2023 Annual Meeting

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The Prince County Hospital Foundation’s Annual Meeting for 2023 was recorded on April 29th, 2024. Video link: https://youtu.be/E1-tG4Ca5nM In this video, you will find our Presidential Report presented by Vice President Derek Bondt, PCH’s Administration Report from Director of Hospital Services, Tony Ford, our Treasurer’s Report from Les MacLean, comments from PCH Auxiliary’s Betty Robertson, as well as a message from Dr. Daniel Albrechtsons on the acceptance of funds raised 2023. Interested parties can pick up a copy of our Annual Report at the PCH Foundation office or at the following link: https://pchcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/web-version-PCH-Foundation-annual-report-and-newsletter-spring-2024.pdf Audited financial statements are available upon request at the PCH Foundation office in the hospital lobby. Inquiries on the presentation may be directed to info@pchcare.com or (902) 432-2547

2023 Annual Report and Spring Newsletter 2024

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Below you will find the digital version of our publication “Caring Connections” which was mailed in April 2024. This document combines the 2023 Annual Report to our Community and our newsletter which is published twice per year. PCHF Annual Report and Newsletter Spring 2024 If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this document, please email us with the subject line: “Add me to the newsletter list.” Click to email

Vital Signs 2023 results

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PCH continues to be critical for Islanders as evidenced by the unwavering support shown to the PCH Foundation in 2023. Thanks to their thousands of donations, the Prince County Hospital Foundation is poised to fulfill the entire 2023 “Vital Signs” list, addressing the hospital’s most crucial medical equipment needs. A full complement of scopes for the Endoscopy Unit in Ambulatory Care was the focal point of the 2023 appeal and those pieces are in the acquisition process now. The majority of the approximately 2800 scopes performed at PCH per year are planned procedures done in the Endoscopy Unit of Ambulatory Care. However, some scopes can be done in emergent situations in the Operating Rooms. According to PCH Surgeon Dr. Simon MacDonald, “With newer technology, they (scopes) will be lighter and easier to use, which is better for us and better for the patients. The biggest thing is better image quality leading to better detection.” Many other items like the Simulation Mannikins for training in Maternal Child Care have already been acquired and are in active use at PCH. The 2023 fundraising goal of $2.3 million was surpassed by diverse fundraising avenues thanks to the generosity of many people from communities … Continued

Statement on the Degradation of Services in the Progressive Care Unit

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The Prince County Hospital Foundation Board is releasing this statement to echo the concerns of our physicians, our nurses, our staff, the City of Summerside, and the many Islanders who will be impacted by last week’s announcement to further reduce critical care services at the Prince County Hospital due to recent shortages in respiratory therapists, and ongoing shortages of nurses and Internal Medicine physicians. In the spring of 2023, the Intensive Care Unit at PCH was “temporarily” downgraded to a Progressive Care Unit due to the loss of Internists. At that time the PCH Foundation expressed its concerns in various public forums and advertisements. The Foundation also sent its concerns directly to the government of Prince Edward Island and Health PEI, expressing the following expectations: Simplify, streamline, and add more accountability to the hiring process and provide more impactful retention programs. A commitment from government that the ICU will be brought to a full complement of Internists allowing for the care of all critically ill patients. No further reduction of services. Further loss of services will have great impacts on other departments at PCH. Make healthcare in Prince County a priority. A long-term action plan for Island-wide healthcare detailing the … Continued

Holiday Hours 2023

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🎉 Happy Holidays from the PCH Foundation Board of Directors and Staff (Heather, Lisa, Kelly, Ben, and Bevan)! 🎄 As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to share some important information with you. 📅 Please be aware that there are a few days during the holidays when our office will be closed. If you plan to make a gift before the end of the calendar/tax year, here’s what you need to know. 🎁 For 2023 tax receipts, gifts can be made in person or by phone at the Foundation Office until 3pm on December 29th. So, mark your calendars and make sure your generous contribution is in by then! 💻 Can’t make it in person? No worries! You can also make gifts online until midnight on December 31st. 🌐 Donate securely at https://pchcare.com/donate/ 🌟 Best wishes for a Happy Holiday and a Joyous New Year! 🎇

