July 29, 2004
Genesis Auxiliary Meets Million Dollar Pledge
Ahead of Schedule, Volunteers Complete Fundraising for Operating Room Technology
Davenport, IA - The "Intelligent Operating Room" will no longer be science fiction, but reality at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, thanks to the Genesis Medical Center Auxiliary. In just four years, and better than a year ahead of schedule, the Auxiliary raised more than a million dollars for its Minimally Invasive Surgery Project to add computer and voice control technology to Genesis operating rooms. The final check, for $120,000 was presented July 21 to Andrea Y. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, during the Auxiliary's Annual Meeting and Luncheon, at the Isle of Capri Center in Bettendorf.
The fundraising project was completed in two phases. The $600,000 first phase allowed the purchase of the HERMES control center system, which already has been installed in operating rooms at Genesis Medical Center. The HERMES system is a computer platform for centralizing control of devices inside as well as resources outside the operating room. When connected to HERMES, which uses voice control technology, operating room equipment - tables, lights, cameras and surgical machinery - can be networked and controlled by simple surgeon voice commands or via a handheld touch-screen pendant worn by the surgeon.
The $405,000 raised in the second phase will be used to purchase the AESOP system, an endoscopic robot system for holding cameras in minimally invasive surgery. During such surgeries, the camera, along with other small operating instruments, is passed into a patient's body through small incisions. The camera allows the surgeon to perform a procedure while viewing it on a video monitor. With AESOP, the surgeon's commands are recorded onto a voice card, which is inserted into a controller before surgery begins. The surgeon can then directly control the camera simply by speaking, as AESOP imitates the form and function of a human arm. AESOP's robotic precision and stability eliminate the arduous task of maneuvering the camera by hand and give the surgeon a steady field of view. Before availability of AESOP, surgical assistants manually held endoscopic cameras, with fatigue and hand tremors causing frequent problems. Now, operating room staff are freed up to focus on taking care of the patient. Minimally invasive surgery eliminates large incisions, reduces patient pain and blood loss, and shortens hospital stays.
When combined, the HERMES and AESOP systems will bring a new wave of electronic integration into Genesis Medical Center operating rooms and be the stepping stone for expanding the use of voice-controlled technology.
"This robotic technology represents the next step in the continuing advance of minimally invasive surgery," says Rob Nelson, M.D., Director, Surgical Services, Genesis Medical Center. "Our Auxiliary members are to be commended for recognizing how this investment will improve patient care and ultimately make our operating rooms more productive and cost effective."
"As we do more advanced and longer procedures, it's important to stay up-to-date and have the technology to assist us," says Joseph Lohmuller, M.D., Davenport Surgical Group, P.C. "We really appreciate the Auxiliary for taking this project on. This will result in more efficient and higher quality surgery for our patients."
Genesis Auxiliary Tops In All of Iowa
That the Genesis Auxiliary raised more than a million dollars for the Minimally Invasive Surgery Project is not surprising. While other hospitals may have more Auxiliary members, the Genesis Auxiliary raised more money than any auxiliary in Iowa last year.
"We enjoy what we do," says Evelyn Culp, Auxiliary member and Manager of the East Rusholme Street Gift Shop. "Our main objective is to serve. That's what we're here for. When you make that committment, then raising money is no problem."
The Genesis Medical Center Auxiliary is comprised of nearly 900 volunteers who in 2003 spent almost 84,000 total hours working at the two hospital campuses. The youngest volunteer is 14 while the oldest is 92. Three volunteers, Liz Beard, Jean Carroll and Marilyn Fowler have given more than 20,000 hours to the hospital. Beard, Carroll, Vi Behrens, Linda Clemons, Bea DeJulius, Mary Gayman, MaryAnn Ketelsen, Tim McDonald, Julie Modrick, Ellen Odean, Charlotte Stark and Susie Stewart have given 500 or more hours just this year.
The Auxiliary raises money for hospital projects through gift shop sales, its annual style show, Holiday Preview and jewelry sales.
"We're successful because we have a lot of dedicated people," says Sandy Hull, Director, Volunteer Services. "We provide a service that people take advantage of."
Now, with one huge fundraising project completed, the Auxiliary is ready to tackle another. It's pledged to raise $1.2 million to pay for a new automated drug dispensing system for the hospital Pharmacy.
"This is a project that's truly in the name of patient safety," says Kevin Cahill, Manager, Pharmacy. "I'm thrilled the Auxiliary has chosen to take it on."
For more information becoming an Auxiliary member at Genesis Medical Center, Davenport contact the Auxillary office at 563-421-2186 or visit the Genesis Web site, www.genesishealth.com.
