ROCKPORT — MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital has received philanthropic gifts from Elinor Klivans and Ed and Mary Cady to support the purchase of portable telemetry units for the hospital’s Emergency Department, helping enhance patient care, comfort and safety during extended observation stays.

 

According to a MaineHealth news release, the Emergency Department has seen an increased need for extended patient observation, with more patients requiring additional time for testing, treatment and monitoring before a safe decision can be made about whether they can return home or require hospital admission. During these observations, patients often need continuous monitoring of their vital signs through telemetry, which provides real-time recording and transmission of physiological data. This technology gives the care team additional information to determine the most appropriate next step in a patient’s care. 

 

Unlike traditional wall-mounted monitoring equipment, portable telemetry units travel with patients, allowing them to stand and walk during observation.

 

"By allowing patients to remain mobile, portable telemetry helps create a more comfortable patient experience while supporting the care team’s ability to deliver high-quality care, said MaineHealth.

 

 “Continuous monitoring gives us more information throughout a patient’s stay, helping us make better-informed care decisions,” said Stephen Skinner, MD, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital. “Allowing patients to stay mobile may help reduce the deconditioning that can occur during a hospital stay, helping many patients return home stronger than if they had remained in bed.”

 

Already in use at other MaineHealth hospitals, portable telemetry has proven to be an effective tool for supporting patients who require extended observation in emergency settings. Bringing this technology to MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital expands access to the same advanced care available across the MaineHealth system.

 

MaineHealth also concludes that in addition to improving patient experience, portable telemetry supports more efficient use of hospital resources by allowing patients who need observation-level care to remain safely monitored in the Emergency Department while preserving inpatient beds for those requiring admission.

 

“This gift is a meaningful example of how donors can make an immediate impact on patient care,” said Amy McNaughton, director of Philanthropy for MaineHealth Coastal Region. “Through partnerships with donors who want to make a difference, we are able to invest in innovative tools and technology that strengthen patient care, improve safety and enhance the patient experience. We are deeply grateful to Ed, Mary and Elinor for their commitment to improving care in our community.”