Tidewell Telehealth Ability Reinforced by $40,000 Grant for COVID-19 Response

As Tidewell remains focused on providing quality care amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a $40,000 grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has permitted Tidewell to obtain iPads for its hospice houses, as well as for use when caring for patients in their homes, long-term care and assisted-living facilities. 

Since receiving the grant, Tidewell staff have received training on using the nearly 100 WiFi and cellular-enabled iPads, allowing Tidewell physicians and clinical staff to deliver care remotely when necessary. 

“The Tidewell Foundation is so grateful to the Selby Foundation for its very rapid response to our need for support to expand Tidewell Hospice’s telehealth capabilities,” said Tidewell Foundation President Debbie Mason. “In addition to providing the clinical support, these iPads can make a huge difference for us to use in connecting distant families with patients.”

Access to telehealth is critical during the pandemic, as it allows patients who are in isolation to continue receiving Tidewell’s medical services and complementary services such as music therapy, grief and spiritual support. Additionally, it provides a safe way for patients to connect and communicate with their loved ones. 

“Constant communications between healthcare professionals, patients and families is always important in any healthcare setting,” said Tidewell Hospice Chief Nursing Officer, Pauline Mailey. “Yet, at the end of patients’ lives, it is of critical importance. We can’t thank the folks at the Selby Foundation enough for understanding the power of those last conversations.”

“The Selby Foundation has a long history of funding significant community needs through providing funding for capital needs,” said President and CEO of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Carol Butera. “At this time, we are especially pleased to be able to provide assistance to Tidewell Hospice in their care of the critically ill through the purchase of equipment in their delivery of telemedicine services.” 

About Tidewell Foundation, Inc.
The Tidewell Foundation, Inc. is an independent 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation established to fund perpetual philanthropic support to Tidewell Hospice and the healthcare companies within the Stratum Health System family. Charitable contributions to the Tidewell Foundation sustain and grow the critically important programs and services provided through the not-for-profit mission of Tidewell Hospice and its affiliates. Donor-funded programs offer compassion and comfort to those who need it most in our community by caring for all, regardless of their ability to pay. It starts with generosity and is paid forward with every patient connection, family served and life changed. Discover how each donation strengthens our community; learn more by visiting www.tidewellfoundation.org.

About the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation
By investing in people through academic scholarships and supporting capital projects of local organizations, the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation looks beyond what is and enables change for what can be. Established in 1956 the Foundation has made possible financial assistance to individuals and organizations in excess of $120,000,000.