The PCH Foundation’s annual meeting has been postponed until such time as it can be held safely and in accordance with the Renew PEI guidelines. In the meantime, we are preparing our annual report which will be blended with our “Caring Connections” newsletter. This document will be mailed to qualifying donors and will also be available at the PCH Foundation office, as well as posted on here pchcare.com.
We are thrilled to say that we are approximately half way to our $50,000 goal for the COVID-19 Project. The Glidescope for the ICU, like the one displayed by Dr. Irvine and Dr. Drost, is the largest ticket item in “phase one” of this short-term urgent needs project. The list also includes (4) Feeding Pumps at $4,000 per unit, and a number of other important pieces such as a BiPap, AirVo units and thermometers. There have been over 90 generous donations received so far on this project including a couple of significant gifts. A leadership gift of $10,000 was received recently from Judy K. Profitt in memory of her great-uncle, Richard S. Hinton (a life-long supporter of PCH, Board Member & Benefactor) and her grandparents, Dr. Harry & Kathleen Allen. Her grandmother Kathleen (Hinton) Allen was Richard’s sister. There are several other large donations we will highlight in the coming days. We are so appreciative of every gift received and we want to say “thank you” to every donor who has taken the time to make a donation on our secure website or by calling our office at (902) 432-2547. We want our caring communities to know that every … Continued
As part of the $50,000 short term COVID 19 project, the Internal Medicine Physicians have requested the emergency purchase of a glidescope system for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a cost of $31,000. This device is essential for PCH during this pandemic to obtain an emergency airway for COVID-19 patients during intubation. This device assists in seeing the vocal cords to ensure a secure airway is attained by allowing the user to actually see and verify tube placement. Currently the ICU does not have a glidescope device system and is required to borrow from the Emergency Department which is not always possible. Photo: Staff have been doing simulations in ICU almost daily the last two weeks using the unit from ER in preparation for possible ventilation of COVID patients. If you want to help support this emergency purchase for PCH, please visit /pch-covid-19-project/ Or call us at (902) 432-2547 to make your gift today. StayHomePEI #PCHFCOVIDCare #PEI
Dear Friends of Prince County Hospital and the PCH Foundation, Let’s take some time out for a little good news today! I think we can all use that. Over the past weeks, we have witnessed some very generous and caring acts benefiting our wonderful team here at the Prince County Hospital. This has included words of encouragement by email, thoughtful pictures and messages from children in our communities, many acts of kindness from individuals and businesses, and online donations received with positive messages from grateful people. It fills our hearts and gives strength to everyone. You should know that PCH Leadership and front-line staff are working tirelessly to plan and prepare for the impact of COVID-19. Hospital security and screening measures have been stepped up to reduce risk for patients and visitors. A pre-screening mobile for emergency patients has been set-up outside the Emergency Department to help support increased volumes of patients if the need arises. (This does not replace 811 or the cough and fever clinics). In addition, ample space has been identified within the building to care for symptomatic patients and house the crucial supplies required for their care. In times of crisis we all need feelings of … Continued
It’s times like this that our caring communities lean on PCH, the nurses, physicians and staff the most. Now more than even we appreciate the support you have given to the patients of your hospital. After all, it is your generous gifts have put life saving tools in the hands of our healthcare team. To all of the heroes here within our walls… THANK YOU. Whether you are a part of the incredible cleaning staff, a nurse on pediatrics, or an Emergency physician, you all play a vital role here at our hospital. In support of our dedicated healthcare team at PCH and their ongoing efforts to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, PCH Foundation office will be closed to the public until further notice. For the time being our staff will be working from home and can be reached for by the following means: BY PHONE: (902) 432-2547 Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm EMAIL: hematheson@ihis.org WEBSITE: www.pchcare.com Donations can be made securely online, or by phone Please be sure to monitor local media and follow directions as laid out by Health PEI. We can all do our part to flatten the curve.
