(l to r) Rita Petska, Regina Anderson, Shelley Martinez, Beatriz Martinez, Eric Barber, Josh Yost and Tami Heinrichs
Four out of five “Big Ideas” from Mary Lanning Healthcare staff received funding on November 21 through the Oakeson Steiner Big Idea program. This is the fourth year that Oakeson Steiner has agreed to fund at least one Big Idea at MLH with $5,000. Because so many of the ideas piqued the interest of judges Josh Yost and Tami Heinrichs, the company decided to pitch in and fund four ideas, rather than just one.
Through the program, MLH employees were invited to submit ideas for pieces of equipment, technology or initiatives to benefit MLH and its patients. Winning applicants were Beatriz Martinez (iO Drills), Shelley Martinez (IPV-C device), Regina Anderson (intercom system) and Rita Petska (fetal and maternal wireless monitor).
Five finalists pitched their big ideas in front of the judges. Members of the MLH Executive Team also attended to support the presenters. The top five finalists included:
Ashtyn Lammers (Histology) – Microscope slide printer
- Prints specimen slides for microscopic evaluation by pathologists.
Beatriz Martinez (4th Floor) – iO drills
- Funding to provide more drills for the whole hospital so floors/departments don’t have to share and wait for one to arrive in critical situations. iO drills provide vascular access, placing a needle into the patient’s bone called intraosseous (iO). This method is used if vascular access cannot be achieved with cannulation of vein/arteries through regular IV access.
Shelley Martinez (Respiratory Therapy) - IPV-C device
- IPV-C device promotes mobilization and airway clearance of secretions in the lung. This device can aide in decreasing the need for a ventilator and decreasing the length of the hospital stay.
Regina Anderson (Cath Lab) – New Sound/Intercom System in Cath Lab
- New sound/intercom system would help prevent any miscommunication from the Cath Lab to Control Room during a procedure thanks to its crystal clear sound.
Rita Petska (Family Care Center) – Avalon CL Fetal and Maternal Pod Wireless monitor
- The Avalon uses Bluetooth technology to monitor the mother’s heart rate, fetal heart rate and contractions pattern. Patients will be able to move around as needed without disconnecting from monitoring. This will help nursing staff implement interventions in a timely manner if needed because of the monitor’s ability to capture a consistent tracing.
