Newborns at Canton-Potsdam Hospital now welcomed by 'guardian angels'

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Aspen Lee Agen was born on March 13, 2023 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital and is shown wearing a Cuddles ankle bracelet for her protection. She is the daughter of Devon and Krista Agen from Winthrop, and will be joining two sisters at home. Photo submitted from Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

POTSDAM – Babies who are born in The Birthplace at Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH) are now welcomed into the world with an extra “guardian angel” protecting them.

In observance of March being Patient Safety Month, CPH is proud to announce the installation of the Cuddles Infant Protection System from Accutech Healthcare Security Solutions.

From the moment babies are born, hospital staff want to keep them safe.

“Cuddles provides another layer of security to the protocols already in place at CPH. This additional security comes in the form of a small ankle bracelet worn by the infant. It is an alarm system that will actively be alerted if the baby is taken without authorization, and alerts staff and security to respond,” noted St. Lawrence Health Director of Security Wayne Lougheed.

“We are thrilled to have an additional layer of protection for our patients,” stated CPH Interim Director of Obstetrics Jennifer L. Moore, RN, CCRN. “We are dedicated to providing the best care, and this enhancement to our system will help to provide piece of mind to our moms during their stay in our OB Unit with their baby.”

The staff throughout SLH places a premium on safety so newborns and their family have one less thing to think about, and can focus on their special and momentous occasion. OB staff members have been trained in how Cuddles works, how to pair the bracelet with the infant, and how to respond to an alarm.

“We take infant protection and security very seriously here at SLH. Your child’s safety is as important to us as it is to you. We consider the community to be part of our extended family,” Mr. Lougheed said.

For those who have visited The Birthplace in the past, nothing will appear different to them upon their next trip to the Hospital. Past practice of entering the OB suite remains the same.

To learn more about The Birthplace at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, visit https://stlawrencehealthsystem.org/locations/canton-potsdam-hospital/birthplace; and for information on women’s services, visithttps://stlawrencehealthsystem.org/Services/Womens-Health.