Donor Support Brings New Stretchers to Winchester Medical Center

Thanks to the generosity of our community and the leadership of the Winchester Medical Center (WMC) Foundation, Valley Health is excited to announce the addition of state-of-the-art stretchers in the Emergency Department (ED) at Winchester Medical Center. With full funding from the Foundation, WMC is replacing every stretcher in the ED, an investment that will benefit both patients and caregivers for years to come.

This $1,055,500 grant is Valley Health Foundations’ largest of the year and reflects the strong support of our physician board members and hospital leaders. The new stretchers offer advanced features that improve safety, comfort and efficiency. For patients, that means a better experience from the moment they arrive. For our caregivers, it means having the right tools to do their jobs with greater ease and confidence.

"As an anesthesiologist, I transport patients on stretchers every day," shares Casey Dowling, DO, FASA, WMC Foundation Board Chair. "Over the years, those stretchers take a real beating. They’re more expensive than most people realize, and the hospital can only replace them gradually. That’s why, as Chair of the WMC Foundation Board, I’m excited to be part of the solution. It’s a special privilege to support our patients and care teams through philanthropy."

The stretchers were identified as a top priority by hospital leadership, including Tonya Smith, Chief Operating Officer, Valley Health, who worked closely with the Foundation to elevate the importance of this investment. “Valley Health’s Winchester Medical Center Emergency Department is a place where every second counts. The investment in these stretchers helps our emergency team meet urgent needs with speed, comfort, and care, ensuring patients receive the highest level of care when they need it most. We’re deeply grateful for the community support that made this possible,” says Tonya.

Alongside Stacy Moynahan, Clinical Manager at the Emergency Room, and Autumn Davis, Manager, Trauma Center, Tonya helped ensure the project received the attention and support it deserved.

Why the new stretchers make a difference:

• Built-in scale helps caregivers safely weigh patients who can’t stand, supporting accurate medication dosing.
• Fall alarms alert staff when a patient at risk tries to exit the bed, triggering the call light and sending a Vocera alert.
• Wireless dashboard connection shows fall alarm status for each room, helping teams respond faster.
• Comfort mattresses offer better support and reduce pressure points for patients.

This grant was made possible by the continued generosity of our donors. Your support allows Valley Health to invest in equipment that enhances care and protects our teams. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our mission and for helping us provide high-quality care to every patient who walks through our doors. Your support makes a difference every day, impacting the lives of your family, friends and every person we serve.

Click here to learn more and donate to the Valley Health Foundation.