Lights for Life Results 2023

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Your generous donations to Lights for Life have raised a whopping $290,636 for medical equipment, making a huge difference for patients at PCH!  Over 1700 of you contributed gifts in memory or in honour of loved ones, adding warmth and brightness to your hospital in countless ways! We’re deeply grateful for 29 years of your unwavering support.  It’s rare for fundraisers to reach this milestone, but our community’s dedication to Lights for Life and the hospital shines through.  The incredible number of donations received this year will significantly impact healthcare at your hospital. Thank you for being a part of this amazing fundraiser! —– About Lights for Life Throughout November, supporters dedicated lights and displays in memory and in honour of their loved ones by donating to the PCH Foundation. Those dedications are gathered in a keepsake book that is available in the vestibule at the front door of PCH. Every donation supports the purchase of medical equipment through the Foundation’s 2023 Vital Signs Appeal for the hospital’s greatest needs. Thanks to community support, the entire front of the hospital will come to life with a multitude of holiday lights and displays synchronized to music. These celebratory light shows begin … Continued

StandardAero Propels Healthcare for Another Decade

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November 21,2023 Summerside, PE – The Prince County Hospital Foundation (PCH Foundation) celebrates a renewed and remarkable ten-year partnership with StandardAero, a prominent aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider. This enduring commitment of $200,000, publicly announced at the Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots event in Summerside this past September, signifies StandardAero’s unwavering dedication to the local community and the advancement of healthcare accessibility. This new ten-year pledge comes as the company completed a similar commitment made at “Grass Roots” in 2013. Mark O’Keefe, acting VP/GM of StandardAero, shared insight into the company’s ethos and community engagement: “Our team takes immense pride in supporting the PCH Foundation. We have a genuine concern for our community and its members, and contributing to our local hospital foundation aligns perfectly with our values. Healthcare is a universal necessity, a constant presence in everyone’s life. Through this pledge, we contribute to the well-being of all, enabling people to lead healthier and more joyful lives.” StandardAero has been a vital ally in the PCH Foundation’s mission to enhance healthcare services by investing in state-of-the-art medical technologies. The company’s ongoing contributions have not only fortified the foundation’s objectives but have also significantly impacted the health and well-being of the local community. The Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots … Continued

Lights for Life 2023

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In November, the Prince County Hospital Foundation welcomes donations in memory or honour of loved ones, with all contributions directed toward purchasing medical equipment for the hospital, such as the new scopes and patient beds among other vital pieces needed in 2023. The “Lights for Life” initiative will play an essential role in helping the PCH Foundation achieve its $2.3 million fundraising goal for the year. Heather Matheson, Managing Director of the PCH Foundation, shares, ” Donation packages have been distributed by mail, and you can also contribute online. This heartening occasion allows everyone to join in the festivities while raising funds for the hospital. Your generosity supports patients throughout the island, and each specially dedicated light or display carries profound significance for us, the contributors, and the hospital, as it enhances the overall health and welfare of all Islanders.” Gift dedications can start as low as $10.00, and all donations received before noon on November 18th will be included in a keepsake dedication book. Following this, the community is invited to enjoy nightly light shows from December 1st through 31st at 6 PM, 7 PM, and 8 PM, where the entire front of PCH is illuminated with lights and … Continued

