Women's hospital board donates $30,000 for gastrointestinal equipment

The Women's Board of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital has donated $30,000 for the purchase of an esophageal manometer.

This is just the latest in a decades-long history of financial support of the hospital by the Women's Board.

A manometer is used to identify the cause of symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing and chest pain. During a 10-minute procedure, the manometer is placed painlessly down the esophagus and measures and records muscle pressure within the esophagus. From the data collected, physicians develop a treatment plan to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying cause.

Since its inception, the board has raised more than $3 million for enhancements to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, including $500,000 for the current expansion project, upgrade of the Mother-Baby Unit, creation of the Circle of Love Healing Garden, equipment purchases and numerous renovations.

"We're proud to be the only facility in Western New York performing esophageal manometry, and we're very grateful to the Women's Board for their generosity," said Tony Polito, nurse manager of Suburban's Gastrointestinal Department. "The addition of esophageal manometry allows us to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders."

Christopher Lane, president of Millard Fillmore Suburban, credits the hospital's existence, in part, to the commitment and support of the Women's Board.

"It was their vision that helped build the hospital in 1974, and more than 33 years later, their vision continues to shape Suburban and its delivery of health care to our community. Their donation of the funds necessary to purchase the manometer allows us to continue to provide the latest and most effective evaluation and treatment," he said.

In 2004, the Healthcare Association of New York State presented the Women's Board of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital with one of 72 statewide Auxiliary Advocacy Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the hospital and the community.

The Women's Board of Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital has 150 members who perform a variety of duties throughout the hospital.