The volunteer board of directors and staff at the Prince County Hospital Foundation are thrilled to announce that due to tremendous public support, the Foundation will be able to purchase every item listed in the 2019 $2.2 million Vital Signs appeal. Through a generous mix of fundraising activities the non-profit organization credits its “caring communities” as the key to success. Signature events like Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots and Lights for Life, which raised $872,388 and $267,535 respectively, are joined by smaller scale events, annual mailings, memorial gifts and gifts of stock, among other sources to ensure the hospital remains well equipped. “The support of our donors never ceases to amaze us,” says board president Liz Maynard. “As the hospital continues to grow in terms of services, the support of donors keeps pace.” The Foundation relies on public support to raise the funds necessary to keep the hospital outfitted with the medical equipment and technology needed to maintain patient care. “We have some of the best staff, nurses and physicians in Atlantic Canada and it is imperative that we keep them well equipped to care for our friends and families here on PEI,” continued Maynard. “The greatest needs of PCH … Continued
Beginning at 6:15PM on Wednesday, December 4th, you can join the PCH Foundation for the annual Lights for Life Celebration – the largest lighting ceremony of its kind on PEI. The PCH Staff choir will entertain the crowd with live carolling and the Lights for Life dedication books will be distributed. Attendees can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, cider and cookies before the official agenda begins at 6:30PM. Following a short ceremony to acknowledge sponsors and announce the grand total raised, the lighting will begin. This wonderful display will illuminate the sky as the lights and displays move to the music that has been thoughtfully choreographed. 5:45 – 6:15 – Shuttle courtesy of Summerside Chrysler Dodge from Superstore Parking Lot 6:00 pm – onsite parking opens for elderly and people with disabilities 6:15 live caroling from staff choir, cookies, cider hot chocolate, Lights for Life books released 6:30 show begins with introductions followed by lighting Donations can still be made until Dec 31st at pchcare.com ———OFFICIAL RELEASEOn Wednesday evening December 4th at 6:30PM, all are invited to attend the 25th annual Lights for Life at Prince County Hospital. During the month of November, the PCH Foundation gathers donations in memory and … Continued
Our Communications Officer, Bevan, had the chance to visit the Roberts’ property in Kinkora this fall to accept a most generous donation of $5,200 from Peter and Paulette Roberts. Here is the story of how the family turned an old cow barn into a gathering place for Island farm history, benefiting PCH Foundation and baby Paizlee Rose The Roberts’ old cattle barn was being used as an ice rink in the winters when Peter Roberts’ children were small. Dubbed “Cow Stadium” (a play on Summerside’s old Cahill Stadium), the children of Kinkora had a place to lace up their skates for a number of years. As Peter’s children outgrew the rink, the barn was taken over by a collection of antique farm machinery and tractors that were amassed by Peter and his father Lorne. Recently, the Roberts family held their 5th annual Antique Show and Silent Auction in that space, raising $10,400 to be split between the PCH Foundation and in support of local baby Paizlee Rose. For years upon years the Roberts family has been farming potatoes on the outskirts of Kinkora. Gradually, other farms went up for sale in the surrounding area. Peter Roberts and his father Lorne … Continued
Women’s Golf Event Raises Funds for Women’s Wellness In 2019 the PCH Foundation was tasked with raising $23,000 for a colposcope to be used in the new Women’ Wellness Centre being constructed at PCH. Colposcopy is a medical diagnostic procedure to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix and the tissues of the vagina and vulva. Many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have noticeable characteristics which can be detected through the examination. This is just one of the many new services added to PCH through the inclusion of the new Women’s Wellness Centre.
