Community support funds new fetal monitors at Almonte General Hospital

Families at the Almonte General Hospital (AGH) are now benefiting from three new fetal heart monitors as a result of the annual run and walk event held each fall.

The monitors, which cost $48,000 each, combine the abilities to monitor and trace the heart rates of both a mother and their baby, record the information to be shared with the delivery team, and offer several other options for gathering information in real time.

“They record accurate live time vital signs to allow nurses to have more time for labour support,” said Lynn Heath, manager of the observation unit. “The staff really love the new monitors because they allow them to be more hands on.”

All of the funds used to purchase this new equipment were provided by the AGH Fairview Manor (FVM) Foundation and came from several large donations and money collected from the AGH Run/Walk for Women's Health last September.

“Most people are still surprised to learn that although the operation of the hospital is funded by the Ontario government, money is not provided to purchase replacement or new equipment,” said Julie Munro, chair of the hospital's annual Run/Walk for Women's Health. “That's why we need community members to get involved in our annual fundraiser.”

This year's fundraiser will be taking place from September 3 until September 10 with three different route options including a three kilometre (km) race, five km race, and a 10 km race. The option to participate virtually is being offered as well. Post and pre-event activities include breakfast, musical warm up and post-event food, music and awards for best times and most funds raised individually and as a team.