WAHA invests in new heart monitoring equipment

February 14, 2025

In a move to elevate patient care and streamline operations, the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) has procured a new fleet of electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, guided by invaluable feedback from its nursing staff. This investment in equipment highlights WAHA’s commitment to fostering collaboration between management and staff, while prioritizing the needs of both patients and frontline healthcare professionals.

“WAHA needed to upgrade our ECG machines to improve transmission and documentation of ECGs so clinicians can make timely decisions for optimal patient care. Nurses perform ECGs at WAHA, so we sent a demo machine for them to try hands-on in Moose Factory, Moosonee, Fort Albany, and Attawapiskat,” said Meagan Vander Ploeg, Interprofessional Policy and Practice Consultant at WAHA. “The survey responses we received from nurses after the trial were overwhelmingly positive. They are excited that these machines will transmit ECG data into the ONE electronic health record system used at WAHA and across northeastern Ontario. Nursing feedback was instrumental in our decision to purchase GE MAC VU360 machines.”

The new ECG machines incorporate nursing preferences with touch-screen interfaces, extended battery life, and enhanced portability. In partnership with Timmins and District Hospital, the ECG machines will electronically transmit, archive, and integrate the ECGs with the ONE electronic health record. These features enable quicker bedside assessments, especially for critically ill patients.

WAHA extends its deepest gratitude to the nursing and diagnostic imaging teams for their invaluable contribution to this project. Their dedication, insight and commitment to improving healthcare delivery for our communities is exemplary. “Effective teamwork in healthcare is crucial for providing comprehensive care. Interprofessional collaboration ensures all aspects of a patient’s health are addressed. Clear communication and respect for each role leads to better patient outcomes”, said Sandra Kioke, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at WAHA.

The ECG machines have arrived and will be distributed across all six communities in the Weeneebayko region by the end of March.Integrating nurse feedback into procurement decisions underscores WAHA’s dedication to operational efficiency, staff satisfaction, and collaborative decision-making—paving the way for better healthcare delivery in our region.

NT5