A Successful Operation

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Shaugn Best of Hot 105.5, second from left, and Ocean 100’s Gerard Murphy, second from right, join the PCH Foundation’s Managing Director Heather Matheson, right, andFinance Manager Lisa Schurman-Smith at the tail end of Operation Spare Change on Wednesday. Over the past month businesses from all over Summerside and beyond have been gathering spare change at their locations and the change will be brought to PCH on Wednesday to be combined for one great gift to provide medical equipment here at the hospital The Foundation would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the sponsors, the local businesses who participated, Hot 105.5 and Ocean 100 for coordinating and promoting the event and of course all of the wonderful donors who spared their change to make a change over the past 4 weeks. This has been a fantastic fundraiser and a wonderful way to tell people all about the good work that happens at Prince County Hospital every day.  This year, the PCH Foundation needs to raise $2.5 million for medical equipment at PCH, $1.4 million of which is for a refitting of the three Operating Rooms. Donations can be made here at pchcare.com or by calling (902) … Continued

Refitting the ORs

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“It is unimaginable to think what our story would be if these services were not available at the PCH.” That is the sentiment Lori Pomeroy expressed when she discussed the life saving surgery her son Campbell received at the Prince County Hospital two years ago. He was rushed to the Emergency Department at the PCH with what the family thought were flu-like symptoms that were persisting for days. However, Campbell’s body was quickly “shutting down” and he required emergency surgery.  While in surgery, it was discovered that his bowel had twisted and ruptured and he was septic. It was determined he had Meckel’s Diverticulum and consequently he had 60cm of his small intestine removed that day.  “It was a very intense situation and doctors told us ideally he would be airlifted to IWK,” says Lori. “However, he was not stable enough to be transported.  He did not have time.  So, without the teams in Emergency services, the Operating Room, and the equipment used that day at the PCH, our son would not have made it. We are forever grateful that we can share this miraculous story.” This surgery and many others have been possible because of the team in Surgical … Continued

Operation Spare Change 2017

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  Join Hot 105.5 and Ocean 100 as they celebrate PCH throughout May and June during Operation Spare Change. Many PEI businesses will be participating in the second annual event that will bring change buckets to their locations. Anyone who has spare change to give will be able to do so at the locations listed below. Please tune in to Hot 105.5 and Ocean 100 on JUNE 14TH as they broadcast LIVE from the PCH lobby. We will be sharing stories all day from staff, patients and donors alike while the radio team collects all of the change! Above left: Dr. Carmody, centre, was joined by Hot 105.5’s Matt MacLeod, right and Ocean 100’s Kirk MacKinnon. Centre (L-R): Mayor Martin, Kerri-Wynne MacLeod, Honourable Frank Lewis, and Kirk MacKinnon. Above Right: PCH CAO Arlene Gallant-Bernard and Hot 105.5’s Shaugn Best. Medicine Shoppe – 54 Central Street, Summerside Medicine Shoppe – 152 Poplar Street, Alberton Medicine Shoppe – 500 Main Street, O’Leary Samuel’s Coffee house Sheen’s For Shoes Kent Building Supplies Dino’s Pizza HMS Office Supplies Dooly’s JMK Fish Mart Arsenault’s Fish Mart R & S Frenchy’s Edge 251 Mens & Ladies Clothing The Tickle Trunk Hickey & Hyndman Insurance The Loyalist … Continued

Zone 3 Lions Clubs Bet on PCH

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  The five Lions Clubs in Zone 3 recently got together to support the ongoing medical equipment needs of the Prince County Hospital. The clubs from Malpeque Bay, Kensington, Hunter River, Cymbria and North Rustico held a casino night where their volunteer members ran table games for a good cause. The proceeds of $1,700 were presented to Heather Matheson, right, PCH Foundation Managing Director. Lions on hand included Gary Moon, second left, treasurer for the Cymbria Lions Club, Beverly Frizzell, second right, President of the Hunter River Lions Club, and Beverley Semple Secretary Treasurer from the Kensington Lions Club.

