News

Friendship 100KM Team Challenge The Friendship 100KM Team Challenge is a new virtual event that can be held with social distancing in mind. We will see much of the team camaraderie and healthy competition from the cancelled Friendship Run and the Bedpan Relay without the crowded start/finish lines or the handing off of a baton. Teams of 10-20 people will divide the 100km goal into increments of 5 or 10km, using the well-known run routes of the Friendship Run. Runners must complete their solo 5 or 10 km continuously (in one run) between September 4th and 12th along the Friendship Run courses on the map provided and submit their time and race data (see link below). The team that completes the 100KM with the lowest recorded group time is declared the winner! (PCH and Community Catergories)Have your captain contact Bevan Woodacre in the PCH Foundation office or Sheila MacMurdo in PCH Rehabilitative Services. Deadline for entry is August 21st.Bevan Woodacre bdwoodacre@ihis.org 902.432.2858Sheila MacMurdo smmacmurdo@ihis.org 902.438.4480 Full Details here
Meet Melissa and Adrien “He has a bit of a cough,” the daycare workers said to Melissa Bagnall when she picked up her 18 month old son, Adrien. After a restless night, the cough appeared worse and Adrien did not seem like himself. Melissa called the office of her family physician, Dr. Sharpe, for an appointment; they fit them in that afternoon. After seeing how hard Adrien was working to breathe, they were sent to the Maternal Child Care Unit (MCCU) at Prince County Hospital for a consult with Dr. David Wong. When they arrived at the hospital, they were met by Adrien’s father, Glenn. When patients arrive at the hospital unit to see the doctor, pediatric nurses must demonstrate a calm skill-set as they assess, prioritize and manage patients until a doctor arrives. Jaime Richard and Erica Waite were the RNs on duty in MCCU that day. They quickly realized how sick Adrien was and contacted Dr. Wong. A portable chest x-ray revealed that his upper airways were very swollen and becoming so tight that he was using all of the muscles in his chest and belly to suck in each breath. Bloodwork showed that his little lungs were beginning to shut down … View full news story.
COVID-19 Project Update – April 23 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 … View full news story.
COVID 19 Project 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
Office closed to public 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.
Foundation Surpasses 2019 Goal 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 … View full news story.
25th Lights for Life (2019) 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 … View full news story.
Colposcope 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.
Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots Results 2019 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 … View full news story.
Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots Frequently Asked Questions 2019 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.
18th Friendship Run for PCH Presented by Atlantic Superstore Summerside 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
Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots 2019 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 … View full news story.
Operation Spare Change 2019 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
Vital Signs Equipment Appeal 2019 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 … View full news story.
Cardiac Care Close to Home : Angie MacCaull “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 … View full news story.
Lights for Life Results 2018 Thanks to your donations in memory and in honour of loved ones, Lights for Life raised $244,682 for the Prince County Hospital Foundation! These gifts will provide much needed medical equipment for many departments at PCH, including the replacement of the main X-Ray machine as part of the $1.5 million 2018 Vital Signs Campaign. Along with our many donors from across this great province, we would like to thank our sponsors Presenting Sponsors: Credit Unions in Prince County – Consolidated Credit Union, Tignish Credit Union, Évangéline-Central Credit Union, Malpeque Bay Credit Union Gold Sponsors: PEI Mutual Insurance Company Journal Pioneer MBS Radio Stations (Spud FM, Q93, CFCY) Silver Sponsors: Canadian Tire – Summerside A special thanks to Prince County Hospital Administration and Staff for their commitment to Lights for Life. We are fortunate to have the dedication of PCH Maintenance Department staff who have put up every light and display to make this community event a reality. Thanks as well to Environmental Services and Nutritional Services for their parts in the success of this event. Thank you to our many volunteers – Emcee Chris Pride, PCH Staff Choir, PCH Auxiliary, Youth Who Care, PCH Front Desk Volunteers, … View full news story.
Lights for Life 2018 On Wednesday evening December 5th at 6:30PM, all are invited to attend the 24th annual Lights for Life at Prince County Hospital. During the month of November, the PCH Foundation gathers donations in memory and in honour of loved ones. Those dedications are collected in a keepsake book that is distributed at the event on December 5th. The evening itself is an annual lighting display during which the community gathers at PCH for an evening of song and remembrance. The lighting ceremony is choreographed to music in a touching display with something for everyone. You can help create this wonderful display of lights by purchasing a light in honour or in memory of someone special and your gift will help provide vital medical equipment for PCH. “Lights for Life has grown over the past 24 years thanks to the many people who have chosen to remember someone in their lives either by dedicating a light in their honour or in their memory,” said PCH Foundation Managing Director Heather Matheson. “This is one of the best times of the year for the Foundation as we get to meet a lot of people and talk about what Lights for Life means to … View full news story.
Stewart McKelvey Returns a Jeep On September 8th Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots culminated with the announcement of the winner of the Jeep Wrangler Sport courtesy of Summerside Chrysler Dodge. Stewart McKelvey Law Office in Charlottetown walked away as the new owners of that incredible vehicle. They saw an opportunity to make a difference at our hospital and they have donated the Jeep back to the PCH Foundation! Grass Roots Founder Warren Ellis, right, is joined by PCH Foundation Managing Director Heather Matheson, far left, and Brody Ellis ,third right, in accepting the Jeep from Stewart McKelvey Managing Partner Paul Kiley, second right. Back row left to right: Perlene Morrison, Jennifer MacPherson, Spencer Campbell, Geoff Connolly, Margaret Anne Walsh. Sitting in the Jeep are Janet Clark and Jim Travers.
Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots 2018 results Grass Roots was a rousing success again in 2018. The event raised $1,701,041 ($601,041 in cash and $1.1 million in future pledges) for medical equipment at the Prince County Hospital, helping to bring us to 65 % of our goal for 2018! An enormous thank you to Warren Ellis and his family, as well as their business, Summerside Chrysler Dodge for their support in organizing and financing this very special community gathering in support of PCH. Thank you also to all of those who made commitments large and small in support of the fudnraiser. Whether you were a volunteer, a ticket buyer, a table sponsors, or an auction bidder, you played an important role in the success of Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots.
Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots 2018 UPDATED- Grass Roots & Cowboy Boots Results Hitch up your wagons and shoe the horses, “Grass Roots and Cowboy Boots” is coming back for a 10th ride. This fundraising dinner, auction, and show in support of the Prince County Hospital Foundation will take place on September 8th at the Credit Union Place. Attended each year by a crowd of over 1300, guests are treated to live entertainment all evening by local musicians and they will be joined this year by comedian Jimmy the Janitor. The steak and lobster dinner will be back on the menu and will be followed by a live auction with Allison Smith and a cavalcade of wonderful items up for grabs. The evening will culminate with a draw for a brand new Jeep Wrangler Sport courtesy of the organizer Warren Ellis,left, and Summerside Chrysler Dodge. Mr. Ellis is joined in the photo by his son Brody, back right, and the Vice President of the PCH Foundation’s volunteer board of directors, Liz Maynard. The event is also possible due to the ongoing support of our sponsors the City of Summerside. Warren Ellis and his family have been the main benefactors of this event since it began. … View full news story.