As 2011 ended, the Prince County Hospital Foundation’s Vital Signs Annual Equipment campaign came to a close. Thanks to the generosity of their donors, the foundation was able to raise $958,717 for priority medical equipment needed at the Prince County Hospital. This represents the largest amount of campaign dollars raised through only public funds in the history of the campaign.
In what was called a “stretch” campaign year, the foundation’s managing director, Heather Matheson, expressed great appreciation for all funds donated in 2011. “Our caring communities have once again come to the aid of the Prince County Hospital and the people it serves; those people include all of our friends, families, and neighbours. For many years it has been the responsibility of the communities to provide the medical equipment at the PCH. It has been no small feat over the years, but the communities have always been most generous. It is amazing that in such a small province nearly one million dollars can be raised in such a short time and to benefit so many people. We are truly grateful for the continued support of our donors and many community partners.”
Because of the success of programs such as Lights for Life, Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots, and by way of general donations, the foundation will be able to provide the PCH with the funds necessary to ensure everyone who visits the hospital has access to the best medical equipment available.
2011 was an especially challenging year, boasting one of the largest equipment lists to date. The 2011 equipment needs came from many departments at the Prince County Hospital and a large part of the goal was attributed to a new hemodialysis unit at the PCH. This new unit replaces the current unit at the Summerset Manor and will house 9 treatment chairs.
But, dialysis was just part of a large list of needs at the PCH in 2011. Medical/Palliative required at VersaCare Integrated Bed System ($35,000); Maternal Child Care needed 2 cardiac monitors ($70,000); and the Laboratory required a CBC Analyzer to test blood samples ($225,000). In Ambulatory Care, colonoscopes and gastroscopes were needed at a total cost of $151,824. 2011 was the final year in a 3 year commitment to revamp the endoscopy program with high definition equipment. The new scopes will present images in High Resolution Endoscopy. Much like your new television at home, it presents pristine high definition images; helping diagnosticians to see more and with better resolution.
Photo: Dialysis Unit progress in early January
