Community Gives Back to SOMC Patients through Ultrasound Units to Guide IV Placement

2020 brought many aspects of “normal” life to a halt, but what didn’t stop was the kindness and generosity of the community towards the patients of Southern Ohio Medical Center.

Last December, the popular Winter Wonderland Ball was transformed into Winner Wonderland, a virtual reverse raffle.

Through the kindness of the virtual guests and participants, donors, and many who gave back their prizes, the SOMC Development Foundation was able to utilize the funds from the event to purchase six of the eight new Ultrasound Units to guide IV placement. These units allow for quick and easy IV placement in patients with difficult venous access and cost approximately $18,000 each.

Each new machine has been distributed to different units throughout the hospital to be readily available for staff to serve their patients.

“These machines have been an excellent resource for us,” said Blake Fraley, registered nurse on the SOMC Surgical Vascular Care Unit. “We know what we are dealing with before we have to stick a patient, which has helped tremendously.”

Fraley said that before they had their own ultrasound unit, they would realize a patient would be a tough blood draw and then have to run to another floor to borrow their machine. Overall, having more units has paved the way for improved patient care and service, according to Elvis Walters, SOMC Administrative Director of Nursing, Inpatient Services.

“We can’t express how much we appreciate the generous donation of these units for our patients,” Walters said. “This new equipment allows our staff to undoubtedly provide optimal and efficient care to our patients.”

If you would like more information on ways to give back, please visit https://www.somc.org/development/.