Donations to hospital going toward funding $2.8 CT scanner

Pictured at PECMH are Peter Campbell, Branch 160’s Poppy Fund Chairperson; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson; and (centre) Briar Boyce, senior development officer with PECMHF. – Sue Vincent photo

As the Thanksgiving weekend approaches, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation notes it is grateful for the continued support from members of the Royal Canadian Legion in Wellington.

On behalf of the Branch 160 Poppy Fund Committee, Peter Campbell presented $2,000 this week – from funds raised through the 2022 Poppy campaign. Branch 160’s cumulative giving total to the hospital over the past 22 years has surpassed $20,000.

For the first time in our County and hospital’s history, a $2.8 million Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanner is to be installed in the new hospital. Funds raised between now and the opening in 2027 are being directed to the diagnostic imaging tool.

A CT scan is a minimally invasive way to capture images that provide more detailed information than regular x-rays. In 2022, patients from Prince Edward County needed to be transferred to another Quinte Health hospital for a CT Scan close to 2,150 times.

“The foundation’s mission is to advance health care to our patients, and it is only through the support of our community that we can help ensure veterans receive the care they need and are treated with the respect they have earned,” said Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation. “Over the years, our four local Legion branches, Picton, Wellington, Consecon and Deseronto, have contributed to exceptional care at PECMH. We are pleased to know their contributions and those of Provincial Command are helping ensure the best care for veterans, and everyone, in Prince Edward County.”

With the addition of a CT scanner, highly detailed images from the patients’ head to toe can be obtained without transferring the patient to another hospital. This imaging is done for falls, strokes, cardiac, and trauma. A CT scan can quickly diagnose brain bleeds, blood clots in the lungs, abdominal perforations and appendicitis.

Outpatient exams will aid in the early detection and continued monitoring of cancer patients with highly detailed images and reduce wait times for elective procedures. This equipment will also assist with surgical planning for different parts of the body and imaging of the bones for orthopedic physicians.

“We are especially grateful to the Poppy Fund Committee for this gift toward a CT Scanner. The Care Champions working in the new hospital will use it to provide the patients requiring a CT scan with proper diagnosis,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign chairperson. “CT scanners have become the standard of care.”

Each November, people respectfully wear poppies in tribute to those who have fought and died for their country and those poppies have direct impact on the community.

While the primary purpose of the Poppy Fund is to assist former servicemen and women in need, a large portion of the funds raised in Prince Edward County, help support charitable organizations in that provide service and care to veterans.

This year’s poppy campaign begins Oct. 27 and runs until Nov. 11.

“Through your donations to the Poppy Fund, the Legion provides financial assistance and support to veterans, including Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families who are in need,” said Peter Campbell, Branch 160’s Poppy Fund chairperson. “We are thankful to everyone who supports the poppy campaign and the Legion. Because of you, the Legion can help others living in this community, including patients at the hospital, have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment.”