The Christmas season is difficult for some, said North Battleford Senior Citizens Action Now Club president Margaret Kemp Wednesday, including those who are in hospital or needing health care services.
Speaking at the club's annual turkey dinner, which is held in conjunction with the November/December birthday party, Kemp said as seniors they appreciate the Battlefords Union Hospital, including being able to have tests done locally, rather than driving to Saskatoon.
That's why each year the Action Now Club gives to the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation. This year's donation is $5,500, bringing the total to more than $140,000.
Accepting the cheque, foundation executive director Claudette McGuire said their donation will go toward the purchase of a new a $550,000 digital fluoroscopy unit for the medical imaging department. The fluoroscopy unit allows for real time imaging of a patient and helps to provide accurate diagnosis and possible life-saving interventions, she explained.
The current unit is not functioning and replacement parts cannot be obtained.
The medical imaging department of the hospital is integral to providing health care to the community, said McGuire. It receives 22,000 visits per year.
