CHELAN — Six hospitals in Central Washington will receive a $487,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand their telemedicine network and improve rural healthcare, the Lake Chelan Community Hospital announced.
The grant was awarded to the North Central Washington Health Collaborative, which includes hospitals in Chelan, Leavenworth, Brewster, Omak, Quincy and Goldendale.
As the coordinating facility for the group, the grant will bring a new ultrasound machine to the Chelan hospital, along with more computerized radiology equipment and tele-pharmacy equipment for the hospital’s childbirth and surgical departments.
These tools allow patients to receive care at hospitals closer to home, and have results sent to Wenatchee or other locations for interpretation, the news release said.
Kevin Abel, CEO of the Chelan hospital, said in the release that partnering with other hospitals was critical to winning the grant, and the ability to offer life-saving medical services in small, rural communities.
By K.C. Mehaffey
WENATCHEEWORLD