2022 Funding Priorities

bboyce • October 14, 2022

Foundation Funding Priorities

By Briar Boyce

The care that happens within the walls of Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) changes lives.

Patients are cared for at our hospital approximately 40,000 times per year. Our health care professionals treat almost 20,000 patients in the Emergency Department alone. Close to 850 people are admitted annually for inpatient care, many for acute medical situations like pneumonia, heart attacks, and urinary tract infections.

The medical equipment used to diagnose and treat these patients is expensive and has a short lifespan of 5 - 10 years. The government does not help to pay for medical equipment, which is why support from donors is so important.

If the Care Champions working in our hospital didn’t have access to leading edge medical devices, patients would have to travel to other facilities to receive care.

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) is raising over $1 million to help pay for the equipment that is needed for 2022/23. Some of the items we are fundraising for includes:

X-Ray Machine - $595,000. This diagnostic imaging equipment will be used on thousands of patients every year at PECMH. X-Rays are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body.

Pochi Blood Analyzer- $22,416. The Pochi is a complete blood count analyzer providing quick results to help aid in the diagnosis of infections and aid in timely decisions for treatment.

Centrella Smart Bed- $11,896 each. These beds are fully adjustable with electronic controls. They make it easier for the patient to get into or out of the bed, reducing the risk of a fall or further injury, and also aid in the healing process. These beds also minimize the risk of injury to the caregivers.

Scope Buddy Flushing Pump - $6,613. Not only does this piece of equipment have a cute name, this flushing pump performs a critical part of the cleaning of endoscopes. Flushing scopes is an essential step in ensuring the scopes are cleaned properly and safe for patient use.

Veriscan - $23,873. This is a leak detection system that identifies endoscope leaks with high accuracy.

Borescope - $18,829. A borescope is used to view the internal workings of a surgical instrument (cystoscope, colonoscope, gastroscope) for cleanliness. This can assist in repairs and ensuring the highest level of cleanliness for patients.

Bariatric stretchers - $13,167 for two stretchers. Specialized equipment such as bariatric stretchers support safe patient handling and reduces risk of staff injury. These stretchers are used for patients who are heavier and wider than the average person.

Omnicell Equipment Replacement across Quinte Health - $400,615. Omnicells are automated dispensing systems in which this device safely dispenses medications and fills prescriptions. Omnicells help nurses dispense controlled medications quickly and accurately and create a smarter and safer process for getting the right medication to the right patient.

Endoscopy Equipment – $451,645. PECMH is the low risk endoscopy centre for Quinte Health. On average, over 3,000 individuals travel to Picton from across southeastern Ontario each year for cancer screening and scope procedures.

The Omnicell and Endoscopy Equipment are being funded through a generous bequest that was received by the foundation. We are also grateful to the Rotary Club of Wellington who are funding an echocardiogram machine off this year’s list, to the PECMH Auxiliary who has earmarked two pieces of equipment for the Festival of Trees, and will be supporting additional pieces from the list. The Royal Canadian Legion has also contributed a grant towards the purchase of the smart beds.

By investing in medical equipment needs at our hospital, you’re ensuring our County hospital has the tools and devices it needs to take care of our residents, our visitors, our family, and friends.

The hospital foundation is grateful to the multitude of donors, volunteers, and community members who tirelessly support us in our mission to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County. You are partnering with us to guarantee the future of healthcare in our community remains bright!

For information about our hospital, or to make a donation call 613-476-1008 ext. 4502, or visit the Foundation’s website at www.pecmhf.ca.

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The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generosity of Brandon and Hailey Pounder, co-owners of Pounder’s Pub & Patio, who hosted the first annual Pounder Polar Plunge on February 1. Held at Pounder’s Pub & Patio in Wellington, the event brought together community members, local hockey teams including the Wellington Dukes and County Royals, and spectators for a fun and meaningful day in support of local causes. Close to 40 participants took the plunge with a $20 entry fee, while attendees enjoyed a community BBQ donated by the County Royals. The event raised $1,000 for the PECMH Foundation’s Back the Build campaign and $1,000 for the Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association (WARA), supporting both the future of healthcare in Prince Edward County and the vital work of WARA’s volunteer-run marine search and rescue team. “We are incredibly grateful to Brandon and Hailey for their creativity, community spirit, and commitment to making a difference,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Events like the Pounder Polar Plunge not only raise important funds but also build momentum and awareness for local initiatives that matter deeply.” “We started the Polar Plunge to give back to the community we grew up in and bring people together,” said Brandon Pounder, co-owner of Pounder's Pub & Patio. “The support from local teams and residents was incredible, and we’re excited to grow this into an annual event and continue supporting important local causes.” Over the past six years (2020–2025), Quinte Health has recorded 315 emergency department visits related to water incidents at its four hospitals—an average of approximately 53 visits per year across the region. PECMH alone sees an average of 11 such visits annually. “Even one drowning is one too many,” said David McFaul, WARA supervisor. “Water safety is something we can’t take for granted in our region, and it takes awareness, education, and strong community organizations to keep people safe. The Wellington Auxiliary Rescue Association plays a critical role in protecting residents and visitors on our waterways through their dedicated volunteer efforts.” WARA operates as part of the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, responding to emergencies across West Lake and Lake Ontario. With a highly trained, all-volunteer crew, the organization plays a critical role in ensuring safety along approximately 125 kilometres of shoreline and 2,400 square kilometres of water. Its operations rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts. The PECMH Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Brandon and Hailey of Pounder’s Pub & Patio and everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Pounder Polar Plunge.