Thanks to the SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary and a $20,425 gift, the hospital’s emergency room now has a Graham-Field Hausted 5B800ST All Purpose Bariatric Electric Stretcher.

This new stretcher is designed to meet patient management needs while versatile enough to be used in every phase of care from patient treatment from pre-op to recovery.

“As the number of bariatric patients increases, health care facilities need proper equipment to safely care for these patients while ensuring staff safety,” according to Ashley Kolberg, RN, BSN, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Emergency Room manager. “This all-purpose bariatric stretcher provides patient comfort as well as greater efficiencies with features like the optional Navigator Power Drive System – a full powered drive system used to more easily maneuver the stretcher forward, backwards and side-to-side helping reduce the physical demand on staff.”

The stretcher has an 800-pound weight capacity and a wide patient surface for enhanced patient comfort and safety. In addition, integrated ergonomic push handles facilitate easier patient transport for staff.

“This stretcher will help to protect our staff from back injuries and allow us to treat patients with fairness and dignity, no matter what medical condition they have,” Kolberg adds.

The gift facilitates the SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary’s efforts to support equipment and other needs that help to enhance patient care and support hospital staff.

“This donation directly aligns with that mission by addressing both patient and staff needs in a meaningful way,” says Julie Stellmacher, SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary president. “With the rise in bariatric patients, this gift reflects a proactive response to demographic changes and medical trends in the community.”     

Thanks to the SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary and a $20,425 gift, the hospital’s emergency room now has a Graham-Field Hausted 5B800ST All Purpose Bariatric Electric Stretcher. The stretcher was recently delivered to Ripon Community Hospital as shown with (left to right) Kathy Hargrave, CAN, Emergency Room; Jackie Halverson and Julie Stellmacher, Auxiliary; Shae Lueptow, RN, Joe Narance, RN, and Ashley Kolberg RN, Emergency Room manager.