On the same day they were honoured for their 74 years of support, the St. Joseph's Hospital Health Care Auxiliary further burnished their legacy with another substantial donation.
It was announced during an appreciation tea Thursday that the auxiliary recently made an $80,000 contribution to the hospital. Those funds have been used to purchase three bedside monitors for the intensive care unit as well as three ICU beds and three overbed tables.
In a press release about the upgrades to the ICU, St. Joseph's executive director Greg Hoffort said with healthcare technology continuing to change every day, the purchases are very important for the future of the hospital.
"We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep up with the technological changes in health care to permit our health care team to perform to the peak of their skills and we are blessed with the tremendous support of the auxiliary to help in this regard."
Mary Anne Veroba, the director of care at St. Joe's, added that patients in the intensive care unit require constant monitoring and this new equipment will help hospital staff carry out that important task.
"Patient monitoring, respiratory and cardiac support, emergency resuscitation devices and other life support equipment are designed to care for patients who are seriously injured or have a critical life threatening illness or have undergone major surgical procedures," she said in the release. "These patients require 24-hour care and monitoring and these upgrades to our equipment will allow this to continue at a high level."
During Thursday's event, Hoffort also paid tribute to the auxiliary and their 74 years of work at the hospital.
"Seventy-four years ago, 25 women from Estevan decided to form a ladies' auxiliary and thank goodness they did," he said. "I wonder if they could ever imagine what it's become and how successful it has become and what an integral part of St. Joseph's Hospital you are."
Hoffort said the auxiliary has shown their support in a variety of ways from running the gift shop at the hospital, visiting patients, providing scholarships for local youth interested in working in the health care industry and assisting with hospital functions.
"Anywhere along the way when you have been asked, you've been there," he said.
With respect to their financial support, Hoffort said Thursday's contribution brings the auxiliary's total to roughly $700,000 over their 74 years in operation.
"In 1940, the ladies' auxiliary purchased a bed along with a lamp, some furnishings for the children's ward and a payment on the X-ray machine, all for $1,700. Today you are purchasing three beds and each of those beds comes with a price tag in excess of $7,000.
"So a lot has changed in 74 years, but one thing that hasn't changed is the absolute care, dedication and determination (in how) you go about your business of supporting St. Joseph's Hospital and for that we are here to thank you today."
