Washington Regional Classic helps hospital purchase new technology

FAYETTEVILLE — Strong winds buffeted Paradise Valley Athletic Club Monday, but the gales didn't deter supporters of the 17th annual Washington Regional Classic golf tournament.

Thirty-four, four-person teams turned out for morning and afternoon flights. The charity scramble concludes this morning with another flight of golfers who are helping the hospital defray the cost of two patient vital- status headboards.

The electronic boards, about the size of a flatscreen television, will be housed in the trauma rooms of the hospital's emergency department. The hospital's spring gala earlier this year raised money to purchase boards for four of the trauma rooms.

Monday's event is expected to generate funds earmarked for two more headboards, said Bill Rogers, the executive director of the Washington Regional Foundation, the hospital's fundraising arm.

The headboards, located above the patients' beds, display their vital signs and other pertinent information. Instead of leafing through a chart, physicians and other caregivers can quickly assess a patient's status by looking at the board. Rogers said one headboard costs about $10,000.

"We have six trauma rooms, and we already have four [boards]," Rogers said. "This will provide two more, so each room will have one."

Trauma boards are ushering in the hospital's transition from paper to electronic record keeping. The new technology is revamping the way the hospital charts and catalogues medical records.

"We are moving towardelectronic medical records throughout the hospital," Rogers said. "We've made great strides, and this is just another logical step in that direction."

Last year's Washington Regional Classic raised more than $35,000 for the hospital's cancer support home, which provides support groups, wig-fitting and other services for cancer patients. The Fayetteville home also features overnight housing for patients who live outside the area.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, medical-supply companies and other benefactors who support the tournament, Rogers said this year's event is expected to exceed last year's proceeds. He called the diverse group of supporters "friends of the hospital."

"We're very grateful for all our sponsors and players that have supported us again," Rogers said.

Rogers said Washington Regional is the area's largest, locally-owned, not-for-profit hospital. The hospital and its adjunct agencies employ approximately 2,000 people, making it one of the area's largest employers.

The hospital's foundation is planning a November brunch to benefit its hospice center, and next April's spring gala is one of the hospital's biggest fundraisers.