Despite Mother Nature, the 11th annual Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots fund raiser was once again a great success. Although Hurricane Dorian picked up as the evening progressed, it did not dampen the spirits of those 1000+ people who joined together to raise funds for medical equipment for Prince County Hospital. The event raised an astonishing $872,388 in cash and future pledges that will help the foundation close in on its goal this year and will help for several years to come. In fact, this influx of funds brings the Foundation to 54% of the $2.2 million goal for 2019. Following such a successful event, we would like to thank everyone who made it possible. Whether you bought tickets, donated or purchased an auction item, made a generous donation on stage or on our website, or if you turned out to volunteer, we thank you for your support. We would also like to thank the City of Summerside for their major contribution to the success of this event over the past 11 years. We would also like to extend a special “thank you” to event organizer Warren Ellis, his family and his business Summerside Chrysler Dodge and its employees. Warren brought this idea to us many years ago, and it has grown into something that no … Continued
“It started with a sore throat and ear infection …that’s what I thought it was. It got pretty bad. When I couldn’t keep any water down, I went to PCH Emergency – waited, had a brief exam and was sent home because it was thought to be viral,” said Tyler Kember in a spring 2019 interview. The Summerside business owner and father of three was presenting with what seemed like common cold and flu symptoms. “I went to see my family doctor on Monday and he called PCH and sent me to Emergency. There was a stretcher waiting. My doctor later told me that in another four hours I could have been dead. I was one of the sickest people he’d ever had in the medical centre.” “My kidneys had shut down and I was septic – they didn’t really know the cause of it. If my blood hadn’t been infected – it just looked like normal stuff (the previous symptoms). By then I had a pretty big swelling on my neck. They monitored me to try to figure what it was. At first they thought it might be strep throat and they might need to do surgery. I couldn’t … Continued
Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots is moving ahead, as scheduled. In tracking the weather and in consultation with Credit Union Place staff, we are confident in the plan that is in place. The CUP is one of the most secure locations on the island and the only thing that could alter plans now would be a major power outage during the event, for which there is a plan. Obviously, we trust that folks will make their own travel judgments, otherwise we hope to see you there! 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. Buffet lines open at 6pm. Buffet includes: Lobster & Steak, 4 salads, a roll, chowder, and dessert. Auction items can be paid for on site by credit card and cash or in our office at a later date (38 items this year!) – Auction items Bar and Water Stations are cash only All funds raised support the purchase of medical equipment for the PCH! The ice is in (but covered) closed toes shoes are recommended and you may want to bring a sweater.
Mark your calendars and lace up your runners!Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1627014390764709/ The 18th Friendship Run presented this year by Atlantic Superstore – Summerside, organized by Dr. Michael Irvine, centre, is a fundraising event for the Prince County Hospital Foundation’s Equipment Appeal – Vital Signs. This year the event will consist of both a 10 km competitive run as well as a 5 km fun run. The run is scheduled for Saturday, August 31st and will start at the Wilmot Community Centre in Summerside at 9:00am for the 10K and 9:20am for the 5K. Registration is slated for 8:00am and no pre-registration is required. One hundred per cent of the $20.00 registration fee goes to the hospital foundation. The route will take runners through a scenic loop in Summerside including forested sections of the Rotary Friendship Park (10K only) and the Confederation Trail. In the photo attached, organizer Dr. Michael Irvine, is joined by run volunteer and PCH staff member, Sheila MacMurdo and former 10K event winner Scott Clark, left. We are still looking for a few course volunteers. If you can help out, please contact Kelly at (902) 432-2547 or kmarsenault@ihis.org
2019 Results Tickets for the 11th annual Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots are now on sale. This event has become a staple in the community not only as an important fundraiser for the Prince County Hospital Foundation, but also as a community gathering not to be missed. This year’s event will again feature many musical acts for patrons to enjoy along with a steak and lobster dinner. Allison Smith will be the returning voice of the auction while Kerri-Wynne MacLeod (of Ocean 100) and Roger Ahern will share emcee duties. This fundraising event is organized and financed by Warren Ellis, and supported by his team and his family, meaning 100% of every dollar raised at the event will support the purchase of much needed medical equipment for patients at the Prince County Hospital. Not only that, but each ticket purchased includes a chance to win a Jeep Wrangler Sport donated by Ellis’ business Summerside Chrylser Dodge. “Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots has become a flagpole in the success of the PCH Foundation’s Vital Signs Appeal,” says PCH Foundation volunteer president Liz Maynard. “As the greatest needs in medical equipment and technology continue to grow in both volume and price, this … Continued
