Holiday lights to give hope during H1N1

Hospital fundraiser for ICU Beds & portable ventilator timely

AMHERST, NOVA SCOTIA (November 4, 2009) -   At a time when the Canadian Health Care System is battling the H1N1 influenza virus, the Cumberland Health Care Foundation is asking people to help “Light the Way!” with a spirit of hope and goodwill for others.

“It’s a different time period for everyone,” said David Wood, Chair of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, “I don’t think many of us thought that we would be involved with such a healthcare concern as H1N1 going into the holidays this year.  It makes it all the more important that we remain positive and give hope to others in our community.”

The tradition has been to “launch” Light the Way the first Wednesday in December.   However, in Nova Scotia, H1N1 vaccinations will be ongoing for several weeks into November and December and will likely not be completed in time for the official Light the Way launch. 

“We’ve had to make some changes to Light the Way, on short notice, this year due to H1N1 concerns,” stated Wood, “and unfortunately our official launch night on Wednesday December 2nd has been cancelled.  The decision was made as a precautionary measure to protect both patients and visitors in light of the risks associated with H1N1”.

Normally the Light the Way launch event includes musical groups and choirs, children’s activities, and the official throwing of the overall “light switch” for all the lighted ornaments at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.   

“We’re told the most vulnerable groups are the young, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying or current health conditions,” Wood continued, “it would not be prudent to host a launch event where a good portion of attendees are within those higher risk groups – both for their health and for the health of other patients at the hospital.” 
  
“We’ll still be throwing the official lighting switch on the evening of Wednesday December 2nd,” said Wood, “and those lights sponsored in loving memory and respect will glow with a light of hope for others into the New Year.   It’s especially important this year with the additional stress and worry of H1N1 that we provide that sense of hope for others in our community – especially those with a healthcare concern.”

As in previous years, the lights will remain lit throughout the Holiday season in honor of contributions to the Cumberland Health Care Foundation.  This will also enable hospital patients and their families to enjoy the lights and music during the entire holiday period. “It’s a time of year when we need to give hope to others.” said Wood, “Everyone has the ability to spark the light of hope for those that are sick, recovering, or not able to return home for the holidays.  It’s a truly a chance to Light the Way!”

“Light the Way!” is a very meaningful campaign which enables people to remember those who are no longer with us or to recognize others for their contributions in their lives at this very special time of year.   Started in 1997, “Light the Way!!” has raised more than $575,000 towards the purchase of needed medical equipment for Cumberland’s acute care centre - the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre.  

This year the Foundation is looking to raise funds to support the purchase of 3 new beds for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre and a portable ventilator for Respiratory Therapy. These items are vital to the critical care treatment & recovery process and are very important in situations such as the threat currently posed by the H1N1 influenza.

Donations made to this year’s event will provide a new model of bed that will allow patients in the Intensive Care Unit to be brought to a chair position for improved breathing, reduce pressure on their backs & spine, decrease pressure sores and assist with turning. Ventilators assist patients when they cannot breathe effectively on their own.  A new portable ventilator will improve patient safety and can greatly benefit the patient should relocation be required due to critical illness or injury.   

“We all know how it feels when we can’t rest comfortably,” said David Wood, Chair of the Cumberland Health Care Foundation, “and anyone who has experienced breathing difficulties will understand the importance of simply being able to breathe easier.”   The portable unit will also function as a back-up should one of the fixed ventilators need to be replaced or a shortage of ventilators occurs due to increased demand.