A new equipment needs list is in the works for the Humboldt District Hospital.

Foundation Executive Director Lorrie Bunko says that while the list is still in the works, they have established five needs for the hospital.

"The site manager puts a call out for equipment needs to all department heads throughout the hospital. Those items are then looked at and reviewed to determine the actual need for them," Bunko explained of the process.

"They are knowing what is a common need when they are working with patients, so for these needs to reach the top five list, there are numerous patients who need these pieces of equipment."

Bunko says the top five are critical, which means they are needed within the next six months.

"We will start with our top need of the Infant Isolette Incubator. That has a price tag of $56,000, so you can imagine how long it will take to reach the fifth need."

Other items in the top five include:

  • 2 - ECG Machines ($15,000)
  • Acti-V.A.C. Therapy Unit ($32,500)
  • Capnography Machine ($4,500)
  • Bariatric Floor Lift ($16,250)

Outside of the critical needs, Bunko says there is an estimated over-$40,000 other patient care equipment and contingent items needed at the hospital this year.

She says that one of the items is a replacement, while most of them are new, or increasing inventory.

A growing district has led to more traffic at the hospital, which means an expanded list of needs each year.