Women’s Institute members ‘Back the Build’

From left, Briar Boyce, the hospital Foundation’s Communications and Donations Co-ordinator with Women’s Institute members Wilma deWolde, Judy Tunnell and Evelyn Peck and PECMHF Executive Director Shannon Coull.

The Prince Edward District Women’s Institute presented $1,000 to ‘Back the Build’ of the County’s new hospital.

Members presented the funds Thursday to Shannon Coull, executive director of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

The funds were raised through regular activities undertaken by the Women’s Institute including the annual craft show.

The first stage of the five-stage planning process for the new hospital set by the Ministry of Health was approved last February. The stage two plan is being prepared, outlining operational needs and space requirements for the new facility.

“The proposal focuses on the same services in a better space with the highest standards of infection control,” said Coull. “Every patient will have a private washroom. The emergency department will include more private and flexible facilities. It will be built to handle everything from fish hooks to cardiac events.”

She noted organizations such as the Prince Edward District Women’s Institute speak to the importance of community involvement and the impact that it has on the quality of life for those residing and visiting the County.

“We are so grateful for their support and interest in the future of our hospital,” she said.

Groups interested in learning more about the Back the Build Campaign, should call Shannon at 613-476-1008 ext. 4503 or Marthe at 613-476-1008 ext. 4502. Information can also be found at www.backthebuild.ca

Since its beginning in 1985, the PECM Foundation has raised more than $6 million for medical equipment and building renovations. Annually, the Foundation funds the purchase of an average of $400,000 in medical equipment. Now the Foundation is also responsible for raising the community’s share of $12.7 million for the new hospital, plus an estimated $3 million for equipment to be moved into the new hospital. All together, the Foundation expects it will need to raise $16.5 million over the next five years.