Hospital auxiliary makes donation of comfort to Hospice

Heather Campbell, Hospice Prince Edward residential project manager, demonstrates the new bed’s capabilities to Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Dorothy Speirs-Vincent, director of communications, and Peggy Payne, president.

A donation of comfort to Hospice Prince Edward rang true for Peggy Payne.

The president of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary visited Picton’s new residential hospice for the official unveiling of three new beds and sit-to-stand recliners made possible with a $16,000 contribution from the auxiliary.

Heather Campbell and Peggy Payne demonstrated the sit-to-stand feature of the new recliners.

“I feel sadness that people have to use it, but pleasure that this facility is available for people,” said Payne, adding that her brother died from a brain tumour at age 50.

“I remember how the family felt at his bedside. His wife did a wonderful job at their house and we felt so comfortable going to their home it really eased the situation. I hope hospice will do the same for people.”

She noted the Mary Catherine suite at Picton hospital is designed to be as warm as possible for those who need it, but its setting is still institutional, where there community hospice premise is quiet, elegant comfort.

“This is a significant contribution from the auxiliary and we are so thankful,” said Heather Campbell, residential project manager. “We wouldn’t be able to function without this kind of bed. It’s a step up from any bed we’ve seen.”

Campbell demonstrated the bed noting a soft, glowing under-bed night light; its ability to have interchangeable therapeutic surfaces in the mattress and its functionality to be raised and lowered.

“It can be seven inches from floor which is very helpful for people who suffer delusions and is also good to help make a family bed or a couple bed,” Campbell explained.

The sit-to-stand chairs, she noted, will also bring great comfort – fully reclined and in their ability to help a person stand from a sitting position.

Hospice Prince Edward expects its first patient soon.