The Llano County Memorial Hospital Foundation board members met recently and identified the acquisition of a new hematology analyzer for the hospital laboratory as their 2010 fundraising project. The Phyllis Farr Alexander, President of the Foundation, stated "Our goal is $60,000.  Proceeds from the 2010 Mardi Gras Ball, set for February 13^th, as well as all other donations received this year will help us achieve our goal and make the purchase of this new equipment a reality."

According to Linda Meredith, COO, "Replacement of the existing hematology analyzer was already targeted as a capital expenditure in 2010; however, the Foundation’s generous offer to provide the funding will free resources for other capital needs."

Ray Raddatz, LMHS Laboratory manager, said, "the hematology analyzer is a critical piece of lab equipment and is used to process one of the most frequently requested diagnostic tests, a complete blood count (CBC)."  The hospital lab runs an average of 40 to 50 tests per day, with specimens tested coming not only from hospital inpatients and outpatients but also Hoerster Clinic patients.  He added, "The Cell-Dyn Ruby,  is Abbott Hematology’s latest moderate volume, five-part differential analyzer which features patented, all optical technology referred to as MAPSS, setting a standard for the highest first pass acceptance/lowest manual review rate of patient samples. The technology is superior."

The newest addition to the Llano County EMS fleet arrived last week and was immediately place into service thanks to the generosity of the community.  The ambulance, which was purchased with funds provided by the Llano County Memorial Hospital Foundation is stationed in Kingsland.  According to Cristy Knapp, Llano County EMS Director, "Last fiscal year, Unit 3 in Kingsland, accounted for more than half of the EMS call and run volume."  Llano County EMS provides coverage for a 937 square mile geographic area in addition to providing support to outlying communities.

Joe Mantheiy, MD, EMS Medical Director and members of the hosptial Foundation had an opportunity to see the unit and actually step inside prior to it being placed into service. According to Phyllis Farr Alexander, President of the Foundation, "being inside an ambulance on this type of occasion is much more pleasant than seeing the inside for the first time as a patient".  She was proud the Foundation, whose sole purpose is to raise funds in support of the health system was able to fund the entire purchase which was in excess of $110,000.