A $1.2-million donation from the FDC Foundation will help Ross Memorial Hospital modernize and expand its ultrasound services, with the FDC Foundation offering another $500,000 if the community matches that amount.
The Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) Foundation announced the gift on Monday (September 28), describing it as a major contribution toward a high-priority project that will replace and expand ultrasound equipment throughout the Lindsay hospital.
In a media release, RMH Foundation notes that, if the community raises $500,000 toward the project, FDC Foundation will provide an additional $500,000, bringing its total contribution to $1.7 million.
“With this incredible matching opportunity, every donation from every individual, business, and community organization — every single gift doubles,” said RMH Foundation CEO Erin Coons in the release.
“Thanks to FDC Foundation and our donor community, we are supporting the best possible care for patients by putting the best tools in the right hands and in the right places. Working together, we are ensuring life-saving imaging technology is available right here in Kawartha Lakes.”
Ross Memorial’s ultrasound project includes five ultrasound units, two echocardiography units for cardiac imaging, and five portable point-of-care ultrasound units.
The portable units will be dedicated to the intensive care unit, dialysis, operating room, internal medicine, and hospitalist service, allowing clinicians to rapidly assess critically ill patients at the bedside.
The project also includes cardiology image-storage software, dedicated workstations and stretchers, and renovations intended to allow the hospital to perform more examinations and reduce wait times.
Ross Memorial relies on ultrasound between 40 and 50 times a day, according to the RMH Foundation, which launched a fundraising appeal for updated equipment earlier this year. The foundation has said the hospital needs to both replace aging machines and expand its ultrasound fleet as the patient population grows.
Ultrasound is used throughout the hospital to diagnose conditions including gallstones, kidney and liver disease, blood clots, and abnormalities involving the heart. It is also used in breast cancer care, pregnancy, and to guide procedures including central line placement and intravenous insertion.
“Having state-of-the-art bedside equipment enables life-saving care and links critical information to care providers in the moment,” said RMH Foundation campaign chair Tim Shauf.
“The ultrasound project is a vital component of our We Are The Ross capital campaign, ensuring better, safer, faster care for our growing community. This leadership gift from FDC Foundation is a wonderful, welcome leap forward that will help the Ross team deliver timely, expert care to patients of all ages.”
Founded by businessman and philanthropist Carlo Fidani in 2000, the Mississauga-based FDC Foundation focuses much of its giving on health care, including hospitals, universities, and medical research and education. Fidani is chair of Orlando Corporation, a privately owned Canadian commercial real estate company. The foundation has supported organizations including University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, William Osler Health System, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Ross Memorial Hospital president and CEO Veronica Nelson said donations are necessary for the hospital to purchase new medical equipment.
“This investment from FDC Foundation is making it possible for patients in our community to access the latest diagnostic imaging technology close to home,” Nelson said.
“Access to new, local, modern equipment relies on the generosity of donors as these costs are not covered through government funding. We are deeply grateful to FDC Foundation and our community supporters for making these important advancements in patient care possible.”
The ultrasound improvements form part of the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation’s We Are The Ross capital campaign, which is raising money for equipment, technology, and improvements to hospital services and spaces.
Donations can be made online at wearetheross.ca, by mail to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation, or by calling 705-328-6146.
