Team members in the Radiology Department at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown are very grateful to Chester River Hospital Auxiliary, Naomi Blackshire, president, for the group’s generous gift of $900 to fund the purchase of three new lead aprons. The new aprons are designed for comfort – as well as safety – for staff who spend many hours wearing this very heavy equipment.
Lead aprons typically weigh between five and 10 pounds, and technologists may wear an apron for a many as 10 cases a day. Having the weight of the apron hanging disproportionately due to ill-fit and wear can cause back and neck strain. Also, over time, the apron material becomes faded, stretched and worn, as well the Velcro clasps become weakened thus causing the fit to become uncomfortable.
“The new aprons will be made of light-weight lead and feature padded shoulders along with working clasps for a good fit,” says Kelly Bottomley, radiology manager. “They will provide us with protection from scatter radiation that occurs during special live imaging tests and during some operating room cases. We really appreciate the Auxiliary’s support in making the purchase of new and better aprons possible.”
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