Community shows its heart raising $237,000 for cardiac equipment

Janice Heard, RN, demonstrated updated telemetry unit to Foundation members, supporters and donors.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation gave whole-hearted thanks for strong community support that helped raise $237,000 for new cardiac monitoring equipment at the County’s hospital in Picton.

The purchase of three bedside and four portable telemetry units marked the successful completion of the foundation’s fundraising campaign started last November. Telemetry is the constant monitoring of heart rates and rhythms and will benefit people living with heart disease and patients admitted with heart attacks, angina, congestive heart failure, drug overdoses, arrhythmia and those before and after heart surgery.

“This equipment is state-of-the-art,” said Dr. Don Koval, wearing one of the new portable units. “It allows our rural community hospital to look after cardiac, respiratory and other patients… in many cases, without having to send them on to another hospital.”

Koval noted it replaces 14-year-old equipment that had reached its best before date and was subject to replacement parts  borrowed from other hospitals.

“We look after an astonishing number of cardiac patients but this is also useful for those with respiratory problems and the mobility of the units allows constant monitoring, rather than taking equipment off for bathroom breaks and tests.”

Foundation President Leo Finnegan thanked key supporters and everybody in the community “helping the foundation support Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital as a vibrant community hospital.”

Registered Nurse Janice Heard provided a demonstration of the bedside unit, noting staff members are pleased to have the new equipment as it creates many efficiencies.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary was lead supporter of the campaign, along with the Stark Family Fund and a generous bequest from the estate of T. Dawson McWilliam. Almost 500 donors contributed to this campaign.

“Today is a great day in the County,” said Hazel Lloyst, interim director of development for the foundation. “I am thrilled with the commitment this community has shown. As the government does not pay for medical equipment, this support is essential. We are truly blessed living in this generous community which ensures we have a vibrant hospital equipped with the best medical equipment possible.”