Wireless fetal monitors allow increased safety and freedom of movement during labor.
ONANCOCK, Va. – Labor and delivery for mothers at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital is now more comfortable, less restricted and more continuously monitored, thanks to new technology provided by the RSMH Auxiliary.
RSMH Auxilians Kristin Webb, Debbie Cooley and Ann Williams with RSMH Mother/Baby Unit Director Ann Pruitt.
The Monica Novii Wireless Patch System is a maternal/fetal monitor that non-invasively measures and displays fetal heart rate, maternal heart rate and uterine activity. Compared to traditional models that use a cable and belt attachment, this monitor improves the patient’s comfort and mobility which can positively impact labor duration, contraction effectiveness and even caregiver workflow.
A $13,000 donation from the Auxiliary provided funding for two wireless monitoring systems. “We have had many compliments from patients who have enjoyed the freedom of movement that these monitors offer,” said Ann Pruitt, RN, BSN, Mother/Baby Unit Director.
The wireless, waterproof monitors enable patients to labor in the shower or walk the halls with the comfort of knowing that their baby’s heart rate is being monitored all of the time.
Benefits extend to the nursing staff as well. Continuous, integrated Bluetooth data transmission from disposable, peel-and-stick patches eliminates intermittent checks and repositioning, cord tripping hazards, maternal and fetal heart rate confusion, and multiple monitoring modalities. This means caregivers can more fully focus on patients as they move in whatever way is best for their labor.
The Auxiliary generously supports the hospital with gifts like this using funds raised through the Carousel Gift Shop and two annual events: the Festival of Lights during the holiday season, and the signature Hospital Ball in September. In 2018, the 53rd annual Ball brought in $25,000 and honored retiring obstetrician and gynecologist David Scott, M.D.
The Auxiliary’s pivotal involvement in the local hospital pre-dates the opening of the first hospital in 1928. Since then thousands of dedicated volunteers have donated gifts of time, service and financial resources to ensure that patients on the Eastern Shore have the very best in hospital care.
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