May 17, 2007

Pictured from left to right are: Jean Miller, Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary, Dr. Scott Bowen, MD Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and Foundation Board member, and Phyllis Cameron, Chair Cumberland Health Care Foundation.

Heart Patient Equipment
AMHERST - The Cumberland Health Care Foundation was very pleased to receive a sizable donation from the Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary in the amount of $30,000 towards the purchase of equipment to benefit cardiac and stroke patients.

The Auxiliary stepped up to the plate to assist with the purchase of a Holter heart monitoring system for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. “The Auxiliary wants to ensure that current and potential cardiac and stroke patients have the needed equipment available to assist with their diagnosis and recovery”, stated Jean Miller, Public Relations representative for the Auxiliary as the cheque was presented to the Foundation for purchasing of the needed equipment.

The Holter monitor, invented by Dr. Noman Holter, is a device that records the heart rhythm continuously for 24 hours. This means that it records each and every heart beat over that time. Sticky patches (electrodes) on the chest are connected to wires on the Holter monitor. The monitor is carried with the patient for the recording period. From this recording, a wide variety of information can be obtained including heart rates during day and night, abnormal heart beats, and recording of rhythm during any symptoms during the recording. A diary comes with the Holter for the patient or caregiver to write down the time and type of symptoms so the rhythm can be reviewed.

Phyllis Cameron, chair of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, paid tribute to the Auxiliary for coming forward with the funding, “the Foundation and Auxiliary have always worked side by side, for the good of the community, for the health of community, and for the continued longevity of our local healthcare system – this is yet again another example of how such key community volunteers help others in a time of need”.

The Cumberland Health Care Foundation is a registered Canadian not-for-profit charity dedicated to enhancing the provision of a high standard of health care within Cumberland County by raising funds and supporting new and improved services, programs, equipment and facilities. Its “Growing Care” campaign, which is currently underway, seeks to raise $1.6 million for a fully equipped third operating room and upgrading diagnostic equipment at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. For additional information, please visit our website at www.chcfoundation.com.