OCH Auxiliary gift funds new equipment for Cardiac Rehab program
OCH Cardiac Rehab recently received new equipment thanks to a $30,000 gift from the OCH Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. The donation funded the purchase of five arm ergometers and adjustable tables and five NuStep machines.
“We are honored to make this contribution to the cardiac rehab department,” said OCH Auxiliary President Mary Ann Livingston. “As auxiliary members at our local hospital, we view our efforts as a complement to what the hospital is already doing to give back to the community and provide the highest level of care to the patients.”
Jordan Vance, OCH Director of Cardiac Rehab, said the new equipment provides a better experience for the patients.
“The equipment we were able to purchase is more userfriendly with additional features that make each session more comfortable for our patients. The tables for the arm ergometers are adjustable and the seats for the NuStep machines swivel 360 degrees making it easier for patients to get on and off of the equipment,” explained Vance. “We're also able to track each patient's progress more efficiently and thoroughly by monitoring watt usage, calories burned, cycles completed and metabolic levels reached.”
Vance said the new equipment plays a vital role in the supervised exercise program for those who have experienced illness associated with cardiovascular disease including heart failure, angioplasty, chest pain, heart attack, coronary bypass surgery, stents, valve replacement and heart transplant. While arm ergometers strengthen the arm and chest area and are especially beneficial for patients who have undergone open heart surgery, the NuStep machine works the entire body to increase the heart rate and build stamina. The NuStep machines even have a virtual “pace partner” that the patient can race against, adding an element of competition and fun for the patient.
“We're so appreciative of the auxiliary's generosity and support toward our program. This is the second gift in recent years from the auxiliary to the cardiac rehab department with the last donation providing funds for a new telemetry system. This program is ultimately about improving our patients' quality of life and by investing in this topof-the-line equipment, the OCH Auxiliary is a part of that,” Vance said.
“Our goal is to give back to the hospital in as many ways as we can whether it be through volunteering our time or hosting fundraisers,” said OCH Director of Volunteer Services Lauren Gardner. “We're grateful to the individuals who support our fundraisers and purchase items in the auxiliary gift shop because that's how we're able to make these gifts.”
In addition to purchasing new equipment, the OCH Auxiliary also donates gift bags for pediatric patients throughout the year, provides crafts for swing bed patients and awards scholarships to students pursuing a degree in the medical field.
The next fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, June 21 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the OCH Community Room and will include items for purchase such as comforters, towels, sheet sets, blankets, curtains and more.
Those interested in joining the cardiac rehab program should call (662) 615-2625 for an appointment. The patient's physician will then be contacted for approval and to obtain necessary medical records. For more information, visit och.org/cardiac-rehab.