Harry T. Holman Award 2017

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The Prince County Hospital Foundation is now accepting nominations for the Harry T. Holman Award. This award is presented on an annual basis to a volunteer of volunteer group who has made a significant contribution to the Prince County Hospital and the people it serves. Please see the attached nomination form to submit your entry. All entries must be received by April 20th, 2017 for consideration. 2017 Award Nomination Form

2016 Vital Signs Goal Surpassed!

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“Thanks to the successes of 2016 and our many loyal supporters, the Prince County Hospital Foundation has exceeded its goal of $887,800 and has been able to assist the hospital to purchase all of their greatest needs from the 2016 Vital Signs Equipment Campaign,” says Foundation Managing Director, Heather Matheson. “In our efforts to ensure this hospital is vibrant and viable for many years to come, we are incredibly fortunate to have the continued support of so many generous donors. It is their donations that keep PCH fully equipped in every department.” Whether it was a Hemodialysis Machine ($25,000), a Portable Fluoroscopy Unit ($250,000) for Diagnostic Imaging or a Vital Signs Machine ($5,000) needed in Medical/Palliative Care; each piece plays a vital role in caring for thousands of patients from all over PEI each year.  “As a major acute care hospital on PEI, it is of the utmost importance that we continue to improve and replace the medical equipment at PCH. These items are not here for a rainy day- they are saving lives each and every day,” continued Matheson. “…and none of that is possible without our donors.” Included in the greatest needs list to be purchased from 2016 … Continued

Lights for Life 2016 Results

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December 7th, the skies lit up over the Prince County Hospital for the 22nd year. Lights for Life gathered a crowd of hundreds in front of PCH to watch the lighting ceremony, remember loved ones and honour those still with us. This annual Prince County Hospital Foundation fundraiser has raised over $3.2 million since it began in 1995; this year reaching $220,170. Throughout the month of November Lights for Life gifts are made to the PCH Foundation in memory and in honour of loved ones. Every gift has a dedication in honour or in memory of someone special and those dedications are gathered in a book that is handed out at the event. The gifts are represented by lights and displays placed on the outside of the hospital and on one special night each year, the lights are brought to life and will continue to be lit each night until December 31st. Every dollar raised supports the purchase of medical equipment at PCH. This brings the PCH Foundation closer to our goal of $887,800.00 for 2016. Gifts are accepted for Lights for Life until December 31st. Donations can be made at pchcare.com, by calling (902) 432-2547 or visiting the PCH … Continued

Lights for Life Event Notes

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  On Wednesday evening December 7th at 6:30PM, all are invited to attend the 22nd annual Lights for Life ceremony at Prince County Hospital. Throughout the month of November, donations were accepted in honour and in memory of loved ones and those dedications were entered into a commemorative book that will be released at the event – free of charge. “So far we’ve received an incredible 2128 gifts to Lights for Life this year. After so many years, it never ceases to amaze us how much the community loves this event and this hospital,” remarked Managing Director Heather Matheson. Returning to the lighting display this year are the Grand Arch, the Snowflakes, the Toy Train, and the Nutcrackers, amongst many others.   As always, the centerpiece of the display will be the Celebration Tree which has been refitted for 2016.  The Credit Unions of Prince County are once again the presenting sponsors. Since 1995, Lights for Life has raised over $3 million to support new medical equipment.  Gifts to Lights for Life can still be made until December 31st by calling the Foundation office at (902) 432-2547, donating securely online at www.pchcare.com, or you can visit the Foundation office in the … Continued

Banking on Lights for Life – Prince County Credit Unions Return as Sponsors

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Lights for Life would not be possible without the support of our many valued sponsors. Thank you to the Credit Unions in Prince County for presenting Lights for Life since 2008! As our largest sponsors, they ensure every dollar you donate goes directly to purchasing much needed medical equipment for the Prince County Hospital. Join the Credit Unions Wednesday night, December 7th at 6:30PM as we light up the sky in front of PCH! Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Prince County Credit Unions. Managers (L-R): Louis Shea (Tignish Credit Union), Alfred Arsenault (Évangéline-Central Credit Union), Sarah Millar (Consolidated Credit Union), and Marc LeClair (Malpeque Bay Credit Union) . Gifts to Lights for Life made before November 26th at noon wereentered in this year’s dedication book to be handed out at the lighting ceremony on December 7th at 6:30 pm.

