St. Albans (October 14, 2025) – Northwestern Medical Center’s Auxiliary is proud to announce the donation of $65,000 to the hospital in support of NMC’s Surgical Services team to purchase additional equipment to provide ultrasound-guided nerve blocks.

This type of equipment enables the precise anesthetization of specific nerves for effective pain management. The technique has benefits in pain intervention, reducing the need for general anesthesia and opioids, leading to faster recovery and greater comfort.

The need for the equipment was driven by growing patient volumes and NMC’s increasing reliance on the technology. The new equipment will enhance patient care by reducing delays, improving workflow efficiency and ensuring timely access to nerve block procedures.

Maris Rock, President of the Auxiliary, said the donation stays true to the motto of supporting NMC’s mission through fundraising and positive community relations. “We are pleased to be able to fund this request for the betterment of our community and surgical patients.”

The donation was also applauded by NMC’s Chief Ambulatory Officer, Wayne Hobbs, who oversees anesthesia operations at NMC, “This is an incredibly generous donation that will significantly improve patient care and outcomes,” said Hobbs. “We are so grateful to have an Auxiliary who is so active and engaged at NMC.”

 

More About the Auxiliary

The Auxiliary’s Mission is to support NMC through fund-raising and positive community relations. The NMC Auxiliary was formed by and for people who have a common commitment to the goals of the hospital and a concern for the health of our community.

The Auxiliary’s largest ongoing fundraising source is the NMC Gift Gallery, which is open to the public five days a week. The gift gallery features a variety of gift items like: women’s clothing and accessories, baby items, toys, games, books, decorations (seasonal and everyday), cards, chocolate, flowers and much more. Please stop in and patronize the shop!

The Auxiliary membership gathers four times per year. At the meetings attendees enjoy a meal and a featured guest speaker, which is followed by a business meeting.

New members are always welcome. Please contact the Auxiliary/Volunteer office at Northwestern Medical Center at 524-1055 if you are interested in learning more or becoming a member.

Photo caption: Left to right: Director of Surgical Services Susan Couture, RN, Chief Ambulatory Officer Wayne Hobbs, Chief of Anesthesia, Dr. Katie Montagne with Auxiliary Board Members and Chairs: Fran Beauchemin, Maris Rock, Katherine Winchester, Linda Rowden, Judy Nasca, Jeanette Warn, Pat King and Bev LeClair.