Hospital’s Auxiliary to the rescue – stat!

Pictured with the new stretcher from left: Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMHF, Auxiliary member Cathy Starkey, Cheryl Minaker, RN and team leader in the PECMH Emergency Department, Ursula Solecki with the Auxiliary, Pat Evans, President of the PECMH Auxiliary, Art Hewer, Vice President of the Auxiliary, Liz Jones with the Auxiliary, Andre Gratton with the Auxiliary, Carol Hughes with the Auxiliary, Jack Starkey with the Auxiliary, Lisa Mowbray, Patient Services Manager for PECMH and Briar Boyce with the Foundation.

When it comes to giving Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital a helping hand, the PECM Hospital Auxiliary knows how to get the job done.

The volunteer group recently purchased a trauma stretcher from the PECMH Foundation’s equipment list that will soon be used in the Emergency Department.

The stretcher cost just under $12,000 and comes with a powered lift base, an integrated scale and big wheels for mobility steering. It is 30 inches wide and has a 700lb weight capacity. This stretcher also provides a secure, stable platform for assessing and attending to critically injured and immobile patients. Its innovative design allows for full length x-ray capability without having to transfer or reposition the patient.

“The Auxiliary is dedicated to helping improve the patient and family experience in as many ways as possible, so it feels great to be making this donation to the Hospital Foundation and purchasing this new stretcher for our Hospital,” said Pat Evans, PECMH Auxiliary President.

In 2017, there were 20,163 visits to the Emergency Department at PECM Hospital. That averages out to be about 55 people the department sees each day.

The Auxiliary raises its funds each year through a mix of activities, including the operation of the Second Time Around Shop, Coffee Cart, Coffee Shop and several community events including Tag Day and the Festival of Trees, which will usher in the holiday season the weekend of November 23-25, 2018 at Isaiah Tubbs in Picton.

“There is no doubt, the contributions the PECMH Auxiliary make to fund this type of equipment greatly benefits patients’ well-being,” said Shannon Coull, Executive Director for the PECMH Foundation. “Our patients are fortunate to have such a committed team of volunteers working on their behalf. Last year our County Hospital staff managed more than 40,000 visits. Thanks to our donors, including the PECMH Auxiliary, our dedicated medical team continues to have access to the equipment and tools they need to be able to provide you and your loved ones with the care you need, close to home. Community support is so important because medical equipment is not paid for the government. Your donations are the only way we are able to provide our caregivers with the critical tools they need.”