Lighting Up the Airwaves

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Help us thank some sponsors! Today we’re thanking Gold Sponsors MBS Radio (Spud FM, Q93, CFCY)! Representing MBS Radio is Jordan Ellis and joining him is PCHF’s Lisa Schurman-Smith. Lights for Life wouldn’t certainly not be what it is today without the ongoing support of our local media!

Lights for Life is Big News!

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Help us thank a sponsor! Today we’re thanking Gold Sponsors Journal Pioneer ! Represented by Paul Ramsay, right, Director of Advertising with the Journal Pioneer and joining him is PCHF’s Bevan Woodacre. Lights for Life wouldn’t certainly not be what it is today without the ongoing support of our local media!

PEI Mutual Has Lights for Life Covered

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Help us thank a sponsor! Today we’re thanking Gold Sponsors PEI Mutual Insurance Company! Representing PEI Mutual is CEO Terry Shea and joining him is PCHF’s Managing Director, Heather Matheson. Lights for Life and PCH have enjoyed the support of PEI Mutual for a great number of years. Thank you so much for your continued support. This year, PEI Mutual not made their $5000.00 sponsorship, but they once again made an additional gift of $2,300.00 to dedicate the “Festive Wreath” that bears the name of the event!

Lighting the Way – Canadian Tire Summerside

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  New owners of the Summerside Canadian Tire store Claude and Claudette Landry, second left and centre, have made a pledge to support their community through the PCH Foundation.  This $2,500 sponsorship, accepted by PCH staff member and event supporter Paula MacDonald, left, will help to provide much needed lighting supplies for Lights for Life this year.  The Landrys are joined by Store Manager Mary-Lynn Forrest, right, and General Manager Peter Cusack.  Claude said of the donation, “Healthcare is a top priority for so many of us. We are happy to do our part in helping to make sure every dollar raised from Lights for Life can help provide such vital medical equipment for our hospital.”  

Lights for Life 2016

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                      Remembering Loved Ones The 22nd annual Lights for Life Celebration will be December 7th at the Prince County Hospital. This is your opportunity to remember the lives of loved ones you have lost and honour those who are still with us. “This event centres around remembering or honouring loved ones. Every dollar raised from Lights for Life supports the purchase of vital medical equipment for the patients of Prince County Hospital,” says Heather Matheson, Managing Director at the PCH Foundation. “The list of medical equipment needs at PCH is ever-growing; community support is more important than ever. Every dollars counts here at PCH Foundation and we are incredibly grateful to the Lights for Life donors for their support over the years.” Gift dedication amounts begin at $10.00 and all of the donations received before November 26th at noon will be entered into a dedication book that is distributed at the event. Currently, the PCH Foundation is at 75% of 2016 goal of $887,800. “This event remains an incredible help to the hospital – last year it raised over $224,000 and this year, we hope it will help us surpass … Continued

Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots Results

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 September 12, 2016 An event like Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots cannot exist without the support of hundreds of people. Whether you purchased a ticket of volunteered to bus tables, you are integral to the success of this fundraiser. Because of you we raised $324,810.00 for medical equipment at PCH. This number includes the value of a beautiful Jeep Wrangler Sport that has now been donated to us TWICE (thanks to Summerside Chrysler Dodge and Ocean 100 & Hot 105.5!). The PCH Foundation would like to thank all of those who attended, purchased or donated auction items, the performers & guests, Summerside Firefighters Association, Summerside Western Capitals, Melanie Champion, our many volunteers, our sponsors, and Warren Ellis & family who organized and financed the event. Thank you all! (Photo: Auctioneer Allison Smith)

Bed Pan Relay 2016

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On June 18th we will take part in the second annual Bedpan Trophy Relay supporting QEH and PCH Foundations. The event will take teams of 12 from each hospital running predetermined legs from Charlottetown over a 60 km route through the Confederation Trail, handing off the baton at the end of each leg, ending in Summerside. The team to reach the finish line first wins! Team members are now collecting pledges with the proceeds supporting the purchase of medical equipment at both facilities. Last year, the event was a huge success…all thanks to each of you and your enthusiasm!! We raised a total of $10,584 with 178 participants and over $1800 in generously donated prizes..with PCH Code Blue 2 taking home the Bedpan for the year! BedPan Run Pledge Forms Route

