Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 29/05) - In-kind donors who contribute to the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation now have special recognition in the foyer of the hospital.

A glass-blocked wall unveiled last week recognizes contributions over $5,000 made by various individuals and businesses.

"Some people donate space, some donate time, such as when more than 100 hours of electrical work was done," said Linda Bussey, executive director of the foundation.

"If we don't have to pay for services, we gain more profit."

Bussey said the hospital has a wall which recognizes cash donations, and the in-kind wall will show that donating space, time or other support is just as valuable.

All in-kind donations and the names of their contributors will be placed on the wall for the public to view.

Thus far, the foundation has raised $3.9 million since first being established in 1997, said Joe Lautremouille, treasurer. Money raised through the foundation goes toward annual projects, such as equipment purchases, said Sharon Cook, director of patient care.

The current plan is to raise funds for bone density assessment equipment.

Lautremouille said the equipment will cost approximately $100,000 Canadian the purchase should occur by the end of this year.

Dr. Rob Krushel at Stanton previously ran an osteoporosis clinic in Michegan.

He said osteoporosis is an extremely common disorder and not usually diagnosed until a problem occurs, such as a fracture. Ultimately, the device will help prevent injuries that might otherwise occur, such as fractures, he said.

Won't have to travel

"It's quite rare that the bone densitometry machine wouldn't be a good way to diagnose a given person with a condition," Dr. Krushel said.

Part of the rationale of bringing the equipment to Yellowknife is also that patients will not have to travel to Edmonton, Krushel said.