A New Ultrasound Machine for the Family Birthing Unit
March 05, 2025
When a family comes to Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s (WDMH) Family Birthing Unit, they are surrounded by obstetricians, family physicians, midwives, nurses and support staff who want to provide the very best care at an exciting time in their life. To ensure that care, the WDMH team needs the very best equipment. And now the Family Birthing Unit team has a new portable ultrasound machine – thanks to our amazing donors.
Portable ultrasound machines are used right at the bedside for assessments during labour, diagnoses and treatment, often on an urgent basis. “With this machine, we can get real time data to improve and impact patient care during labour,” explains Dr. Gaurav Jain. “For example, we can confirm a fetal position, among many other uses, without having to wait or be dependent on a formal radiology ultrasound.”
The new machine cost $62,648.50 and was purchased with funds from the General Equipment Fund.
Having a machine right in the Family Birthing Unit ensures it is readily available, especially during an acute situation when time is of the essence for the mom and baby. The new machine also supports further staff education and competency training.
“Many people are surprised to learn that the government does not fund new equipment,” adds Interim Executive Director Cindy Ault Peters. “Thank you to our generous donors for your donations to the General Equipment Fund. You make all the difference!”