Good News to Share: Mark and Dorothy Smith Family Foundation Makes Generous Gift of iPads to Support Patient Communications at Marian Regional Medical Center
CENTRAL COAST, CA – April 17, 2020 – With limited visitation at Marian Regional Medical Center due to COVID-19 and sensitivity to the most vulnerable population being exposed to coronavirus, The Mark and Dorothy Smith Family Foundation recently made a generous gift to secure iPads for Marian Extended Care Center patients and high-risk Dignity Health Home Health and Hospice patients.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating inpatient and family communication has been challenging, but is a necessity. Patients’ ongoing connections with their loved ones are critical to the healing process and communication with others also mitigates the negative effects of social isolation for the elderly. Additionally, for medically-fragile homebound patients, iPad telehealth communication is a positive advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic to connect patients with physicians for ongoing evaluation.
Seeing a need during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Mark and Dorothy Smith Family Foundation graciously provided a significant philanthropic gift to allow Marian Regional Medical Center to acquire more than 30 iPads for Marian Extended Care Center patient communication with family members, while the iPads for Dignity Health Home Health and Hospice patients will allow patients to connect with physicians and clinical staff for care evaluations.
“Due to the kindness of The Mark and Dorothy Smith Family Foundation, our community’s post-acute patients will have an exceptional communication tool to improve both the level of care provided and patients’ well-being,” states Kathy Sullivan, PhD RN, Vice President of Post-Acute Care Services, Central Coast Division, Dignity Health. “For weeks, all Marian Extended Care Center patients have been unable to enjoy in-person communication with loved ones. Additionally, our high-risk, homebound patients have concerns in regards to allowing clinical staff into their homes for evaluation and care. The acquisition of iPads is a profoundly generous gift from The Mark and Dorothy Smith Family Foundation and our organization extends our heartfelt gratitude.”
Mark Smith, a successful construction entrepreneur and real estate developer, spent his life building homes and commercial properties in Santa Maria. He and his wife, Dorothy, invested their lives to building the future of heath care for the Santa Maria Valley. Throughout the years, and during this critical time, The Mark and Dorothy Smith Family Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the health care needs of our community, including the Heart Center, the Cornerstone Campaign to build Marian’s new hospital, and patients in need at Marian Extended Care Center.
For information about how to support Marian Regional Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.supportmarianmedical.org.
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About Marian Regional Medical Center
Marian Regional Medical Center is a technologically advanced, 191-bed facility that provides safe, quality care. Marian has been a recipient of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence and was also named among the Top 10% in the Nation for Critical Care by Healthgrades. Marian is designated a STEMI Receiving Center in Santa Barbara County, and is designated a Level III Trauma Center by Santa Barbara County’s Emergency Medical Services Agency. The facility has achieved prestigious designation as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission for advanced, comprehensive care for stroke patients. Our cancer care program is accredited as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, and received the Outstanding Achievement Award. The campus houses a comprehensive perinatology/ neonatology program, providing specialized care to the tiniest of patients.
Publish date:
Friday, April 17, 2020