The generous donations received from the WDMH Foundation’s Spring Matching Gift Program will make a difference for thousands of patients each year – keeping them safe and comfortable in the operating room. We are pleased to report that three new anaesthetic machines have now been purchased thanks to the generosity of our donors.
A total of 42 gifts were given to the Spring Matching Gifts Program, raising $36,665.66. “The successful matching gift program, combined with a portion of a recent estate gift, has resulted in total funding for the anaesthetic machines – much sooner than expected,” reports Kristen Casselman, Managing Director. “We are so grateful to everyone for your support.”
WDMH performed 4,512 surgeries last year alone and anaesthetic machines were used for almost all of them. The machines monitor patients and keep them asleep. They provide ventilation and oxygen during surgery and provide a controlled, safe environment.
“The transition to our new machines went very smoothly thanks in part to our Team Leader Karen Lydiatt,” notes Dr. Lucas Gil, former Chief of Anaesthesiology. “The machines are smaller, easier to move and more ergonomic. And the displays are easy to read and adjustable which helps us see the vital signs more clearly.”
“We were able to exchange one machine per day which required perfect timing between patients. We had it down to a science by the third machine. We felt like a NASCAR pit crew that requires a fast changeover!” adds Karen Lydiatt. “We have an amazing operating room team with dedicated anaesthetists and nurses who embraced and welcomed the opportunity to use these state-of-the-art machines. Now we have technology that surpasses our expectations, and safe, efficient machines to support our most vulnerable patient population. I can say wholeheartedly that this was a success and a giant thank you to our donors.”
Our Caring Communities Make the Difference
Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) is surrounded by caring communities who truly support health care close to home. Over the past few months, several individuals and groups have come together to raise funds for patient care at WDMH. Here are just a few examples:
The 100 Women Who Care North Dundas are leading the way. $2,000 was awarded to the Foundation’s General Equipment Fund in support of equipment like a new wireless fetal monitor to support moms and babies during labour. What a wonderful night for so many worthy charities.
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry in Winchester hosted a BBQ in support of the WDMH Foundation. Many burgers and hot dogs later, close to $900 raised by the community which was then topped up to $1,000 by Hulse, Playfair & McGarry. They also decided to support equipment purchases such as a new wireless fetal monitor. The WDMH Foundation is applying for several grants to raise the remaining funds.
Kelly Runions Kennedy loves to give back. Kelly works at WDMH and is also a Thirty-0ne Independent Consultant, selling fashionable, functional products such as handbags and storage containers. During National Nursing Week, Kelly donated her commission from an on-site sale, presenting the WDMH Foundation with a cheque for $1,027. The money was directed to the Spring Matching Gift program for equipment purchases like three new anesthetic machines. Kelly says she plans to make this an annual fundraiser for WDMH during Nursing Week.
Their motto of ‘Helping Others’ rings true. The Provincial Grand Black Chapter of Eastern Ontario has donated $1,000 toward WDMH’s Dialysis Unit. As part of The Loyal Orange Association, the money was raised through their ‘Dimes for Dialysis’ program. In the last 18 years, they have raised over $36,000 for dialysis units in Ontario East.
“All of these generous donations prove one thing,” sums up Kristen Casselman, the WDMH Foundation’s Managing Director. “We have amazing communities doing amazing things to support excellent health care right here. Thank you to everyone involved in these important community fundraising events.”
