The QEII Hospital Auxiliary has raised more than $2 million since its inception in 1922, and has just added another $55,000 to that total. The funds raised over the past couple of years have gone towards the purchase of an upgraded bladder scanner, a fetal heart monitor, a new IV infusion pump and a bariatric chair. Patient Care Director Don Hunt says equipment like the monitor is essential to operations.
“These are used on pretty much every mom [with a baby] that’s born. It measures both contractions and baby heart rate with baby heart rate being the most essential thing in the baby. The scanner is used routinely on medicine, on surgery, in the emergency department; they’re using them everywhere.”
The scanner acts as a portable ultrasound unit, reducing the need for a catheter. Auxiliary President Dorothy Kusyk says they work with staff to figure out what they need the most.
“We try and raise money so that we can get as much as possible for the hospital. So, this should make things a lot more efficient.”
Volunteer members of the auxiliary run the hospital’s gift shop, and raise funds through bingo and casino events.