Courtesy Saratoga Hospital
Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has pledged $500,000—the auxiliary organization’s largest gift ever—to help bring “smart” intravenous (IV) pumps to all Saratoga Hospital facilities.
The gift also is the most significant to date for the hospital’s newest fundraising initiative, which seeks more than $1 million to buy and set up 270 smart pumps and related software, officials said.
“That this project will touch every patient who comes through the doors of a Saratoga Hospital site every day is praiseworthy and extraordinary,” said Barbara King, guild president.
IV pumps have long been used to deliver lifesaving fluids, from blood products to advanced antibiotics, insulin, and chemotherapy. New “smart” pumps include technology designed to ensure that patients receive the right medication at the right dose and the right time. The result is enhanced safety and better outcomes.
“The Guild’s pledge is the latest example of our volunteers’ amazing contributions to Saratoga Hospital and those we serve,” said Amy Raimo, executive director of Saratoga Hospital Foundation and vice president for community engagement.
“The Guild consistently takes the lead and sets an example in supporting our programs and serving our patients and visitors,” she added. “There is no better, more committed partner—to the hospital or the community.”
Since its founding in 1948, the Guild has donated more than $3 million to Saratoga Hospital. Gifts have helped build the hospital’s new Surgical Pavilion and Marylou Whitney and Desmond DelGiacco, MD, Intensive Care Unit; Alfred Z. Solomon Emergency Center; Saratoga Community Health Center; and more.
Guild donations have helped purchase an electronic medical records system and state-of-the-art equipment. The Guild also has pledged $100,000 to the hospital’s permanent endowment to support healthcare in Saratoga County for generations to come.
Guild officials said of equal importance is that its volunteers donate tens of thousands of hours each year to help improve the patient experience and support those in need in the Saratoga community.
“Everything we do flows from the mission and vision of the hospital—the compassion, customer service, and commitment to excellence in healthcare in our region,” said Betsy St. Pierre, associate director of volunteer services at Saratoga Hospital. “Our volunteers provide support, kindness, and encouragement, and that decreases avoidable suffering.
“They’re making a big difference in the hospital and the Saratoga region,” she said.
Today’s Guild boasts about 250 volunteers who, combined, donate more than 50,000 hours of service to Saratoga Hospital each year. Through its fundraisers and retail establishments it has contributed millions of dollars to support hospital programs and projects. In recognition of its contributions to Saratoga Hospital and the community, the Guild has twice been honored with the Healthcare Association of New York State Auxiliary of the Year Award.
For more information: www.saratogahospital.org/about-us/volunteering/volunteer-guild.