Donors raise more than $333,000 for hospital equipment

Pictured in front of QHC PECMH from left: Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Barbara McConnell, PECMHF board chairperson; Stacey Daub, president and CEO of Quinte Health Care; Dr. Sarah Le Blanc, physician lead at QHC PECMH and Dennis Darby, director on the PECMH Foundation board and Back the Build campaign co-chairperson.  Sue Vincent photo

An outpouring of support from the community helped the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation disburse $333,261 for priority equipment needs in its 2021/22 fiscal year for the County’s hospital (QHC PECMH) and the Quinte region. Medical equipment is not covered by any government funding and funds must be raised by the hospital foundation.

The donations equipped QHC PECMH’s endoscopy department with a new defibrillator and portable cardiac monitor, and bought a portable blood analyzer for the emergency department. The ultrasound machine, which will benefit more than 2,200 patients annually, was purchased along with an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) that cleans and disinfects gastroscopes and colonoscopes. New bariatric stretchers were added to the fleet, and the workstation to review mammographic images was replaced.

“In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital continues to serve the medical needs of our community and the greater Quinte region every day through the support of our donors,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation. “We know these are extraordinary times that require extraordinary support. From managing evolving health care needs, to ensuring the proper equipment is available for the medical staff, having access to this equipment will have a positive impact on our patients, their families and caregivers.”

The PECMH Auxiliary contributed toward five pieces of equipment. The Rotary Club of Wellington pledged support for the automated endoscope reprocessor and donor support, together with $25,000 from the DiBattista family, of Picton, and proceeds from the Teeing Up Fore Health Care golf classic held in September 2021, purchased the ultrasound machine.

“Ensuring QHC PECMH has the necessary equipment to provide the best health care possible in our community is our top priority,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the foundation. “We are grateful to everyone who donated. Our donors continue to prove just what a philanthropic community Prince Edward County is. We remain humbled by this generosity and the influence our donors have on the safe delivery of health care services across the region.”

Dr. Sarah Le Blanc, medical lead at the County’s hospital, notes the hospital’s medical team appreciates the role the foundation plays, and the community support.

“Their efforts ensure we are supported with priority equipment, facility enhancements and other projects in our hospital,” said Le Blanc. “The foundation also looks into the future with us. We work in partnership with them as we plan for future needs and their contributions help to ensure our medical staff have access to leading-edge equipment and technology that contribute to making better-informed care decisions with our patients.”

The foundation also transferred its second $20,000 installment toward a $100,000 pledge to QHC to assist with the Intensive Care Unit renovations at QHC Belleville General Hospital.

“We are grateful to the PECMH Foundation and the donors in our community for their amazing support,” said Stacey Daub, QHC’s president and CEO. “Our County hospital is integral to the health and wellness of our community and this equipment funding will support our teams to deliver great care, close to home, including for residents from across the region.”

The foundation now moves on to the new wish list with a new campaign to raise $1,874,750 for more equipment needed at the hospital in Picton in the 2022/23 fiscal year. Some of the items include an echocardiogram (ECG) machine, a new x-ray machine, a borescope and two new SMART beds.

“Thank you to our donors for helping PECMHF serve our communities throughout the ups and downs of this past year. With your support, we will hit the ground running and we are ready to face whatever comes next in 2022,” said McConnell. “Our community of donors continue to make incredible, innovative care more accessible to all. Thank you so much.”