By: Karrine Brogoitti, Communications and Marketing Director, Grande Ronde Hospital and Cherise Kaechele, for Grande Ronde Hospital

At Grande Ronde Hospital’s Children’s Clinic, care has always been about meeting young patients where they are. Thanks to a new addition at the clinic—a ceiling-mounted lift—providers can now quite literally lift their patients with greater ease, safety, and dignity.

The $15,000 lift, funded through a grant from the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization, was installed to assist children who face mobility challenges. Whether permanent or temporary, those challenges made basic exams, vital checks, and even simple measurements like weight a complicated—and sometimes physically demanding—process for parents and staff.

As children grew taller and heavier, moving them onto exam tables became increasingly difficult. Jessie Harnack, Clinic Manager, saw the need firsthand.

“We’ve watched these kids grow up,” Harnack said. “We want to grow with them—to make sure we’re still providing the same high standard of care as their needs change.”

Before the lift, transferring patients required lifting by hand—a method that risked both injury and discomfort. Now, the lift allows safe, secure movement with just the push of a button, freeing providers to focus entirely on patient care.

Dr. Eve Koltuv, a pediatrician at the clinic, championed the effort to bring the lift to La Grande. For her, it wasn’t just about convenience—it was about better care.

“Some of our patients who use wheelchairs have the most complex healthcare needs,” Dr. Koltuv said. “This lift means we can do a complete exam, monitor their growth accurately, and even weigh them properly, which is critical for diagnosing illness and prescribing the right medication dosage.”

Accurate weight is more than a number on a chart; it’s often the foundation for safe and effective treatment.

“In pediatrics, every dose matters,” Dr. Koltuv added. “Having the ability to check those details with confidence helps us give our kids the best possible outcomes.”

The lift also reflects the clinic’s larger commitment to accessibility and inclusion—ensuring that even in a small, rural community, patients receive care on par with what’s available in larger urban centers.

“I’m proud because it shows that we care deeply about every patient, including those with disabilities,” Dr. Koltuv said. “A lift might seem like a small thing, but to the families we serve, it’s a big difference.”

Grande Ronde Hospital already uses similar lifts for adult patients at its main campus. Now, the Children’s Clinic matches that same level of support for its youngest community members—an achievement Harnack says they’re honored to provide.

“This lift is an investment in our kids,” Harnack said. “And we’re so grateful for the community support that made it possible.”