New Panda Warmers Enhance Care for Newborns at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital
We are pleased to share that three new warming units have been purchased for the Birthing and Emergency Departments at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. This was made possible by the funds raised through Charlee’s Run 2024 and support from our community partner, Canada Post Community Foundation.
Panda Warmers provide immediate thermal support to stabilize a newborn’s temperature after delivery. They also provide all the necessary intervention tools in case of an emergency. Newborns can be monitored consistently while receiving immediate life-saving treatment should they need it.
The new Panda Warmers replace outdated technology, standardize care, and simplify procedures for all staff, especially those who are new to the team.
With the purchase of three new warmers, the hospital’s specialized birthing areas, the high-risk delivery room, and c-section room now have two of the same high-performing warmers to provide standardized care for twin births. The third warmer has provided a greatly needed update to the outdated unit in the Emergency Department (ER).
OSMH is home to the Regional Women and Children Program and operates a Level IIC NICU, second only to SickKids. Six community hospitals in North Simcoe County and Muskoka refer patients to the Regional Women and Children Program at OSMH annually. Across our regional communities, twin births must take place at OSMH due to the high-risk nature of their care.
If a birth occurs unexpectedly in the ER, or if a distressed infant is brought to the ER, the Panda Warmer provides immediate warmth, monitoring, and resuscitation support. This is crucial for stabilizing and safely transferring the infant to the birthing unit or NICU. Having the same equipment throughout the hospital not only standardizes our approach, it also enhances safety and streamlines patient care.
With over 1,000 babies born at OSMH each year, teams in both departments are grateful for the updated technology, and the opportunity to treat their tiniest patients with advanced care.
“Receiving these Panda Warmers ensures that the hospital has the best resources for its most vulnerable patients, says Laura Ferris, Program Director, Surgery and Regional Women & Children Services. “It gives expectant parents confidence knowing their local hospital is equipped for state-of-the-art care thanks to community generosity.”
Your support is incredibly valuable to the OSMH care teams and their patients at all stages of life. Thank you to the Charlee’s Run Village and to the Canada Post Community Foundation for bringing advanced care close to home.