The South Cariboo has once again come through for the South Cariboo Health Foundation.
Over the last two and a half months of their annual Starry Nights fundraiser, the foundation has raised $103,641 to purchase a new Space Labs Health Care Exhibit Patient Monitoring All-In-One Computer system for the 100 Mile District General Hospital. Their initial goal for the project was $80,000.
“I think it was another really amazing year. We raised over $100,000 and it was another pricey endeavor,” Brenda Devine, the foundation’s public relations and fundraiser coordinator, said. “The community again stepped up and wanted to have this done, so we got it done. They want us to succeed because if we succeed they have the equipment they need if they, unfortunately, have to be in the hospital.”
Broken down Devine said they raised $73,641 from individual donations large and small. Their biggest single donation was $30,000 from the Cariboo Regional District Hospital Board. Devine noted the board has always contributed to their projects in the past and their support is appreciated.
Once purchased and installed the new patient monitoring system will allow for the remote monitoring of the vitals of up to four patients at a time. Devine added that after they have the system up and running they can potentially expand it so more than four beds can be monitored at a time.
This year was the last time Devine organized Starry Nights as she prepares to retire this month. Looking back she’s proud of all she’s accomplished.
“Over 10 years I’ve been doing this with the board. We all collaborate together on this. It’s just been a really enjoyable time for me working with the foundations and all the different people involved. I know they’re all very passionate about our healthcare and want to see this hospital keep on being successful,” Devine remarked. “I’m just glad I’ve been able to help out all these years.”
The new patient monitoring system, once ordered, should arrive within the next few months. Excess funds not used in its purchase will go towards purchasing other pieces of equipment the hospital requires.
