The Sundre Hospital Auxiliary Society’s ongoing fundraising efforts have played an important role in providing the facility with a range of new equipment.
“It’s always just incredible to see the support from volunteers and auxiliaries in communities — it’s heartwarming,” said Heather Kipling, Alberta Health Services central zone director of communications, adding the local auxiliary “has been a pillar of support for the hospital since 1967, and their time and efforts are truly appreciated.”
Over the past year, Kipling said the auxiliary has contributed roughly $75,000 to help purchase equipment that significantly improves patient care services, including — but not limited to — some of the following items:
- A new mobile ultrasound machine.
- Two ambulatory care chairs designed specifically to facilitate certain procedures such as outpatient IV therapy.
- Three portable suction units that can be used to clear the airway of blood, saliva, vomit or other secretions so that a patient may breathe.
- A bariatric commode — or portable toilet chair on wheels — that is designed to be placed at the bedside of a patient or resident whose mobility is very limited.
- Space-saving, wall-mounted vital signs machines for private rooms in acute care.
- Two new pulse oximeter devices that monitor a patient’s heart rate as well as the level of oxygen in his or her blood by clipping onto a fingertip, eliminating the need to draw a blood sample.
Also contributing to cover the costs was partial funding through the provincial government as well as an Alberta Health Services equipment replacement fund, Kipling said.
The auxiliary primarily focuses fundraising efforts through the thrift store located south along Highway 760 — more commonly known as the Bergen Road — not far from the Sundre Legion, said Vi Ellithorpe, president.
The items available are almost exclusively donated, with proceeds from sales covering the cost of running the store. Any remaining funds once those expenses are covered are made available to the hospital, she said.
“Our funds all come from sales at the thrift shop.”
“Monumental” and “wonderful” were among the words Ellithorpe used to describe how helping the hospital to acquire new equipment that substantially enhances patient care, feels.
“It’s just nice to have really good equipment in a rural hospital to help provide the best care possible.”
The hospital’s site manager, Elan Heinrichs, praised the auxiliary’s contributions.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have the generosity of the auxiliary, and our community,” said Heinrichs.
“Each and every donation is appreciated and makes a difference. The auxiliary does so much for patients and residents here, and for staff as well. While the technology and the delivery of health-care services have changed in the past 51 years, the tradition of giving that the auxiliary embodies has not.”
