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Stanton Hospital thanks philanthropists Daron Letts Northern News Services Published Wednesday, November 2, 2011
In July the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation board voted to focus its annual fundraising campaign on raising $720,000 for a new chemotherapy and IV treatment suite. "It's been something that has been discussed for a few years," said the foundation's executive director, Rebecca Alty. "It will benefit a large portion of patients at the hospital." The new space, located in the former medical travel office, will occupy about 70 square metres on the first floor of the hospital near the main entrance. The medical travel office relocated to Center Ice Plaza earlier this year. Presently, chemotherapy and IV treatments are administered in the medical daycare unit on the third floor, where endoscopies and cardiac diagnostics are also performed. The unit saw 1,400 chemotherapy and IV patient visits between 2009 and 2010. A dedicated chemotherapy and IV facility represents improved comfort, increased privacy and confidentiality, and better infection control standards, Alty said. The space will house the three chemotherapy chairs currently in use, which were purchased in recent years and are still in good shape, as well as a new private treatment area. Funds raised in the next year will cover costs of renovations, new furniture, blood pressure monitors and other equipment, as well as provide a contingency fund. The foundation's last major fundraising campaign raised $420,000 to purchase a new digital mammography machine. Kay Lewis, Stanton Territorial Hospital Authority CEO, thanked donors for helping the hospital purchase the new equipment during the unveiling of the foundation's donor wall on Oct. 28. The wall honours the 47 corporations, organizations, and individuals who have made donations ranging from $5,000 to more than $100,000. A large screen monitor donated by Roy's Audiotronic screens messages as part of the installation. Lewis described how the new mammography machine, CT scan, beds, physiotherapy tools, and other equipment purchased through donations have improved the overall quality of care for patients. "It also makes a difference for our staff, as well, and our ability to recruit," she continued. "People come where they feel they can practise to the full scope of their practice and have a good environment to work in. "They want the tools of the trade. (Donors) are allowing us to do that and I have to say that certainly we've been much more successful in recruiting because we're now creating an environment of excellence and at the end of the day ultimately that means that we're providing very good quality of care to the people of the North." This month the foundation is raising money for the chemotherapy and IV treatment suite through the De Beers Diamond and Vacation Raffle, which will be drawn during the Spirit of Giving Christmas dinner and dance gala on Dec. 9. The top prizes include a week-long Hawaiian vacation and a 1.19 carat diamond. Tickets can be purchased through the foundation or at the De Beers offices on the third floor of Scotia Centre.
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