August 19, 2008 - Media Release

“Those who receive are thankful to those that give"
In Memoriam Donations helping patients & families
Palliative Care Program benefits with $40,000 of new equipment

Katy van Vulpen demonstrates new patient lift chair for palliative care rooms.

Iris Munn, Respiratory Therapy Team Leader demonstrates the placement of oxygen tubing on Carol Embree, Palliative Care Coordinator. Munn will often travel to a patient's home to setup and train on usage of the oxygen concentrator as part of the coordinated palliative care delivery in the community.

AMHERST, NS (August 19th, 2008) – “Often times donations are received from family members who have had a relative or friend in this regional hospital,” said Joe Gauthier of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, “they give to show their appreciation for not only the quality of care that was given to a loved one or friend, but to give a gift of remembrance that will continue helping another patient and family undergoing a similar experience.” Although donations can be directed for usage in any area of the hospital, the two most commonly selected purposes are for Palliative Care or for general usage to be directed “where most needed when it’s most needed”.

The Cumberland Health Care Foundation was very pleased to be able to provide needed equipment for the Palliative Care Program of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre (CRHCC) due to the generosity of those remembering loved ones and friends through in-memoriam donations and special fundraisers. The approximate $40,000 worth of new equipment will benefit patients receiving palliative care services in the hospital and also within the home setting

Two new Versacare beds valued at $25,000 have been added to the Palliative Care rooms in addition to special recliner chairs which bring a patient to a standing or seating position while helping to promote patient independence. Both items will also assist staff in moving a patient more effectively. In addition, replacement dishes and lamps for the two palliative care rooms and two portable televisions with stands for other Palliative Care patients in the Medical Unit are also on order.

New duo-therapy mattresses and two additional oxygen concentrators used in the home care setting have also been added to the Palliative Care Program. “Some of our patients spend many hours in bed and these specialty mattresses provide added comfort,” explained Palliative Care Coordinator, Carol Embree, “and the oxygen concentrators have been a wonderful asset to our home palliative care program throughout the County.”

For patients who do not qualify for oxygen concentrators under the provincial home care program but could benefit physically and sometimes psychologically with oxygen, they are provided with one through the palliative care program. This type of equipment has made it possible for many patients with difficult breathing problems to remain at home.

“Pain and symptom management is one of our goals,” said Embree, “we were also able to provide additional syringe drivers and pain pumps this year which have helped greatly with this. Families are very grateful to see the comfort provided to their loved ones through the generosity of those who give to the Foundation’s Palliative Care Fund.”

In Memoriam donations and cards are readily available through the Foundation office located at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, by calling 902 667-5400 ext. 6210 where donations can be made by phone and a card sent directly from the Foundation or by visiting the website www.chcfoundation.com.