Alexis Fairchild, BSN, RN, and Clinical Educator for the Healthcare District, stands with the infant warmer funded by the JCF Hospital Foundation through community donations. It, along with an obstetrics cart and staff training, make emergency births safe at JCF.
While the John C. Fremont Healthcare District has not had a labor and delivery unit in a number of years, under emergency circumstances, sometimes babies are born there.
Recently, the healthcare district hosted on-site training focused on emergency newborn care, making use of the hospital’s emergency obstetrics (OB) cart and infant warmer.
The training was supported by Valley Children’s Hospital. Its team performed a site assessment that included inspecting equipment and providing guidance. They recognized the hospital’s preparation to respond when newborn care is needed in the emergency department.
“Every family deserves safe, prepared and compassionate care when the unexpected happens,” said Alexis Fairchild, BSN, RN, and Clinical Educator for the district. “This program is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community and its hospital work together. From the support of our hospital leadership and staff to the encouragement of our community and alongside Valley Children’s Hospital, this has truly been a team effort. We all share the same goal of providing safe, compassionate care for our neighbors when they need us most.”
The healthcare district maintains a close clinical partnership with Valley Children’s Hospital. When a newborn or child comes to the Emergency Department with specialized or complex medical needs, JCF physicians have direct access to consult with Valley Children’s neonatal and pediatric specialists 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
These physician-to-physician consultations help determine the most appropriate course of care, whether that involves treating the patient at JCF or arranging transfer to Valley Children’s.
In addition to Valley Children’s participation, the recent emergency birth training included a review and update of JCF’s current policies and procedures, assessment of emergency department equipment and supplies, newborn identification and safety processes and preparation for neonatal emergencies and unexpected deliveries.
The JCF education department is continuing its emergency birth training. Manufacturer-led onsite instructional sessions for the infant warmer are scheduled in July.
The $13,138 infant warmer was funded by the John C. Fremont Hospital Foundation through generous community donations.
“Seeing the infant warmer used in training like this shows exactly why local support matters,” said Heather Bernikoff, JCF Hospital Foundation president. “When our community gives, those dollars help provide the tools, training, and support our hospital staff need to care for patients right here at home. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the fundraising campaign for this critical piece of equipment.”
Currently, the Foundation is fundraising for an Arjo Stand Assist Lift ($6,528), a specialized medical mobility device for the Ewing Wing. It has raised $2,010 to date.
If you would like to donate to this important piece of equipment, you can do so via check to JCFHF, P.O. Box 1093, Mariposa, CA 95338, or through the online fundraising site at jcfhospitalfoundation.org/get-involved/donate-now. Donations are tax-deductible.
The JCF Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the rural communities of the John C. Fremont Healthcare District to maximize health through partnership and philanthropy.
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