Donation to Faribault Medical Center aims to help make emergency department visits less stressful for patients
The emergency department used the funds to purchase supplies such as fidgets, calming lights, noise machines and card games to help soothe, calm and distract patients who may find it difficult to manage the activity and wait time that can come with a visit to the emergency department.
“We see patients that express increased stress due to being in the hospital who have a health history that includes autism or anxiety,” said Paige Noel, a social worker at Faribault Medical Center. “Long waits for these patients can cause boredom and additional stress or anxiety. Items like fidgets, card games and stuffed animals can give them something to do while they are waiting. This contributes to a better hospital experience.”
A portion of the donation will pay for disposable slippers, sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, gloves and scarves. There are times when clinicians must cut off patients’ clothing to provide care. Due to being unhoused or financial hardship, the patients may not have additional clothing to wear, and this will ensure our patients can be discharged with dignity and prepared for weather conditions.
The Faribault Medical Center Auxiliary has donated more than $100,000 in gifts to Faribault Medical Center over the last four years. If you would like to be a part of the Auxiliary, please stop by the Angel’s Attic Gift Shop at the hospital entrance to fill out an application and learn more about the opportunities.
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