Bringing a child into the world is one of the greatest moments new parents experience. One that they wish to share with their loved ones, even the ones who do not live close by. Saint Anthony Hospital has added innovative technology to their mother’s recuperating suites.
Similar to FaceTime or Skype calls, Saint Anthony’s new technology allows new mothers to share their bundle of joys with loved ones near and far who are unable to be present. Each of the recovery rooms are equipped with the new technology, stated Alicia Velasquez-Hill, Manager, Perinatal Services.
How It Works
The device is connected to the patient’s TV and their loved ones can download an app allowing them to connect with one another. This connection is encrypted, ensuring the patient and their loved ones have a private conversation.
“The patient dials the loved ones number. They [the loved ones] receive a message stating that this person is trying to reach them and could they download the app; so that they are able to communicate with them. They download the app, which is completely free. Then the patient receives the message that they are ready to receive a call,” described Velasquez-Hill.
Moreover, to interact with the television calling system, patients will use the panel on their beds. “There’s a call light to reach the nursing station. They use that to interact with the television,” stated Velasquez-Hill. Once the program is activated, they enter the phone number they are calling. That number appears on the screen, allowing the patient to verify they are calling the right number.
Furthermore, Saint Anthony uses Patient Journey to ensure the screentime phone calls are private. This platform allows the hospital to encrypt the calls. After the patient is discharged, their information and contacts are deleted from the system.
Saint Anthony’s Future
Looking ahead, Saint Anthony Hospital is planning to continue its advancement in the technology world. In fact, they are planning on utilizing this new technology and others in their new facility, Focal Point Community Campus.
“Of course this new technology will move with us. As well as some artificial intelligence and other types of technology,” added Velasquez-Hill. Construction of this project should be completed by 2026. Additionally, it will be located at West 31st Street and South Kedzie Avenue and will take up roughly 30 acres. The mixed-use campus will deliver a combination of health and wellness services, early childhood development and continuing education, affordable housing, recreation and retail.
Proud of Its History
Founded in 1898, Saint Anthony Hospital has long history of serving the North Lawndale and Little Village Communities. Furthermore, they have been there to help during emergencies, check-ups, screenings, or therapies. Of course, as previously mentioned they are their to welcome a new member to the family.
Dedicated in providing the best that they can, Saint Anthony prides itself in patient care. This includes bring state-of-the-art technology to its patients. Like the new video conferencing technology installed in its maternity center.
“As a family-centric community hospital, we felt this new video technology would help improve a patient’s experience and bring families closer during such a joyous time,” said Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Raquel Prendkowski. “So many of our expecting mothers have family located outside of Chicago or are unable to visit for personal health reasons, and giving these families the opportunity to share in this amazing experience was a gift we wanted for our patients.”
Developed with You in Mind
Additionally, Saint Anthony’s new technology was created with their patients in mind. They understood the need for moral support before and after the baby is born and provided a way for this to happen. Furthermore, they developed this new technology to help keep loved ones close. For example, if the father is deployed overseas or the grandparents live in another country, this technology allows mothers to share this special moment.
However, at this time Saint Anthony Hospital is unable to allow this technology to be used during the actual birthing process. Meaning, the mothers can connect with their loved ones priorhand or after delivering their new bundle of joy.
That being said, Saint Anthony’s new technology allows for mothers to be hands free during the video call. This allows them to full showcase their new baby’s when chatting with their loved ones. For further information please contact Saint Anthony Hospital by calling (773)484-1000. Or check out their website at www.sahchicago.org. Additionally, people can always visit Saint Anthony Hospital at 2875 West 19th Street.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Interview: Alicia Velasquez-Hill, Manager, Perinatal Services
Saint Anthony: Hospital Services
Focal Point Community Campus: Our Campus
HDR, Inc.: Chicago’s Focal Point Community Campus Gets the Green Light
Images Courtesy of Saint Anthony Hospital
