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Hospital Auxiliary in final stretch of $1M pledge to Back the Build

Pictured at PECMH from left, (front) are: Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation; Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chairperson and Cathy Starkey, president of the PECMH Auxiliary. From left at back, are: Sharon Morcom, auxiliary member; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Pam Strachan, auxiliary volunteer and manager of the Second Time Around Shop; Carol Harvey, auxiliary volunteer and Carol Hughes, auxiliary treasurer. Briar Boyce photo

With a presentation of a fourth installment on their $1M pledge to Back the Build of the County’s new hospital, Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary volunteers are just $216,000 away from their goal.

Auxiliary representatives presented the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation team with $234,000 Thursday for a total of this pledge so far now at $784,000.

Members are confident they can fulfil their commitment this, despite having many of their fundraising activities halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent news of the hospital build being delayed by two years.

It was announced earlier this month the opening of the new hospital is now projected to be in 2027, not 2025 – at least partically due to the COVID-19 pandemic as the Ministry of Health’s focus quickly shifted its priorities which delayed early approval stages to take longer than projected.

“Our volunteers and community members across Prince Edward County understand the importance of coming together and improving health care for the patients of the hospital. In spite of the hospital build taking more time, we’re continuing to give now to ensure the foundation has access to the funds as soon as they are needed,” said Cathy Starkey, auxiliary president. “The project is moving forward and the auxiliary intends to be there every step of the way.”

Shannon Coull, executive director of the Hospital Foundation says the auxiliary family cannot be thanked enough.

“When it comes to commitment and passion for our County hospital, the dedication from the members of our hospital’s volunteers are unmatched. Their pledge to help Back the Build is crucial to helping us meet our goal of $16.5 million.”

The auxiliary was the first group to step forward and commit to raising funds for the new build.

“The foundation has a long and trusted history with the PECMH Auxiliary. This is a unique partnership. The auxiliary not only supports and assists Quinte Health Care, Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, its patients and staff through hands-on assistance with healthcare delivery outside of the pandemic, but they are also helping our foundation to raise significant funds,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation.

“Now more than ever, we are reminded of how important it is to have access to a hospital that is built and equipped to meet the health care needs of today and in the future.”

The new hospital will have a 24/7 emergency department, diagnostic imaging, cardio-diagnostic services, 18 inpatient beds with the ability to expand, ambulatory, laboratory and dialysis services. It will also have leading edge infection control and ventilation, wider halls for modern medical equipment and larger patient rooms each with its own washroom.

In October, Premier Doug Ford and Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith announced the government had approved the planning submission and committed $8.7M of government funding, signaling the hospital project was moving ahead.

The province will invest up to $100 million in the new hospital build. The community must pay for a portion of the construction costs, in addition to all the equipment that will go into the new hospital. This portion of funding from the community is called the “local share” which amounts to $16.5 million.

“The care Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital’s staff provides to our families and our community is invaluable,” said Nancy Parks, Back the Build campaign co-chair. “It’s crucial to have support from this community to be able to build a new hospital and keep care close to home. We are proud of their fundraising efforts that help contribute to our hospital’s vibrant future.”

People interested in learning more about the Back the Build Campaign, should call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502. Information can also be found at www.backthebuild.ca.

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