It’s hard to believe the last long weekend of the summer is beginning in a few short days. The past eight weeks seem to have flown by for us here at the Foundation!
As a new season starts, I am pleased to announce that our annual Report to Donors is hot off the press and will be mailed in the coming days. In it, you will find stories about the numerous projects that you have so generously helped to fund that are improving patient care as well as a list of the donors who have inspired us.
We are also extremely pleased to report we exceeded our revenue goal for the 2010/2011 fiscal year thanks to your incredibly commitment and dedication. As a result, we were able to fulfill our commitment to fund leading-edge technology and equipment throughout York Central Hospital.
Moving forward, we have several exciting challenges this year including funding standardized infusion pumps hospital-wide. These auto-programmed pumps deliver fluids, blood products and medications to patients in nearly every department of the hospital. Since they are programmed to dispense dosages at the appropriate times, nurses and other care givers can spend more time with patients and their family members, improving the overall quality of care.
Fundraising has already begun for this exciting project: the 2008 York Central Hospital Foundation Gala, Stardust Ball, raised more than $530,000 towards the purchase of the pumps.
Additionally, the Casino and Hold’em Poker Tournament, held on May 12, 2011, raised $133,000 towards the purchase of infusion pumps in the Nick & Rosanne Cortellucci Family Emergency Department. This annual event, hosted by Foundation Board Member Joseph Sgro, has raised nearly $300,000 for York Central Hospital’s priority projects over three years.
Lott & Company, Chartered Accountants also purchased an infusion pump in December 2010.
While many pumps have been generously funded, the need is still great. Our goal is to purchase 401 Symbiq infusion pumps and raise $1.2 million this year towards their purchase.
In addition to the pumps, we’re raising funds for life-saving medical equipment and technology including urogynaecology equipment in our newly opened Paul B. Helliwell Foundation Minimally Invasive Surgery Suite, an ultrasound machine, automated dispensing cabinets for medication, patient ceiling lifts for the recently renovated Intensive Care Unit and adult ventilators to name a few. All of these investments will have a dramatic impact on the care that is provided at York Central Hospital.
We look forward to continuing to partner with you and your family as we work towards helping York Central Hospital realize its vision of becoming the ‘finest community hospital in Canada’.
Wishing you the best of health,
Bill Leacy
President & CEO
PS If you are interested in finding out more about any of our priority projects, please feel free to give me a call at 905-883-2032.
