Hospital receives a ‘lift’ from the Legion

Pictured at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 160 in Wellington from left, are: Mitch Smith, third vice-president of RCL Branch 160; Briar Boyce, senior development officer with the PECMH Foundation and Peter Campbell, poppy chairperson for Branch 160. Joanne Smith photo

In the midst of its continued quest to raise funds for priority medical equipment, the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) is grateful for continued support from the Royal Canadian Legion in Wellington.

A $2,000 donation from Branch 160 supported the purchase of a new patient lift that assists caregivers who care for patients with mobility issues during their stay at the hospital. The patient lift is designed to raise or lower patients from their beds to and from either a wheelchair or a stationary chair.

On behalf of the branch poppy fund committee, Peter Campbell and Mitch Smith presented Briar Boyce, PECMHF senior development officer with the gift on Sept. 4 from funds raised through the 2023 poppy fund campaign. With this gift, Branch 160’s cumulative giving total to the County’s hospital over the past 23 years has surpassed $22,000.

“We’re glad we can help improve the well-being of patients and caregivers in such a direct way,” said Campbell, Branch 160’s poppy fund chairperson. “We know this equipment will help make a positive difference for many people who rely on the quality care provided by all the hospital’s staff. 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 the best tools to care for patients.”

The hospital foundation is charged with raising more than $500,000 for equipment this year. Nearly $20,000 has been designated for purchasing five patient lifts for the inpatient unit at PECMH. Each lift is estimated to cost close to $4,000. Last year, there were 922 inpatient visits, with the average length of stay being between five and six days.

Having new patient lifts on the inpatient unit reduces the risk of injury during moves and lessens the physical demands of lifting on caregivers. They also allow a patient to be more mobile, which means they are not confined to a bed during their stay.

“The foundation’s mission is to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County and the hospital’s patients, and it is only through the support of our community that we can help ensure everyone, including veterans, receives the care they need,” said Peggy Payne, chairperson with the PECMH Foundation. “Funding support from organizations like the Royal Canadian Legion has a tremendous impact on our ability to provide the standard and quality of care residents and visitors of Prince Edward County deserve, and we are extremely thankful for that.”

“We are especially grateful to the Poppy Fund Committee for this gift toward a patient lift. Donor support is crucial because the government does not pay for medical devices,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Mechanical lifts make moving and lifting patients much easier and can help reduce the ergonomic risks associated with manual patient handling. Having this new equipment available for our staff will be crucial in helping patients heal and recover.”

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 that provide service and care to veterans. This year’s poppy campaign begins Oct. 25 and runs until Nov. 11.