospital, Long-Term Care, Clinic, Visiting Nurse Services, Wellness Center, Emergency Medical Services, Sunny Apartments, and Sunrise Village Assisted Living)
Long-Term Care Resident Room Renovation. There are 14 private single rooms that need to be renovated. These rooms were originally built in 1963. Updating will involve installation of new closets, additional lighting and electrical outlets, floor and wall coverings, and curtains.
Replace One Ambulance. Vehicle age, distance, population and reliability are the factors driving the replacement of one of two ambulances. The likelihood of an oil field, automobile, farm or ranch emergency remains constant; therefore, having reliable emergency response vehicles may mean the difference between life and death. Having two reliable ambulances is critical, especially with the distances traveled when transferring patients to specialized care facilities in Bismarck, Dickinson and Rapid City.
