While giving is on many people’s minds this holiday season, the Canmore and Area Health Care Foundation is hoping area residents keep their hospital in mind.
The Canmore Hospital “has a wish list of equipment they put together by various departments in the hospital,” said Foundation chairperson Myrle Christensen. “Barb Shellian (CGH administrator) then gives us a list in order of priority.”
Currently, the hospital and foundation have identified both fetal monitoring telemetry and NeoBlue Phototherapy units as being of particular need.
The telemetry unit is cordless and allows a pregnant woman in the hospital free movement and more comfort during labour and possibly help with a faster delivery.
A NeoBlue unit uses light of specific wavelengths to help break down harmful components that cause jaundice.
“Jaundice, and I didn’t know this, can lead to brain damage,” said Christensen. “That makes you realize just how important this equipment is.”
As to the telemetry unit, with Canmore General Hospital seeing growing numbers of deliveries – a 320 per cent increase, said Christensen – two are being sought.
“The equipment at the hospital now is old and cumbersome and there is so much new technology for babies with jaundice and moms in labour,” said Christensen.
The price tag for the three units is $25,000 and an order will be placed as soon as the money is raised, she said.
“We usually have a campaign in fall and we have a summer golf tournament to raise funds,” said Christensen, “but this year, we decided this was really important and decided to raise funds specifically.”
Donations can be made to the foundation at 1100 Hospital Place, Canmore, AB, T1W 1N2, online through Canada Helps (www.canadahelps.org) or in person at the hospital administration office.
