Advancing Healthcare in Boundary County

With many advances in technology, it is often difficult for hospitals and healthcare professionals to always afford the latest equipment. But here in Bonners Ferry we are blessed to have the Fry Healthcare Foundation that works diligently to raise funds for Boundary Community Hospital. And thanks to the Foundation's efforts through their annual Festival of Trees fundraiser, Boundary Community Hospital recently added a Mobile Ultrasound Machine to their emergency department.

“This is a welcome addition to our emergency department toolbox,” said Boundary Community Hospital CEO Craig Johnson. “As a Critical Access Hospital, (a hospital certified under a set of Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoP), which are structured differently than the acute care hospital CoP), we need to stay current on technology that will save the lives of the people who depend on us to provide those services.”

According to Dr. Stu Willis, Emergency Department Director, “Ultrasound devices have shrunk to the point where they are now handheld and can be used in the emergency department for easier triage, faster interventions for acute events and better monitoring. In time sensitive emergencies you need tools like this that can be brought to the patient for faster diagnoses. For example, we can immediately see if a lung has collapsed and address the situation quickly and efficiently. Our friends and neighbors in Boundary County will benefit from having this state-of-the-art equipment available, if needed.”

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to show what is inside your body. Similar to sonar used in ocean research, the ultrasound emits sound waves which pass through the body, which is 90 percent water. The sound waves bounce off tissues and organs and an echo is sent back to high-speed computers which use the echo to create an image. This results in a very detailed examination, which aids the physician in a diagnosis. In addition, some information is displayed using color Doppler images and includes accurate blood flow measurements. This is called color-flow Doppler. An ultrasound examination is fast, with very little discomfort. No radiation or x-rays are necessary.

“The support and generosity of the community for the Fry Healthcare Foundation directly impacts the high quality of care provided by Boundary Community Hospital," according to Fry Healthcare President, Carol Julian. “Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Festival of Trees such a success and giving us the opportunity to provide the hospital with this vital piece of equipment. The 2015 Festival of Trees raised over $40,000 which we are using to purchase the Mobile Ultrasound and other equipment for the Emergency and Rehabilitation Departments.”

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