Poppy Fund support pumps up hospital equipment fund

Pictured for the donation from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160, from left, are: Briar Boyce, communications co-ordinator with the PECMH Foundation, Monica Alyea, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation, Ken MacMillan, poppy fund chairperson for Branch 160 and Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation.

CHEERS! to members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160 Poppy Fund Committee in Wellington who presented $1,000 to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

The funds were raised through the 2018 poppy fund campaign which raised approximately $15,000 from numerous poppy boxes located in and around Wellington, Bloomfield and Hillier.

“As the need for priority medical equipment never stops, Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is grateful for the ongoing support of our Royal Canadian Legion Branches,” said Shannon Coull, the foundation’s executive director.

This year, Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is in need of 32 infusion pumps – a medical device that delivers fluids, such as nutrients and medications, into a patient’s body in controlled amounts. Infusion pumps are widespread in clinical settings such as hospitals, nursing homes and in the home.

“The Foundation was honoured when members of Branch 160’s poppy fund came forward with this donation to help offset the cost of one infusion pump,” said Monica Alyea, chairperson of the Foundation.

“It’s vital for our community to continue to ensure our County Hospital is equipped with the latest technology to keep it relevant. We hope the community will see this as another sign that we are committed to building a vibrant future for Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital.”

Community support is important, added Coull, because the government does not fund medical equipment.

“It is the responsibility of PECM Hospital Foundation, through the generosity of our donors, organizations and community partners, like the Royal Canadian Legion, that we can meet our obligation to purchase vital medical equipment needed at our hospital. This helps to ensure our caregivers can continue to deliver great care, close to home.”

“Our mission is to advance health care to our patients, and it is only through the support of our community that we can help ensure veterans receive the care they need and are treated with the respect they deserve,” said Coull. Over the years, our four local Legion branches, Picton, Wellington, Consecon and Deseronto have contributed to excellent care at PECMH. We are pleased to know their contributions and those of Provincial Command are not only helping ensure the best care for veterans, but for every one in Prince Edward County.”