A charitable contribution made by the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation has helped Bridgeport Hospital access new technology to treat stroke patients. The substantial donation facilitated the acquisition of innovative, life-saving equipment, underscoring the transformative impact of philanthropy in healthcare.
"The Bridgeport Hospital Foundation is proud to support this exciting project with proceeds from its $5 million capital fundraising campaign. Philanthropic contributions from our community, led by the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, will help significantly expand access to these critical services and improve clinical outcomes, especially for our highest-risk patients", said Steve Jakab.
Steve Jakab's comments introduce a broader context regarding the health institution benefiting from this generous donation. The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation contributed a gift to the Bridgeport Hospital helping them access new technology to treat stroke patients. Holding over 500 beds and run by 5,000 employees, Bridgeport Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in Connecticut. It is a Level II Trauma Center and is also a member of Yale New Haven Health. Health professionals and philanthropists have undertaken a $30 million project to improve neuro- and interventional cardiac services at the hospital, according to the news release from Yale New Haven Health.
The specific technology that Bridgeport Hospital was able to introduce is The Siemens Healthineers ARTIS Icono. This system allows doctors to identify and remove blood clots up to twenty-four hours after a stroke. It gives doctors a clearer view during surgery and emits lower radiation levels. Doctors can remove blood clots from stroke patients allowing blood flow to return to the brain and saving the patient’s life. This method of treatment can be used for all types of strokes including brain aneurysms and carotid artery disease; it can even be used to treat different kinds of cancer and a number of serious spinal conditions, according to the news release from Yale New Haven Health.
Members of the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation are happy to aid in the funding of such advancements. According to Steve Jakab, president of the Bridgeport Hospital Foundation: "The Bridgeport Hospital Foundation is proud to support this exciting project with proceeds from its $5 million capital fundraising campaign. Philanthropic contributions from our community, led by the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, will help significantly expand access to these critical services and improve clinical outcomes, especially for our highest-risk patients."
Such contributions will also help fund the second phase of the project which seeks to improve the cardiac procedural labs on the hospital’s tenth floor. The adjustments made to this floor will expand access to patients allowing the hospital to treat nearly twice as many electrophysiology patients every year, according to the news release from Yale New Haven Health.
