News

30th Lights for Life The Prince County Hospital Foundation has launched the 30th Lights for Life appeal!
Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots 2024 Results An amazing evening of community spirit for PCH!
President’s Statement – PCH Update June 2024 “We are encouraged by the recent update from Minister Mark McLane and Health PEI CEO Melanie Fraser regarding the progress being made at Prince County Hospital – especially in Critical Care. As noted, recently Health PEI has made great steps in strengthening your hospital including the hiring of: 2 Internal Medicine Specialists – One who has started, another starting in July (these new hires complement the two existing internal medicine physicians) Increased Respiratory Therapist staff to 6.4 in the PCH 3 new additional RNs to the PCU team and 4 Emergency Dept. nurses joining in the near future Health PEI has also hired a permanent Administrator for PCH (who we will introduce more fully tomorrow) The commitment shown by Minister McLane and CEO Fraser, as well as their collaboration with PCH physicians, nurses, and health professionals, underscores their dedication to stabilizing and enhancing critical care services. This proactive approach is crucial in ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare to our community and the eventual return of our ICU in full. The City of Summerside’s endorsement of this initiative further highlights the collective effort to restore and expand sustainable healthcare services at PCH. We remain committed to supporting these efforts through … View full news story.
Prince County Hospital Foundation Launches 2024 Vital Signs Appeal The Prince County Hospital Foundation is launching its 2024 Vital Signs Appeal with the ambitious goal of raising $2,023,700 to supply new and replacement medical equipment for Prince County Hospital.
Meet Kay Mara Kay’s story started in February 2023, when she was hospitalized with acute respiratory failure and infection in her peritoneal dialysis catheter. After presenting at the PCH Emergency Department, she was sent to QEH where her hemodialysis line was replaced. Once she was stabilized, Kay was transferred to the Surgical Restorative Unit at PCH for her recovery and rehabilitation
2023 Annual Meeting 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
New Year’s Baby: A Life Hanging in the Balance Courage, quick thinking, thorough training, and the unyielding dedication of our healthcare professionals prevented tragedy when every moment counted.
2023 Annual Report and Spring Newsletter 2024 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 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 … View full news story.
Lights for Life Results 2023 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 … View full news story.
Lights for Life 2023 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 … View full news story.
ADL Supports Care at PCH 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 … View full news story.
Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots Results 2023 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 … View full news story.
Statement from the Board: Making Healthcare a Priority in Prince County 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, … View full news story.
Prince County Hospital Foundation Launches 2023 Vital Signs Appeal to Raise $2,335,450 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 … View full news story.
PCH Foundation 2022 Annual Meeting 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 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 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 … View full news story.
Lights for Life 2022 Results and Shows THANK YOU #PEI, You’ve raised $286,940 for medical equipment to help patients at PCH! In year 28, more than 1800 of you made gifts in memory and in honour of loved ones to help brighten our hospital in so many ways! The longevity of Lights for life can be attributed to the love our community has for PCH and the heartwarming connection to loved ones that Lights for Life provides. Gifts made to Lights for Life this year will make a huge impact in healthcare at PCH. We thank you all, most sincerely. —– About Lights for Life at Prince County Hospital Since 1995, Lights for Life has been an important part of the PEI community, a vital fundraiser for the Prince County Hospital Foundation, and an opportunity to remember and honour your loved ones during the holiday season. During the month of November, the PCH Foundation accepts donations in memory and in honour of loved ones and those dedications are gathered in a keepsake book available beginning tonight at PCH. The fundraiser culminates in nightly choreographed music and light shows running throughout December at PCH. Bring the family, tune in on your radio and enjoy the show from the … View full news story.
Meet April and Family Teacher April Chaulk and her husband Brockk had been waiting nine long months for their first child to arrive. The day came last year when little Baxter joined them in the Maternal Child Care Unit at the Prince County Hospital. At first, all seemed fine. This should have been the most joyous moment of April’s life. “Shortly after Baxter was born, he was placed on my chest for about 30 minutes and then I started to feel extremely weak and the nurse came and checked and I had hemorrhaged very, very badly.” April was rushed to surgery to investigate the source of her bleeding. “I remember looking at my husband and Baxter, he was under the lights.” Baxter needed some time in the Infant Warmer (included in each of the private birthing suites), he also had a bit of jaundice that could be cleared up with UV lights, if needed (it wasn’t). “I remember leaving him and seven nurses rolled me down to the OR. I opened my eyes part way through and looked at the nurse and said, ‘am I going to be okay?’ and she said ‘We are going to get you back to your baby.’ At that … View full news story.