Doctor’s scary experience makes her a ‘bee-liever’ in supporting County’s hospital
Administrator | Nov 18, 2018 | Comments 2
A doctor living near Wellington is sharing a personal medical emergency story to remind others to “bee-lieve” in the need for services at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.
In the hospital foundation’s Christmas appeal letter – now arriving in County mailboxes – Dr. Yvonne Buys’ scary experience reminds readers they never know when they’ll be in need of immediate medical help.
Buys keeps bees, and although she wears protective clothing when harvesting honey, one day this past summer she was stung many times.
She wasn’t concerned at first, as for most people, insect stings are painful, but harmless.
However, when her breathing became difficult and her throat started to swell, Buys swallowed some Benadryl and injected herself with an Epi-Pen. Her sister began the drive from outside Wellington toward the hospital in Picton.
Minutes seemed like hours and the doctor realized she needed immediate medical attention. Her daughter called 911 and an within minutes, an ambulance met the family in Bloomfield and she was rushed to the hospital.
“I was extremely impressed with the professional and friendly care provided at the County hospital, said Buys. “After this scary experience, I appreciate how lucky we are to have such a wonderful hospital in our community. You never know when you might need care and it is comforting to know it is available.”
Last year, there were more than 40,000 patients through the doors at the County’s hospital. The emergency department alone cared for more than 50 people each day.
The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation sends its appeal letter each year to remind residents that medical equipment is not paid for by the government.
“Donations are the only way that we are able to provide our caregivers with the critical tools they need,” said Shannon Coull, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “From heart monitoring systems and defibrillators to scopes, the list of equipment we are fundraising for is extensive,” she said. “Our hospital is also in need of a new stretcher for ultrasound procedures, a ventilator for the emergency department, a vital signs monitor for use when patients are transported to other hospitals, a monitor for pediatric and neonatal patients, and infusion pumps – these are all crucial to caring for people at PECMH.”
The campaign needs to raise $255,000 this year. As well, funds are being raised toward the building of the new hospital.
The Foundation has a significant start to the $16.5 million required from the community toward the cost of the new hospital. It is expected to move into stage three of five early in 2019. Click here for more information on the ‘Back the Build’ campaign.
One of the hospital’s greatest champions – members of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary – raised $50,000 last year at its annual Festival of Trees fundraiser. This year’s sparkling festival of all that is Christmas will be held Nov. 23-25 at the Isaiah Tubbs Resort in West Lake. Admission is free of charge.
“We are so grateful for your generosity,” said Monica Alyea, chair of the Foundation. “Your donations have changed so many lies. Today we’re hoping you’ll help us change even more. Your gift to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation supports your hospital – here, in Prince Edward County.”
Donations of any amount are welcome in one-time, monthly gifts, bequests in wills, or on behalf of another as a Christmas gift.
For details, or more information, visit www.pecmhf.ca; email or call Shannon Coull, Executive Director at scoull@qhc.on.ca (613-476-1008 ext. 4503); Marthe Robertson, Campaign Manager at mrobertson@ghc.on.ca (ext. 4502) or Briar Boyce, Communications and Donations Co-ordinator at briar@pecmhf.ca (ext 4425).
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The Wellington Rotary Club has another way for people to contribute to the Hospital Construction Fund, at no cost to themselves. If you are an online shopper, you can join our FlipGive team. The participating online merchants will refund us part of your purchase–sometimes as much as 15%–for our hospital fund. For details, go to WellingtonRotary.ca and look for the FlipGive logo. We have raised over $1,800 this way so far. We need all the online shoppers in Prince Edward County to participate!
Ive mentioned this before – volunteers at the sandbanks 30,000 cars per weekend – a twooney a car $ 60,000.00 times 10 weekends a year !!!!! Volunteers outside a provincial park is Not illegal. If you were camping with your family you’d be more then happy to spare $2 or more to have a hospital nearby.