There are many components that go into having a successful surgery. One factor in many surgical procedures is the anesthesia machine that provides patients with the best safety and comfort possible. FHN’s anesthesia machines are valuable and versatile - they are able to accommodate patients ranging from the earliest newborn to the oldest patient.

We have been good stewards of the equipment, enabling the anesthesia machines to support our entire hospital team for years.  However, it is now time to replace these machines with new and improved equipment. Our goal is to purchase new anesthesia machines in order to continue providing the high quality and timely care our community needs and deserves.

We are asking for your help to assist the FHN Foundation in purchasing two new anesthesia machines.

With your support, we will be able to upgrade to the new generation of equipment and accommodate each of our unique patients. The new machines will allow us to tailor the level of oxygen delivery and the mix of anesthetic gases given to each patient.  The new equipment will also improve our ability to meet the unique health concerns of our patients, as an individualized approach is necessary for each patient during every case.

Certain patient conditions can only be managed by providing far more oxygen than normal. For example, lifetime smokers or patients with sleep apnea may struggle to catch their breath without the right setting. Additionally, patients with lung issues such as COPD, emphysema, or Covid benefit from up to 100% oxygen. However, a young and healthy person would be overwhelmed with that same level of oxygen.

New anesthesia machines will help ensure the right level of oxygen is provided at the right time, enabling us to safely handle a wide range of procedures.

The updated equipment, will improve outcomes and give each patient the best possible care and the highest level of comfort. Moreover, the new equipment will work together with our anesthesia team to make sure everything goes smoothly.

The anesthesia provider must monitor more than ten signals including vital signs and machine functionality as well as adjust the controls continuously to respond to changing patient conditions. That is manageable when things are going smoothly, but when complications arise during a procedure, things change rapidly. The new machines help ensure that nothing is missed by tracking the signals and notifying our anesthesiologist of abnormal conditions.

The improved monitoring and functionality of the new machine will allow our anesthesia provider to focus more on the patient and less on all of the gauges. This enhances care in the same way that a seasoned driver keeps their eyes on the road instead of just looking at the speedometer.

With your support, we will be able to ensure that our expert team is able to dedicate themselves to patient care and safety.

The cost to replace two anesthesia machines is $117,000. Thankfully, we have a donor who has provided us with a matching gift of $50,000 for this project. Therefore, every gift we receive will be doubled until the $50,000 is matched. All donations will help us secure both of the new machines!

Please consider making a gift toward the Anesthesia Machines. Any donation you can make toward this equipment will assist in providing better healthcare for each patient. Remember, the patient you help through your giving may be a family member, friend, a loved one – or even you!

Thank you for making a difference in the health and wellness of the people in northwestern Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin.

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Yours Truly,

Al Evon
Director, FHN Foundation

P.S. Remember, you may make your gift to FHN Foundation in honor of someone who is living and has impacted your life or in memorial to remember someone special.  Additionally, all gifts postmarked by December 31, 2024, are eligible to be deducted from your income taxes. Besides a gift made by check or credit card, you may also choose to send us a gift, via a distribution from your Donor Advised Fund, or a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA.  If you would like to donate other appreciated assets, like stocks, please contact the FHN Foundation at (815) 599-7213.