Surrounded by the BRMC Hospital Board, Senior Leadership Team, Baxter Regional
Hospital Foundation Board, physicians, staff and community members on
the morning of July 17, Foundation Board Chairman Steven Sanders Jr. proudly
welcomed everyone to the official kick off to the "Building for Babies"
capital campaign for the renovation of the Women and Newborn Care Center
located on the second floor of the hospital.
The Foundation Board-approved $2 million campaign will enable the Women
and Newborn Care Center to continue to be the regionandrsquo;s leader in
providing healthcare to our tiniest patient and their families. In order
to better serve the growing needs of these patients and to prepare for
the new state recommendations and mandates, the Women and Newborn Care
Center must undergo upgrades and enhancements.
BRMC Chief Operating Officer Rudy Darling laid out to the public the plans
for the renovation and the process involved in this venture. andldquo;The
nursery will double in size and will include 10 Level 2 nursery beds as
well as additional rooms for mother and baby care,” said Darling.
BRMC Chief Nursing Officer and VP/Patient Care Services Cathy Hamel, MSN,
RN, NEA-BC commented on the enhanced care for the patient. She said that
as a Level 2 nursery, BRMC is equipped to provide special care for babies
born at 34 weeks gestation to full term.
Hospital Board Chairman Ted Sanders complimented the community on their
support of projects throughout the past 50 years. As a nonprofit medical
center, BRMC relies on contributions from our community to assist with
expansions and enhancements.
Ron Peterson, President and CEO of Baxter Regional, went on to explain
to the audience andldquo;that since 2006, more than 5,000 babies have been
born at BRMC. We are also proud to be designated as a Level 2 Neonatal
Intensive Care with the statewide ANGELS program.” The new unit
will increase BRMC’s capacity as a teaching hospital through the
University of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Antenatal & Neonatal Guidelines,
Education and Learning System (ANGELS). Peterson continued to say the
renovated facilities will provide additional rooms to allow mothers and
babies to stay together throughout labor, delivery and recovery. Our one-room
concept promotes a family-centered process and allows parents to participate
immediately in the care of the newborn.
Leading the physician charge in showing support for the Building for Babies
Campaign was Dr. Harley Barrow, OB/Gyn. andldquo;The physicians and nurses
working in the Women and Newborn Care Center are committed to doing what
is best for our patients and we all support this project wholeheartedly,”
said Barrow. “Having the support of the community will be an important
part of this renovation,” he continued.
Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Executive Director and BRMC VP/Business
Development Barney Larry introduced John Dyess, Baxter Regional Hospital
Foundation Board Member and Major Gifts Committee Chair. andldquo;Through
the community’s support for the Building for Babies campaign, BRMC
will be able to advance the care and services provided to newborns and
their families,” Dyess stated.
Last March at the Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation Donor Banquet, the
BRMC Auxiliary presented a $500,000 pledge to show their support for this
capital campaign. Auxiliary president Paul Mruk enthusiastically reiterated
the volunteersand#39; continued support and commitment to this project.
Larry asked the community to support the renovations and upgrades costing
$2 million dollars to help advance the care for women and newborns at
BRMC. andldquo;As a nonprofit medical enter, BRMC relies on your support
to assist with expansions and enhancements to the hospital. Your tax deductible
contribution will help make this community-wide effort to keep BRMC at
the forefront of healthcare for women, moms and babies,” stated Larry.
Outlining the capital campaign, Estella Tullgren, Baxter Regional Hospital
Foundation Executive Major Gifts Officer, announced the many giving opportunities
for the newly renovated Women and Newborn Care Center. Included will be
a new nursery, waiting room, 10 labor and delivery rooms, postpartum rooms,
recovery room, physiciansandrsquo; lounge, nurses’ lounge, and triage
exam rooms. “One of the most exciting parts of this campaign will
be a Donor Wall of Honor and you’ll be hearing more about this as
the plans are finalized,” said Tullgren.
This $2 million effort is the Foundation’s largest-ever capital
campaign, and work is estimated to be completed in December. For more
information on how YOU can be part of this 2013-14 Building for Babies
Capital Campaign, email foundation@baxterregional.org, or call the Baxter
Regional Hospital Foundation at 870-508-1770.