ADL Supports Care at PCH

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  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Prince County Hospital Foundation Celebrates Generous Multi-Year Pledge from Amalgamated Dairies Limited Summerside, Prince Edward Island – October 20, 2023  The Prince County Hospital Foundation is delighted to announce a transformative multi-year pledge from Amalgamated Dairies Limited (ADL), a long-standing pillar of support in our community. ADL’s generous commitment of $275,000 was revealed during the Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots fundraising dinner and auction held this past September, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to improving healthcare in Prince County and across the island. ADL has consistently proven itself to be a company with a heart, fostering a deep connection with our community. Their remarkable pledge is a testament to their commitment to the well-being of our region, particularly the patients and families who rely on Prince County Hospital’s services. The announcement was met with excitement and gratitude from all those involved in the Foundation. Gordon MacFarlane, President of the Prince County Hospital Foundation, commented, “We are deeply grateful for ADL’s tremendous support. This pledge is a significant step towards our goal of enhancing healthcare in Prince County. It will undoubtedly have a far-reaching impact on the lives of our patients and their families.” Cole Noonan, Board President … Continued

A day in the life of

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A day in the life of Taylor, a Respiratory Therapist   Taylor has an important, life-saving job, but their profession is one that most people would not be able to describe. They are a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). Here is a snapshot of how Taylor spends their day. Their shift starts in the hospital report room at 7:30AM – coffee in hand, they are prepared for the 12-hour shift ahead of them. With their ever-present stethoscope around their neck and a pen in their pocket, Taylor learns from their co-worker, who is finishing the night shift, about the patient requirements for the day – three patients on BiPAP need assessments, two patients need home oxygen assessments; one patient with a tracheostomy tube needs care; a breathing test has been ordered for a patient; and arterial blood gas needs to be drawn before a patient is sent home on oxygen. At 7:45 AM, just as the report is finished, a “Code Blue” is called in the emergency room. Taylor rushes to ER. They proceeded to intubate and ventilate the patient to keep her airway open. They help the team administer life-saving medications through the endotracheal tube. After 40 minutes of constant … Continued

Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots Results 2023

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Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots raised $3,213,753.50 for PCH! Thank you to everyone who attended Grass Roots this year. Whether you came to the stage with a huge pledge or you bought an arm’s length of 50/50 tickets, you helped make this event a success for the Prince County Hospital Foundation. The cash donations and pledges made tonight will go a long way in helping us provide vital medical equipment for patient care at the Prince County Hospital this year and for years to come. Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted with our evening. Thank you to all the amazing donors who came to the stage to make donations and multi-year pledges including Cavendish Farms, ADL, the Rotary Club of Summerside, AddiCan, JMK Fishmart, D.P. Murphy Inc, Austin Ramona Roberts, StandardAero, Summerside Auto Parts, Island Coastal, Travellers Rest Mini Homes, Strait Crossing Bridge Ltd, MRSB,PCH Auxiliary, among other very significant gifts. Most of all, we thank Warren Ellis, his family, and the team at Summerside Chrysler Dodge for making Grass Roots a reality again this year. Warren is the lynchpin of this event and we don’t know what we would do without him. Again thank you to all … Continued

FAQ for Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots 2023

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We are looking forward to welcoming all our supporters to Island Petroleum Energy Centre at Credit Union Place in Summerside. For those joining us on September 9th for Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots, here are a few “Frequently Asked Questions” that will help you prepare for the evening. See you there! This year’s event will be a sit-down dinner. As with 2022, there is no longer be a drive-thru/take-out option. Doors open at 5pm and the show ends at approximately 9:30pm. To ensure seating for a large group, come early. There is no assigned seating. Please bring your ticket! Cash Bar at 5:00 pm, Dinner at 6pm – The menu includes lobster, prime rib, turkey and dressing, whipped potatoes, and a medley of vegetables. Dessert: chocolate gateau with raspberry coulis or bananas foster cake. Coffee stations are available. Live Auction of 50+ items. Auction items can be paid for on-site by credit card and cash or in our office at a later date. The event is on the rink surface again this year, though the ice is not yet in place, so it will not be as cold underfoot. The bar and 50/50 are cash only. All funds raised support … Continued

