Memorial Healthcare has purchased a new mass transfuser for its obstetrics care department after being awarded funding for a mass transfuser from the Maternal Health Education Grant by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Keystone Center and the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (MI AIM).

“As healthcare operations in rural areas across the state continue to shutter vital service lines like obstetrics care, Memorial Healthcare has invested significantly in these areas to ensure our patients continue to have access to leading medical care when their lives are at stake,” said Tom Kurtz, president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare. “The purchase of the mass transfuser and the grant that it made possible will further enhance our abilities to provide world-class community care to those we serve.”

Mass transfusers can quickly deliver large volumes of blood and fluids to patients experiencing major traumas, severe hemorrhaging, and other life-threatening medical emergencies to prevent or treat clinical shock.

“Thanks to the MHA Keystone Center and MI AIM, we’re able to further elevate our ability to provide patients with safe, effective maternal care – particularly in the moments when every second matters,” said Megan Smith, chief nursing officer and VP of patient care services for Memorial Healthcare.

Memorial Healthcare is a designated Maternity Care Access Hospital, a facility that serves a community that would otherwise not have access to obstetric care. This makes continued investment in this service a high priority.

“As more Michiganders lose access to local, convenient maternal care, it’s critical that we continue to support and invest in the organizations like Memorial Healthcare that are bucking the trend to not just ensure care is available, but provide cutting-edge treatment options to patients,” said Amy Zaagman, executive director for the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health. “Memorial Healthcare’s commitment to the improvement and expansion of care brings hope and peace of mind to patients.”

Memorial Healthcare was one of four hospitals selected to receive a portion of $25,000 in grant funds.

“We’re proud to support Memorial Healthcare’s efforts and the life-saving work they do on a daily basis,” said Amy Brown, MSN, RN, NE-BC, chief nursing officer for the MHA. “At a time when maternal health clinics are closing despite urgent need, the MHA Keystone Center, MI AIM, and Memorial Healthcare’s continuous investment in staff training is vital to the enhancement of patient safety, allowing healthcare workers to mitigate harm and uphold a culture of well-being.”