Aberdeen Health Foundation approves $2.4 million in funding
At its most recent board meeting the Aberdeen Health Foundation approved more than $2.4 million in funding for enhancements to health care at the Aberdeen Hospital and for health services across Pictou County.
This marks the single largest annual influx to health care from the Foundation. Typically annual support from the Foundation ranges between $500,000 and $1 million. In addition to funding through the Medical Equipment Endowment, this announcement includes special funding for the Emergency/Pharmacy re-development project that is scheduled to begin construction in 2015.
Pictured standing ~ Susan Green, Chair, Aberdeen Health Foundation; Seated ~ Dr. Deborah Straub, Head of Emergency Department
Susan Green, Chair of the Aberdeen Health Foundation says, “Today is a great day. While our priority at the Aberdeen Health Foundation is always to enhance health care here at home, today’s announcement also gives a boost to our community’s economic health.
“Equipment decisions, including our first minimally invasive suite for surgeries which we are purchasing in partnership with the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary, plus our funding contribution for the expansion of our emergency and pharmacy departments, will strengthen recruitment and retention of health care practitioners. It will also help to maintain our hospital’s position as an accredited centre of health care excellence in the new Provincial Health Authority.
“We are truly thankful for our community’s generosity. Their continued support makes it possible for the Foundation to participate, along with our municipal units and the Department of Health and Wellness, in funding these emerging innovations.”
The Foundation is providing $1.5 million to equip the Aberdeen Hospital’s Emergency Department with a state of the art patient monitoring system that will double the monitoring capacity of the department. The units are mobile and equipped with wireless technology, which will allow for monitoring patients wherever they are in the hospital. The system will be integrated throughout the whole hospital, and when installed it will be the most advanced monitoring system in the province. Most importantly, the system will enhance patient care by improving efficiency, aiding in greater access and flow in the department and throughout the hospital.
A further $919,000 will be provided to fund enhancements in patient care technology in a number of departments in the hospital including the Operating Room, Critical Care, Anaesthesia, Perioperative, Lab, Pharmacy, Ophthalmology, and the Women and Children’s Unit. Together there will be more than 35 distinct investments in equipment ranging from infant radiant warmers to defibrillator life packs and an automated dispensing medication cabinet.
“This is a very generous donation that will ultimately play an integral part in the success of this project,” said PCHA Acting CEO, Bruce Quigley.
“We are grateful to the Aberdeen Health Foundation, and the individuals and groups who support them, for their continued generosity. The Emergency Department/Pharmacy re-development project is a team effort of our community partners. Their support will be an important contribution towards maintaining the high level of patient care in Pictou County.”