A new bedside assessment tool is coming for long-term care residents at Riverview Gardens.
Four new Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) units will be available as of October 31.
According to the municipality, POCUS is a portable ultrasound that will be used by trained paramedics at the resident's bedside, preventing a trip to the hospital. The intention is to use the machine to help assess symptoms such as shortness of breath, leg swelling, and coughs in order to help staff, doctors, and patients make healthcare decisions more quickly.
Any imaging done with the machines is reported to be safe, painless, non-invasive, and free of radiation.
The municipality emphasized that use of the new equipment depends on the person, as consent must be obtained before a POCUS assessment is performed. It is also not a replacement for other tests that may be needed.
"Whenever possible, we want to support care within the Long-Term Care home, reduce unnecessary disruptions, and help residents remain comfortable and connected to their usual care team," a release from Riverview Gardens said.
While use of the portable ultrasound machines will be available to the LTC, the equipment itself is property of community paramedics, who purchased them through a grant.
