Life-Saving Speed: Raising the Standard of Care at Grey Nuns Hospital

Imagine this: a mother in labour has just delivered her baby when she begins to bleed heavily. Within moments, she is losing blood faster than her care team can replace it. The room shifts into emergency mode with nurses and physicians moving swiftly. She needs blood, and she needs it fast. In those critical moments, the difference between tragedy and survival depends on how quickly life-saving blood can be delivered. 

At Covenant Foundation, we’re committed to funding leading-edge technology that elevates the health care experience for Albertans. That commitment recently came to life at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital with the addition of a new Belmont Rapid Infuser, funded entirely through the generosity of our donors. 

A rapid infuser is a specialized medical device designed to quickly deliver large volumes of blood or fluids to patients experiencing severe blood loss. It not only restores blood volume at life-saving speed but also warms the fluids to body temperature, helping stabilize patients during critical emergencies.  

Speed that saves lives 

The rapid infuser is a critical tool when every second counts. Previously, the hospital relied on an older infuser that was no longer meeting the demands of modern patient care. The Belmont Rapid Infuser changes that reality with unprecedented speed and precision. It can warm blood from 4°C to body temperature of 37°C in just 40 seconds and deliver a transfusion in under a minute. This technology can mean the difference between life and death. 

Paula Sharman, Program Manager for Critical Care and Cardiac Sciences, reflected on the impact of this technology: 

“Because of your support, our staff are better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively."

Protecting mothers in crisis 

While the infuser will benefit many patients, its impact is especially profound for women experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal complications worldwide.  

“Patients can receive reliable rapid transfusion of blood products urgently needed during a massive hemorrhage event. This impact is profound, and it is only possible because of you. Thank you for your generosity and belief in the care we provide.”

– Paula Sharman 

Women’s health has always been a Covenant Foundation priority, especially since 1 in every 5 babies born in Alberta are born at a Covenant hospital. This investment ensures that mothers in crisis can receive a fast, reliable transfusion at the very moment they need it most. 

Your generosity at work 

Thanks to donor support, care at Grey Nuns Hospital is stronger, safer and more responsive. The Belmont Rapid Infuser is just one example of how your generosity puts life-saving tools directly into the hands of skilled caregivers. With this technology, teams can act quicker, deliver care more confidently, and focus on saving lives and supporting families in their most vulnerable moments. 

Every gift to Covenant Foundation ensures patients across Alberta have access to the best innovations in health care. Will you make a donation today? 

Written by Carmel David, Marketing Lead at Covenant Foundation