Humboldt General Hospital will be getting a portable x-ray machine.
HGH CEO Jim Parrish told hospital board members an offer to purchase the equipment came from the Hospital Auxiliary, which uses proceeds from its Poke and Peek thrift shop to purchase items for the hospital.
To questions from the board regarding durability of the equipment, radiology department head Pam Wickkeiser said the equipment's components are sealed against dust and moisture. She estimated a seven-year lifespan for the unit.
HGH Emergency Medical Services director Pat Songer offered a testimonial, saying EMS has rented portable x-ray equipment like that being considered for use on the playa during Burning Man. He noted it is the same type used by the military in forward operating surgical units overseas.
The new machine will be used for Burning Man, but it will also be valuable day-to-day.
Hospital Chief of Staff, Dr. Leonard Perkinson said the portable x-ray equipment will be available for EMS use in their community paramedicine program's home visits.
People who find it hard to visit the hospital and long-term care patients in the hospital who would have difficulty getting onto the x-ray table will also benefit. Wickkeiser pointed out the unit could be taken to the rodeo grounds or high school sporting events when EMS is on standby duty.
The rolling unit can fit through standard doorways and can produce clinical image quality with standard power.
Training in its use will be provided by the company selling the equipment.
The price for the portable x-ray machine is $61,750. Even though the Hospital Auxiliary offered to purchase the new equipment, the legal procedure requires the hospital board to approve the purchase and then make a formal request to the Auxiliary to pay the purchase price.[[In-content Ad]]
