Reasons to Give –Intensive Care
No one ever expects to wake up in the Intensive Care Unit of Moose Jaw’s Hospital. Many of the most passionate donors and volunteers of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) campaign told of their experience waking up to caring healthcare professionals doing everything in their power to help save their life.
In 2007, the Five Hills Health Region came to the Foundation seeking our support for 12 new state-of-the-art monitors for critical care at the Union Hospital. They are collectively monitored in the Intensive Care Unit of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. Our donors and community responded with a tremendous outpouring of support through donations including Festival of Trees. Following Festival, the 2nd Annual Family First Radiothon in 2008 focused its attention on raising funds for new medical equipment for the ICU.
While planning for the Radiothon was underway, larger issues were identified in the 5 bed Intensive Care Unit. The Five Hills Health Region had wanted to make major improvements to the ICU for many years. However, due to a lack of funding they were not able to go forward. What started out as a Radiothon with a $100,000 plus goal quickly grew to a much larger renovation.
The volunteer board of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation decided that it was time to take a leap of faith and commit to the ambitious campaign to renovate and revitalize the ICU. The hospital ICU had never received a major renovation in its 35 year history, it was desperately needed and we pushed forward with our ambitious plan to engage our donors and the community – thanks to Health Foundation donor, the ICU in Moose Jaw is one of the best in Canada.
The new ICU is a true testament of the power of the community and the partnership of Moose Jaw Health Foundation donors, the Five Hills Health Region and the Government of Saskatchewan.
Throughout the Cornerstone of Care campaign, the community responded time and time raising over $326,000 during the Radiothon including a $150,000 from the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation for the first ever dedicated negative pressure room to help prevent the spread of airborne infectious viruses.
Everyone in their own way expressed their desire to see improvements in the ICU: direct mail donors, Concerts in the Park patrons, Moose Jawg participants, Festival of Trees sponsors and attendees, businesses, service clubs, churches and healthcare employees all participated. Everyone did their part – thank you.
When we take into account the funds raised for critical care monitors, the equipment for ICU from the Radiothon, and the capital investment for the ICU renovation; the Moose Jaw Health Foundation’s contribution approached nearly $1,000,000 dollars to improve critical care services for Moose Jaw and surrounding communities in the Five Hills Health Region. Over 2000 donors contributed to the Foundation’s campaign to improve critical care services at our hospital.
Every donation, no matter what the size, makes a difference and is appreciated. There is always need for more life saving equipment for patients. If you still would like to contribute to help in the purchase of new intensive care equipment, please click here. For more information on how you, your organization or company can create another success story at our local hospital, please contact Kelly McElree, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation at 694-0255 or kmcelree@fhhr.ca.