A $50,000 contribution from the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Auxiliary has resulted in the purchase and installation of new equipment needed in the hospital’s Rehabilitation Services department.

The new equipment, called the BTE II (Baltimore Therapeutic Unit II), is designed to serve Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy patients. According to Lori Hartnett, Interim Director of Rehabilitation Services, “the BTE II will help speed the recovery of patients undergoing rehabilitation therapy. It offers a diverse array of applications that can be used not only in general rehabilitation, but also with hand therapy, general orthopedics, neuro rehabilitation, and work simulation for injured workers. This is an updated version of computerized therapy equipment used at the hospital for the past 25 years.

The 350-member Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Auxiliary volunteers their time daily throughout the hospital to assist patients and guests at the hospital. Funds generated through the hospital Gift Shop and other special events and sales are used to expand and enhance the hospital’s services.

Lois Schlickau, Chairperson of the Auxiliary Board of Directors, said the contribution will be put to good use for a hospital department that is experiencing growth.

“The Rehabilitation Department is growing rapidly, and the Auxiliary wants to be a part of that expansion through the funding of a vital piece of equipment that will improve the treatment of the increasing number of patients they are serving,” Schlickau said.

Lori Hartnett explained that the Auxiliary’s contribution was very timely and appreciated in that the original BTE machine, installed during the 1980s, was in need of an upgrade.

Hartnett emphasized that personal involvement is a key motivating factor in any recovery, and the BTE II involves the patient in each step of their therapy and provides them with instant feedback.

“Also, installation of this new equipment will be a giant step forward for Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in maintaining our competitive edge in the healthcare rehabilitation market,” Hartnett said. “The updated technology provides computerized data to allow for better evidence-based treatments and evaluations.”

Kevin Miller, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System (HRHS), labeled the hospital Auxiliary as an indispensable part of the hospital, whose involvement grows each year.

“The Hutchinson Regional Medical Center could not function without the thousands of hours of volunteer time given each year by the Auxiliary,” Miller said.