Blanket Warmer Enhances Patient Care in Alpena

Left to right: Jenny McClendon, R.N., and Vendla Esler, M.B.A., nurse supervisor, stand with the new blanket-warming unit funded by the MyMichigan Health Foundation for the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

To enhance patient comfort and support better clinical outcomes, MyMichigan Health Foundation recently funded a new blanket‑warming unit for the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Since its installation, nurses have shared that the warm blankets not only help patients maintain normal body temperature during procedures but also calm and soothe them before and after procedures.

“Many of our patients are genuinely overjoyed when we give them one of the warmed blankets,” said Jenny McClendon, R.N., of the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. “Before a procedure, they’re often sitting for a while in lightweight gowns. It’s cold and can feel foreign, which increases stress. Before we had our own warmer, we were running to the Infusion Center to borrow blankets. Now everything is easier. It’s an absolute game changer, and it makes us feel like rock stars when something so simple makes such a big difference!”

The program’s new Skytron single‑chamber warming unit holds up to nine blankets so there is no shortage for the patients. Built from durable stainless steel, it features an LED display with keyed lockout, data‑logging capabilities, and a touch‑screen interface that allows staff to easily manage temperature settings that ensures consistent warming enhancing the comfort provided.

“As care providers, it means a lot that we can now offer warm blankets to every patient undergoing a procedure,” added Niki Centala, R.N., of the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. “It’s like a little hug, saying everything’s going to be okay.”

Maintaining normal body temperature is an important part of patient safety. Warm blankets help regulate temperature, support faster recovery, and reduce the risk of surgical site infections.

“Surgical areas are typically kept colder than waiting or patient rooms to discourage microbial growth,” explained Vendla Esler, M.B.A., nurse supervisor of the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. “But that can leave patients feeling chilled. For those already anxious about a procedure, a warm blanket eases the discomfort and helps soothe anxiety. Anything we can do to help our patients—especially those living with chronic pain—is important.”

MyMichigan Health’s Spine and Pain Program provides individualized treatment options, including physical therapy, medication, and minimally invasive procedures, to help patients return to daily activities. Their goal is to provide patients with safe, evidence-based, minimally invasive pain relief solutions to allow them greater autonomy in their daily pain management.

Ann Diamond, director of the MyMichigan Health Foundation, added, “We are grateful to our generous donors who made it possible to provide this important piece of equipment. As we look at equipment needs, we always look at the impact it has on our patients. This unit enhances both the quality of care and the healing environment we strive to maintain. What a wonderful gift, both to and from our community.”

MyMichigan Health Foundation continues to invest in equipment and technology that supports the wellbeing of the patients and advances the health system’s mission to provide excellent, compassionate care across the region. Those interested in supporting MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena may contact Diamond at (989) 356‑7738.