Wayne and Jan Baker with AccuVein Equipment and nurses

Donation Brings Vein Illumination Technology to West Holt Memorial Hospital

Monday, August 27, 2018
AccuVein equipment illuminates veins
chief nursing officer Tana O'Neill demonstrates AccuVein Equipment

ATKINSON — Locating hard-to-find veins will now be much easier for healthcare professionals at West Holt Memorial Hospital, thanks to the generosity of one local couple.

For Wayne and Jan Baker, making blood draws and IV starts easier on the patient and staff was a priority.

After their son Patrick passed away earlier this year, the Bakers decided to direct memorial gifts to the West Holt Medical Services Foundation for the purchase of a vein illumination device.

“Our son Pat was a hard draw from all of the IVs and blood work he received while treating his brain tumor,” shared Jan Baker. “When we took Pat to a doctor appointment in Omaha, they used a vein finder device and they got his IV started on the first try,” explained Wayne Baker. “We realized West Holt Memorial Hospital should have access to this technology also.”

“We wanted to give back to West Holt Memorial Hospital for the excellent care our son Pat received and to help other patients whose veins are difficult to access,” shared the Bakers.

The AccuVein AV400 equipment, which was donated to the hospital’s nursing department, uses vein illumination technology to aid healthcare professionals in finding veins for venipuncture. By simply holding the device above the skin, an infrared light is illuminated and the veins are displayed on the surface of the skin.

A presentation of the AccuVein equipment was made to the hospital’s nursing staff by representatives from the West Holt Medical Services Foundation and donors Wayne and Jan Baker.

“Patient comfort and satisfaction are priorities at West Holt Memorial Hospital. The AccuVein equipment is a great resource to our staff, enhancing their ability to start difficult IVs. We have already used the vein finder on several patients with success!” shared chief nursing officer Tana O’Neill.

“As healthcare technology continues to grow this new tool will greatly enhance the care we provide,” added O’Neill.

Through West Holt Medical Services Foundation, supporters like the Baker family can donate to an area that is close to their heart while benefiting high quality local healthcare.