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 be on site soon. The 2018 goal of $1.529 million was exceeded thanks to the generosity of communities across PEI through a breadth of fundraising means.
“Our Vital Signs mail program continues to play a pivotal role in our fundraising, “said Managing Director Heather Matheson. “That, combined with corporate and personal donations, online giving, gifts in wills and several signature events all come together to make a huge impact.” Both major events, “Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots” and “Lights for Life,” exceeded expectations with record fundraising years. It was also a year in which the organization saw growth in third party fundraising (fundraising by community members/groups who in turn donate their proceeds to a charity). “We are ever so grateful to the people and groups who take on these challenges and become champions for their hospital,” continued Matheson. “We always hear how rewarding it is to run such events. What a special way to give back to your community and a hospital that is there for you and your family.”
Newly minted Foundation president Liz Maynard adds, “The hospital just cannot function without community support. Our staff, physicians, and nurses are the best at what they do and through your donations, we are able to provide them with the best tools to help your friends and family. It’s comforting to know that when time matters most, our doctors and nurses have what they need to save lives.”
At their January meeting, the PCH Foundation volunteer Board of Directors approved a new greatest needs list for PCH that includes medical equipment and technology for nearly every hospital unit. This 2019 Vital Signs appeal will exceed $2.2 million and feature everything from beds to a full complement of cardiac monitors.
To stay up to date with the PCH Foundation or support their cause, find them on social media @pchfoundation and on their website pchcare.com.