Tune in for the 4th annual Operation Spare Change on June 12th! Our friends at Ocean 100, Hot 105.5 and Confederation Bridge have teamed up again to collect change to benefit the patients at PCH through our Vital Signs equipment appeal. From now until June 12th, visit any of the partner locations listed below find the OPERATION SPARE CHANGE BUCKET and leave us some spare change to make a big difference at you hospital. Who’s involved for 2019? Check out the list of great partners: ADL Callbecks Home Hardware Callbecks Home Furniture Key Murray Law County Fair Mall Cox & Palmer Credit Union Place Novus Glass in Summerside Prestige Kitchens, Home Décor & Floral Sobeys in Summerside Spring Valley Building Centre Summerside Superstore Summerside Farmers Market Township Chev Town & Country Carpet One Summerside Toyota Malpeque Fine Iron Products Red Shores Summerside Vogue Optical
Photo: “I just wanted to be home.” Angie MacCaull can attest to the value of care close to home. (Read Angie’s story here). Angie is pictured with one of 29 cardiac monitors to be replaced in 2019. When we think of the heart, its power and what it symbolizes in our lives, we think of many things. The heart is the engine that sustains life; it’s also meant to represent the love you have for the important people in around you. What you want for them and for yourself is health and happiness. As a major part of the PCH Foundation’s Vital Signs Appeal this year, we will be talking a lot about the heart. A key part of this campaign is the replacement of all of the cardiac monitors at PCH. This two year project is the “heart” of our campaign and it touches nearly every person admitted to PCH. The cardiac monitors represent $420,000 of the $2.2 million needed to provide up-to-date medical equipment for the patients at PCH this year. A host of other medical equipment needed to keep care close to home can be found at pchcare.com/greatest-needs We need your help to ensure our patients have … Continued
“I just wanted to be home.” This was not the sentiment Angie MacCaull and her husband Mike were hoping for when they set out for a cruise out of Miami. They would never set foot on the boat. Angie was doubled over in pain in her Florida hotel room when they decided to rush back to PEI for treatment. With the severe heaviness in her chest, they knew it was something serious. In the lead up to the trip, Angie had endured similar attacks. Having ruled out a number of possibilities including a gallbladder issue, through blood work, ultrasounds, electrocardiographs (ECG) and other testing at PCH, she was released with what was thought to be acid reflux. The attending physician encouraged her to return if she had further pain. “It was the best thing he could have said to me,” she remarked. Upon arrival home, Angie was admitted to PCH for extensive testing. By the next day, it was suggested that a family history of esophageal spasms could be the culprit and she was medicated accordingly. The treatment appeared to be working, and she was able to go home. The attacks returned that night and Angie went back to … Continued
The PCH Foundation presents the annual Harry T. Holman award to a volunteer or volunteer group who has made a significant contribution to Prince County Hospital and the people it serves. In 2018, we were pleased to recognize Susan Cameron for her long term volunteer efforts. Susan has served her hospital in a wide variety of roles in the PCH Auxiliary, including as Secretary, President (more than once), and fulfilling the role as Treasurer, when needed. In recent years, she has also been a key member of the Foundation’s Women’s Golf Classic” planning committee.. The PCH Foundation has awarded the Harry T. Holman award now for 34 years to some wonderful people and dedicated groups. If you know of a person or group that has made a great impact at PCH, please nominate them for the Harry T. Holman award using the form attached or email info@pchcare.com to receive a form. Deadline for nominations – April 18th, 4:30pm 2019 Holman Award Form
Patient Donna Bernard, seated, is joined by PCH Dialysis staff, from left, Bethany Craig, LPN; Kellie Taylor, RN; Team Lead Fawn Murphy, RN; and Lori Nispel, RN. The machine being used for Donna’s dialysis is part of the greatest needs funded through the PCH Foundation’s Vital Signs program in 2018. Because of the ongoing support of thousands of Islanders, the Prince County Hospital Foundation will be able to purchase every item on the 2018 “Vital Signs” list of the hospital’s greatest needs. Many items have already been purchased and are in use at PCH, such as the $25,000 dialysis machine that was recently installed in the Hemodialysis Unit. Great strides have been made in this department since it was added to PCH in 2012, with extended hours and top of the line equipment meaning they are now dialyzing more patients than ever (36 per week). Dialysis Team Lead Fawn Murphy remarked, “The new machines are much faster to setup and are much more user friendly for staff.” These advancements mean the time to prepare a dialysis machine for the next patient is shorter. The remaining pieces of medical equipment are at varying stages in the purchasing process and will … Continued