Operation Spare Change

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Ocean 100 and Hot 105.5 have partnered with Downtown Summerside, Kool Breeze Farms Garden Centre, and Medicine Shoppes of Summerside, Alberton, and O’Leary for Operation Spare Change – when you see this logo at Participating locations in Summerside, toss in your spare change to support the Prince Country Hospital Foundation and all of the great things they do! Who’s involved? Check it out here: Arsenault Fish Mart – 246 Heather Moyse Drive Callbecks Home Hardware – 613 Water Street Callbecks Home Furniture – 205 Wyatt Cresent Centennial Honda – 610 South Drive Centennial Auto Sport & Tire – 616 South Drive Credit Union Place – 511 Notre Dame Dinos Pizza – 163 Water Street Dooly’s – 298 Water Street Downtown Convenience – 275 Water Street Downtown Summerside office – 290 Water Street Edge 251 – 251 Water Street Eptek Art & Culture Centre – 130 Heather Moyse Drive Global Wines – 123 Water Street Hickey & Hyndman Insurance – 292 Water Street HMS Office Supplies – 291 Water Street Jewellery Plus – 246 Water Street Kelly’s Flower Shoppe – 297 Water Street Kool Breeze Farms – 231 Read Drive Lakeview Loyalist Country Inn – 195 Heather Moyse Drive Medicine Shoppe … Continued

“We Are So Lucky” – Vital Signs 2016

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“We are so lucky.” That was the sentiment Laura Lee Delaney expressed to another patient while waiting in the Emergency Department at PCH. “We’re lucky we have this place here (PCH). We could have had to drive to Charlottetown or leave the province.” Laura Lee was sitting with her daughter Payton during one of the many visits they had made to Prince County Hospital over the past few years. Payton had been experiencing abdominal pain since a very young age. It went undiagnosed for a long time, until she could truly communicate what her issues were. Through a battery of testing, various admissions to the Maternal Child Care Unit and consultations with local paediatrician Dr. Al Gandy, it has been determined that Payton has been suffering from chronic pancreatic attacks and also has celiac disease. This April, Payton underwent a surgery to relieve her pain and is currently in recuperation and progressing very well. Laura Lee said of Payton’s care, “The nurses have been fantastic, Environmental Services keep this place impeccable and Nutrition Services has been bending over backwards to meet Payton’s needs. I can’t brag enough about Prince County Hospital and everything in it. We are very lucky to … Continued

Harry T. Holman Volunteer Award 2016

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The PCH Foundation is seeking nominations for the 2016 Harry T. Holman Award.  This award is presented on an annual basis to a volunteer or a volunteer group who has made a significant contribution to Prince County Hospital and the people it serves. Deadline for nominations is   Nomination Form: Holman Award Form  

Thank You! – PCH Foundation Meets $2.271 million goal in 2015

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Thanks to many generous supporters the Prince County Hospital Foundation has reached its largest single year campaign goal of $2.271 million for medical equipment in 2015. With support coming from a wide variety of means including memorial donations, corporate donations, gifts made online and the through the mail, the Foundation will be able to purchase every item on the 2015 greatest needs list.  Signature events also played a large role in the efforts to equip PCH – including very successful campaigns for both Lights for Life and Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots. Part of the Foundation’s goal was to provide a Stress Test Machine & Blood Pressure Monitoring System for Ambulatory Care (pictured). Stress tests can detect or rule out serious heart disease. Over 1000 of these tests are performed each year at PCH and their results help D r. Doug Carmody, left, and his fellow internists (Drs. Hoare, Drost, and Irvine) manage patient care properly. “This machine is a workhorse for cardiac diagnostics next to an ECG,” reported Dr. Carmody. “We need to perform stress tests on patients to assess if and when further invasive testing needs to be done.” The current equipment is nearly 10 years old and … Continued