Gilroy – Mothers-to-be at Saint Louise Regional Hospital will soon be able to reduce their pain at the push of a button, thanks to a few new hospital boosters.
Four new epidural pumps, worth $18,454, have been ordered through Partners for Healthcare Excellence, a new foundation effort to keep Saint Louise Regional Hospital equipped with the newest and best medical equipment. The campaign targets big-dollar donors to fund specific wish-list items, such as the pumps. Founding members include garlic magnate Don Christopher, funeral home owners Jim and Andrea Habing, George Chiala, Bill and Benita Reimal and cherry farmer Ralph Santos.
“We’re very excited,” said Dr. Mark Ahn, an anesthesiologist who helps women through birth pain. “Instead of a patient getting a constant amount of medication, they can manage their pain. They’ll feel in greater control.”
The pump distributes a constant, baseline level of anesthetic to a patient. If the patient wants more relief, they can push a button to dispense more anesthetic. A safety feature prevents patients from overdosing on the medication.
“It’s much easier to use and very patient-friendly,” said Louise Fry, director of the hospital’s Maternal Child Heath department. “Otherwise, if there isn’t enough medication we have to call the anesthesiologist in. It’s a more complicated process, and the patient may be reluctant to complain.”
With the new system, she said, it’s literally as easy as pushing a button.
