New simulation baby in Fort St. John provides state-of-the-art pediatric training

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation is excited to announce the arrival of a new SimBaby^TM with tracheostomy, applied for through the TB Vets Charitable Foundation granting process. TB Vets awarded the Foundation a $56,788 grant to help purchase the simulator for Fort St. John Hospital.

The Northern Clinical Simulation program is a partnership between Northern Health, UNBC School of Nursing, and the Northern Medical Program. They use life-sized, anatomically correct models, known as a “simulators”, to provide realistic training for health care professionals. SimBaby is one of many patient models and simulates what it is like to work with an infant. The new tracheostomy feature allows health care professionals to practice making incisions in the windpipe to relieve breathing obstructions. This important tool allows for hands-on experience and practising as a team, while developing new skills without risk to patients.

“We greatly appreciate the new SimBaby and know it will make a big impact towards realism and quality for health care professionals receiving pediatric training in the region,” says Michael Lundin regional manager, clinical simulation.

This system will provide lifesaving pediatric training, better supporting staff to manage and meet the needs of critical and non-critical patients in the community.

In the words of the Hospital Foundation’s executive director, Kelly Amboe, “On behalf of the Board and staff of the Foundation, we are very grateful to TB Vets in supporting our Northern hospital with this grant, assisting our healthcare professionals in lifesaving training.”

With the help of their donors, TB Vets has been supporting respiratory care since 1946, and has a special interest in remote hospitals in British Columbia. TB Vets has supported Fort St. John Hospital since 2006, donating over $110,000 for respiratory equipment.

More information

For more information about ways to support the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation to enhance patient care and comfort, contact Kelly Amboe at 250-261-7563.