With big-ticket needs such as a new emergency department and intensive care unit, the Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) Foundation is approaching the community for support to serve the growing patient population in the Kawartha Lakes.
The RMH Foundation is launching its spring appeal, with high hopes of raising money towards equipment and projects currently needed most at the Kawartha Lakes hospital.
“The RMH Foundation raises funds for the highest priority needs at Ross Memorial that are not covered by government funding,” Kim Coulter, communications specialist for the RMH Foundation, told kawarthaNOW.
“The magnitude of the projects underway at Ross Memorial require the RMH Foundation to raise funds before, during, and after coming online,” Coulter said. “Replacing critical technology such as the MRI and CT scanner and implementing the clinical information system (CIS), require multi-year planning and fundraising approaches.”
“We’re pleased that the community’s new MRI and CT scanner and IV pumps are already helping the Ross team provide the best care possible,” she added.
In addition, the new CIS has been implemented in phases in co-ordination with six other hospitals in the region, Coulter noted.
Meanwhile, efforts are currently underway to expand and modernize the emergency department and intensive care unit. RMH is now proceeding through the Ministry of Health’s capital planning process.
“All of these projects are integral to the hospital and to patients throughout Kawartha Lakes,” Coulter said. “We’re so pleased that our community recognizes the importance of advanced hospital care as our population grows and we hope everyone will play a role in patient care by making a donation to help meet these transformative hospital needs.”
RMH patient Erik Ellis thought a pulled muscle was responsible for his painful limp. He never expected that he had osteoarthritis and needed a total hip replacement.
“My diagnosis had me worrying if I would ever get back to my normal pace and all of the activities that keep me young,” said Ellis in a media release. “Fortunately, we live in a community with advanced hospital services. In fact, Ross Memorial was the first hospital in Ontario to use the new hip replacement implant technology that got me back up and moving.”
As a result of his positive experiences from the pre-operative appointments to the check-ups during his recovery, he and his wife Denise are sharing their story in the RMH’s spring appeal letter that will soon be mailed throughout Kawartha Lakes.
“The Ross has always been there when we needed it,” said Ellis. “With our local population set to double in the next decade, we must ensure the Ross is equipped with the tools and
facilities it needs to provide the best care and services.”
Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO, said many people are involved in a patient’s care, including donors.
“As the hospital needs to grow services and spaces, and implement advancements in medical science, we count on our generous community to help fund equipment, technology and capital projects,” Coons said. “It takes all of us to keep our hometown hospital providing first-rate care.”
The RMH Foundation asks residents to keep an eye out for the letter and consider making a donation.
