WELLINGTON, June 14, 2023 –The Rotary Club of Wellington continues to show their ongoing commitment for our County hospital by funding an essential piece of equipment in partnership with the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF).

In an act of love for their local hospital, the Club has raised $26,008 for the purchase of an Echocardiogram (ECG) Machine needed in the Emergency Department at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH).

An ECG is a special machine that tests the heart using sound waves and produces live images of the heart, called an echocardiogram. Having this equipment allows the physician on duty to monitor the heart and how its valves function. An echocardiogram is key in determining the health of the heart muscle, especially after a heart attack. It can also reveal heart defects, or irregularities, in unborn babies.

When patients have an ECG, it is immediately uploaded, and the physician or cardiologist can access it immediately. Patients who face heart-related conditions can now receive a quicker diagnosis and earlier treatment thanks to the new equipment.

“We are grateful to the Wellington Rotarians and the donors in our community who supported Rotary’s fundraising initiatives,” said Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation. “Our County hospital is integral to the health and wellness of our community and this equipment funding will support Quinte Health’s team to deliver great care, close to home, including residents from across the region. We are inspired by the many generous donors who are committed to making local health care accessible and to providing the hospital with leading edge equipment to serve its patients.”

“We are most grateful for the new ECG in support of patient care at PECMH. The ECG device is a cardiology diagnostic tool, used frequently within our hospital setting; providing real time point of care ensuring timely diagnosis. Staff find it easy to us. The equipment is height adjustable, so it is ergonomically safe for staff as well. This device allows the hospital team to provide care directly at the bedside in a timely manner, and with demonstrated accuracy,” said Lisa Mowbray, hospital site lead and manager of patient services at PECMH.

The Rotary Club of Wellington raised the funds needed for the ECG over a six-month period. Donations from Rotary’s maple syrup sales in partnership with Nyman Farms this past spring contributed to the amount raised. Rotarians sold Diners and Duffers books with proceeds supporting the cause and Wellington Rotary’s bottle recycling depot raised the balance.

“Wellington Rotary is indebted to many people, who have worked tirelessly to raise the funds for the ECG. We are also grateful to Kinsip House of Fine Spirits for bottling Nyman Farms maple syrup and to the outlets and Rotarians who sold that syrup along with the Diners and Duffers books,” said Ken Robertson, president of the Rotary Club of Wellington. “It was a labour of love to raise these funds, but our Club agrees that our local hospital is the heart of our community, and Wellington Rotary is committed to keeping it vibrant and well equipped and will continue to commit a portion of our fundraising to support ongoing purchases of hospital equipment in the future.”

Medical equipment is expensive and has a short lifespan. Unlike many operating costs, equipment is not funded by the government; it is expected the community finances the replacement of medical equipment and building redevelopment through the work of hospital foundations. This is why support from our donors is so important.

“PECMH Foundation raises funds so our hospital can acquire the advanced technology and even basic equipment that is not covered by provincial health care funding. Having the right technology improves diagnosis and patient outcomes and, gives the Care Champions working in our hospital the tools they need to save lives,” said Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation. “Without community fundraising, our hospital would not have the financial means to purchase essential equipment, like the ECG, and make necessary upgrades to our infrastructure. We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Wellington for their continued generosity.

“Since its inception, the foundation has supported programs and services integral to the advancement of health care and the wellbeing of the citizens of Prince Edward County and the surrounding communities by raising, managing, and distributing funds to Quinte Health. The foundation’s goal is to continue raising the necessary funds to acquire the technology and equipment not funded by the province,” said McConnell.

The Rotary Club of Wellington is celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2023. They are an energetic club of approximately 40 members who are recognized as enthusiastic supporters of the Prince Edward County community and can be counted on for both charity and volunteering service above self, locally and internationally.   

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to advance health care for the patients of the hospital and the people of Prince Edward County.

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Pictured in front of the bottle return depot in Wellington from left: Barbara McConnell, board chairperson of the PECMH Foundation; Ken Robertson, president of the Rotary Club of Wellington; Wellington Rotary Foundation President, Phyo Kyi; Incoming Rotary President, Lyn McGowan; Rotarian Pierre LeBrun; Shannon Coull, executive director of the PECMH Foundation; Rotarian Ted Nash; and Rotarian Trudy Brown.