NEWS

March 6, 2008

Donations Needed to meet $2.5 Million CT Scanner Goal

Four Counties Health Services Foundation (FCHS) and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation (SMGH) are getting close to their goal of raising $2.5 million for a new CT scanner. The campaign is only $400,000 away from reaching its goal. As the campaign moves into its final phase, residents and businesses who have not already donated are being encouraged to show their support.

“We need to raise the remaining $400,000 to complete the campaign. The new CT scanner has really helped to provide residents with a convenient and time saving service,” said Don Weekes, CT campaign co-chair and past board chair, FCHS Foundation. “This project is a wonderful example of how donors and community partners have supported healthcare services to make an immediate, positive difference in the lives of patients and their families.”

Since the CT scanner was installed in May 2007, over 3000 scans have been performed. Co-operation between both Four Counties and Strathroy Hospital Foundation's has been the key to raising just over $2 million so far. The new scanner is helping to address the need for fast access to CT scans for patients of the Middlesex Hospital Alliance.

“With the Middlesex Hospital Alliance serving such a wide community of over 80,000 people, the new CT scanner has helped medical staff to respond to increased traffic and demand, translating into shorter wait times and reduced risk for patients,” said Campaign co-chair Dr. Ian Ferguson , Chief of Surgery, SMGH.

The Foundation's have seen participants from all walks of life come out and support the campaign by running raffles, initiating employee workplace campaigns, running BBQ fundraisers, making gifts in lieu of birthday presents, and many other events. Combine this with generous corporate and private donations, many participants have aided in the vital $2.5 million journey to help pay for the purchase and installation of a CT scanner.

The generosity of donors has been key, with 12 donors contributing gifts of $25,000 or more, including 3 donors who have given gifts of $100,000 or more.  To date, more than 2570 donors have contributed to the campaign.

“We are elated by all of the magnificent support so far,” said Susan McLean, SMGH Foundation CEO. “We are grateful and hope our communities will assist us in this final challenge, which will help us to complete the CT scanner campaign as this new technology continues to help patients.”

New compelling needs and opportunities are emerging as a result of growing hospital programs and services. In coming years, new and upgraded equipment is required at both Four Counties and Strathroy hospital sites to support patient care needs in nursing, ambulatory care, emergency, and surgical suites to name a few.

“It's important that both Four Counties and Strathroy Hospital Foundations look at other healthcare programs and services that the MHA will require financial support for in the coming years,” said George Sinker , campaign co-chair and past board chair of SMGH Foundation. “However, our work is not yet finished, we need to raise the remaining $400,000 needed to complete the CT scanner campaign.”

As both Foundations move forward, their Boards will be taking a close look at new equipment priorities of the Middlesex Hospital Alliance and focus on enhancing health care programs and services that are second to none for rural and community residents in the region.

SMGH Foundation Board of Directors will be taking part in strategic planning sessions during March that will help determine new priorities for the Strathroy hospital site. FCHS Foundation is also looking at holding strategic planning sessions in late spring. Both Foundations must grow fundraising programs to support increased need for new technology and expanded services.

The CT scanner campaign team aims to reach its goal of $2.5 million by fall 2008. Those who wish to take part in the exciting campaign can phone either FCHS Foundation (519-693-4441 x. 2438) or SMGH Foundation (519-245-5295 x. 5020), to make a donation. Or visit http://www.smghfoundation.on.ca/aboutUs_news.cfm#ct for more information.