Statement from the Board: Making Healthcare a Priority in Prince County

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  With the support of the community, the PCH Foundation has stood strong for its hospital since 1993, ensuring the facility has been supplied with new medical technology and that appropriate services are available for all patients. The Foundation’s Board of Directors helps guide the foundation in this mission and are grateful, careful stewards of the donations received for the betterment of Prince County Hospital. In recent years, the Board has needed to advocate for PCH, its patients and the healthcare team who continue to deliver quality care through trying times. We will continue to stand firmly with our PCH family through the temporary loss of ICU services for Island patients and the ongoing recruitment struggles impacting PCH. We also stand with our concerned communities and donors who care about their hospital and protecting its services. Prince County Hospital plays a key role in providing healthcare services for Islanders. All Island hospitals must work together to ensure we have the services available and the teams in place to save lives when every second counts. Together we are strong. Together, we are PCH. The Board has been meeting and will continue to meet with all levels of Island Government, PCH Leadership, … Continued

Prince County Hospital Foundation Launches 2023 Vital Signs Appeal to Raise $2,335,450

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Photo cutline: PCH surgeon Dr. Simon MacDonald, assisted by LPN Marlene Mann, demonstrates an Endoscope on “patient,” Endoscopy RN Sharon Schurman. Prince County Hospital Foundation Launches 2023 Vital Signs Appeal to Raise $2,335,450.00 for Medical Equipment Summerside, Prince Edward Island, May 12th, 2023 – The Prince County Hospital Foundation Board of Directors is excited to announce the launch of its 2023 Vital Signs Appeal, aimed at raising $2,335,450.00 to purchase new and replacement medical equipment for Prince County Hospital. As one of the two acute healthcare facilities in Prince Edward Island, Prince County Hospital serves a vital role in the community, providing high-quality care to patients from across the region. The hospital’s medical equipment is crucial to delivering the best possible care, but with technology constantly evolving, it’s essential to have the latest advancements for healthcare professionals to continue providing safe and effective care. This year’s list of greatest needs contains critical pieces such as cardiac testing equipment, a “mom” simulator for childbirth training, and a full complement of endoscopes. The scopes to be replaced include gastroscopes and colonoscopes used to examine the digestive tract and bronchoscopes used to explore the lungs. According to PCH Surgeon Dr. Simon MacDonald, “With … Continued

PCH Foundation 2022 Annual Meeting

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The Prince County Hospital Foundation’s Annual Meeting for 2022 was recorded on April 25th, 2023. In this video, you will find our Presidential Report presented by 2023 President Gordon MacFarlane, PCH’s Administration Report from Director of Nursing Andrea Wile, our Treasurer’s Report from Les MacLean, as well as the PCH Auxiliary’s Betty Robertson. Interested parties can pick up a copy of our Annual Report at the PCH Foundation office or at the following link: Newsletter and Report Audited financial statements are available upon request at the PCH Foundation office in the hospital lobby.  

2022 Annual Report and 2023 Spring Newsletter

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Below you will find the digital version of our publication “Caring Connections” that was mailed in April 2023. This document combines the 2022 Annual Report to our Community and our newsletter that is published twice per year. 2022 PCH Foundation Annual Report and Spring Newsletter 2023

Master Packaging Inc. Invests Significantly in PCH Mammography Patients

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 10, 2023 Summerside, PE  In 2022 the Prince County Hospital welcomed a new, state of the art, Digital Mammography Unit in the Diagnostic Imaging Department. At an overall cost of $600,000, the new and improved technology was the key focus of the Foundation’s campaign and the advancements it offered would be a boon for patients seeking this critical service. The previous Mammography Unit was the first of its kind on PEI, having been put into service at PCH in 2009. Over the course of its lifespan, it provided breast images for over 60,000 patients. Part way into the 2021 fundraising year, and with Digital Mammography the centre of attention, Ms. Mary-Jean Irving and the team at Master Packaging came forward with a significant gift of $500,000 fulfilling the balance of funding needed to purchase the new unit. “We certainly benefit from the generosity of many people during our annual campaigns, but to receive such a gift all at one is a rare occurrence,” said Heather Matheson, Foundation’s Managing Director. “Ms. Irving has been a longtime friend of the Foundation and notably a generous advocate for ensuring essential breast health equipment is readily available on PEI, giving patients … Continued