Donors keep Baptist Health Richmond ahead in heart care with updated resources
For more than 10 years, Kasey Allex has dedicated her career to Baptist Health Richmond. As Director of Cardiovascular Services, she’s witnessed how vital it is to have the right tools at the right time – both for patient safety and for her team’s ability to provide great care. Thanks to donor generosity, several pieces of equipment have transformed how her department serves the community.
One of the most impactful additions is the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine. This advanced imaging tool allows physicians to look inside arteries with incredible precision, helping them decide the best treatment and ensuring exact sizing for stents.
“It really put us on the same level as other Baptist hospitals,” Kasey explained. “Our patients don’t have to leave Richmond to receive the same quality of care.”
Donors also helped replace the vascular ultrasound machine, a critical piece of technology that was more than 10 years old and failing. With a new unit in place, physicians can confirm artery locations more accurately, which cuts down on complications and keeps procedures safer.
“It’s something we use daily,” Kasey said. “Before, we were borrowing from other departments. It was really needed and we weren’t budgeted for anything, so that’s why I went to the foundation and asked for help.”
Sometimes, the impact of donor support shows up in unexpected but powerful ways. The addition of a tilt table – a large stretcher that tilts patients upright – allowed Kasey’s team to perform vital procedures in a dedicated cardiac room instead of coordinating around radiology schedules. Not only does this streamline care, but it also improves safety, since cardiac staff now have immediate access to life-saving medications if complications arise.
In cardiac rehab, patients are grateful for a new recumbent bike that replaced an outdated model.
“It was over a decade-old and had a torn seat that became an infection control risk,” Kasey shared. “But our patients loved it. They preferred it because it’s low impact and more comfortable on the knees and joints, which is much better for people who may not be able to use a treadmill or an elliptical.”
The most recent request – a specialized vital signs machine designed for stress tests – shows just how practical donor gifts can be.
“Imagine trying to take someone’s blood pressure manually while they’re walking on a treadmill,” Kasey said. “It’s very difficult. We do have an automatic machine but because of the motion it doesn't give you accurate answers. The new machine is designed to give accurate readings and feed data directly into our system, which will make us way more efficient.”
Kasey describes the Foundation as a source of funding and a lifeline.
“I kind of feel like it’s a life-saving cushion,” she said. “Sometimes, there are unforeseen expenses that we didn’t budget for – something comes up along the way. But we have these funds we can ask for to see if they can help. It’s moved us up the chain. It also helps us retain staff and recruit physicians, because people want to work where they know they’ll have the best resources.”
At the heart of it all is the patient.
“When you give, it comes right back to you,” Kasey emphasized. “If you or your family live in this community or receive care at this facility, these tools we receive help us take better care of you. I think it's wonderful that we have people out there who are so generous and willing to help us along the way.”
One of the most impactful additions is the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine. This advanced imaging tool allows physicians to look inside arteries with incredible precision, helping them decide the best treatment and ensuring exact sizing for stents.
“It really put us on the same level as other Baptist hospitals,” Kasey explained. “Our patients don’t have to leave Richmond to receive the same quality of care.”
Donors also helped replace the vascular ultrasound machine, a critical piece of technology that was more than 10 years old and failing. With a new unit in place, physicians can confirm artery locations more accurately, which cuts down on complications and keeps procedures safer.
“It’s something we use daily,” Kasey said. “Before, we were borrowing from other departments. It was really needed and we weren’t budgeted for anything, so that’s why I went to the foundation and asked for help.”
Sometimes, the impact of donor support shows up in unexpected but powerful ways. The addition of a tilt table – a large stretcher that tilts patients upright – allowed Kasey’s team to perform vital procedures in a dedicated cardiac room instead of coordinating around radiology schedules. Not only does this streamline care, but it also improves safety, since cardiac staff now have immediate access to life-saving medications if complications arise.
In cardiac rehab, patients are grateful for a new recumbent bike that replaced an outdated model.
“It was over a decade-old and had a torn seat that became an infection control risk,” Kasey shared. “But our patients loved it. They preferred it because it’s low impact and more comfortable on the knees and joints, which is much better for people who may not be able to use a treadmill or an elliptical.”
The most recent request – a specialized vital signs machine designed for stress tests – shows just how practical donor gifts can be.
“Imagine trying to take someone’s blood pressure manually while they’re walking on a treadmill,” Kasey said. “It’s very difficult. We do have an automatic machine but because of the motion it doesn't give you accurate answers. The new machine is designed to give accurate readings and feed data directly into our system, which will make us way more efficient.”
Kasey describes the Foundation as a source of funding and a lifeline.
“I kind of feel like it’s a life-saving cushion,” she said. “Sometimes, there are unforeseen expenses that we didn’t budget for – something comes up along the way. But we have these funds we can ask for to see if they can help. It’s moved us up the chain. It also helps us retain staff and recruit physicians, because people want to work where they know they’ll have the best resources.”
At the heart of it all is the patient.
“When you give, it comes right back to you,” Kasey emphasized. “If you or your family live in this community or receive care at this facility, these tools we receive help us take better care of you. I think it's wonderful that we have people out there who are so generous and willing to help us along the way.”
“Our patients don’t have to leave Richmond to receive the same quality of care.”
The Dawn of a Healthier Tomorrow
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