Submitted by
Kate Stephens
In June of 2017, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center (CPMC) was awarded the Community Facility Equipment Grant from United States Department of Agriculture. The funds, totaling $50,000, were used to help purchase and install a new GE LOGIQ S8 portable Ultrasound machine. There are two important factors that influenced the need for an additional ultrasound machine.
The first happened in August of 2016, when the medical center’s only ultrasound machine broke down. Repair was not an option. This was devastating, as the providers at CPMC were left without a much needed diagnostic tool to care for patients in the community. The situation posed a significant threat to the health of Lincoln County, and warranted replacement of the machine as soon as possible. Fortunately, the Cabinet Peaks Medical Center Foundation was able to make a donation to quickly purchase a new ultrasound machine for the hospital. However, the situation made CPMC aware of the crucial need for an additional ultrasound in house.
Secondly, CPMC’s ultrasound volume has been steadily increasing over the past several years, and continues to increase, with a current average of 188 exams every month. This means that patients have to wait longer for appointments, and may be bumped from their appointment time should an emergency arise. Having a second ultrasound available at the medical center will shorten appointment wait times, and allow CPMC to keep schedule appointments when emergency situations arise.
The USDA grant provided CPMC the ability to purchase that additional piece of equipment. The new ultrasound will improve and expand availability of ultrasound exams to the patients of Lincoln County to ensure quality and efficient medical care. Additionally, in the event that one of the machines needs to be repaired, the medical center will be able to continue exams as scheduled.
“We are grateful to the USDA for granting us the money to purchase an additional ultrasound machine for our Imaging Department,” stated Kate Stephens, Executive Director of the Foundation and Marketing Manager at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. “The Foundation was more than happy to step up to the plate and purchase the replacement machine a few months ago, but the addition of a second ultrasound provides peace of mind and helps to improve patient satisfaction and quality of care.”
