PORT HARDY—Port Hardy's Hospital Auxiliary purchased and donated more than $30,000 in equipment to Port Hardy hospital between October 2012 and January 2013, bringing its total contribution to the hospital, Port Hardy Fire Rescue and BC Ambulance Service to more than $790,000 over its 22 years of service.
"It saves lives," hospital spokesperson Leanne Frechette said. "A lot of the equipment provided is for the convenience and comfort of patients, but a lot of it is critical equipment."
The auxiliary raises money through its Port Hardy Thrift Shop, relying on donations from the community. Among the items presented to the hospital over the past several months include an emergency room "crash cart", two KCI beds, two five-leg I.V. poles, a blanket-warming cabinet, infrared temporal artery thermometer, blood pressure monitor, tilt commode chair and more.
The auxiliary is also has also ordered additional turnout gear which should soon be available to the fire department.
"We ask for a wish list from the hospital, fire department and ambulance crews," said Sylvia Frankforth, auxiliary president. We present that at our meetings and our members decide what they want to buy."
The auxiliary has about 50 current members, said vice president Shirley Dougall, who joined Frankforth at the hospital this week for a presentation to the staff.