2024 Newsletter and Appeal

As we reflect on the past two years, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible work and dedication shown by our volunteer Board and gift shop volunteers. This has been a year of significant accomplishments, made possible by the tireless efforts of our volunteers, donors, and community partners.

Our mandate is simple: to enhance healthcare in our region. Thanks to your generous donations in the past, we have been able to purchase much-needed clinical care equipment and patient comfort items, often eliminating the need for costly travel to larger centers. Since our Foundation is led by a volunteer Board, every dollar donated goes directly to where it is needed most. This allows us to continue offering a broad range of high-quality healthcare to the residents of Melfort and the surrounding North East region.

As you may know, Melfort Hospital is one of only two surgical sites in the former Kelsey Trail Health Region, and we have committed to upgrading our surgical equipment to ensure the continuation of a full range of general and obstetrical services. We are incredibly fortunate to have a full-time onsite general surgeon and three family physicians supporting our surgical and obstetrical services in Melfort. Through careful planning and the generosity of donors like you, we have invested nearly $300,000 this year in vital equipment necessary for our medical professionals to continue providing excellent patient care.

Looking ahead, we recognize that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. As Melfort Hospital celebrates its 30th anniversary and Parkland Place marks 22 years of service, the challenges ahead are becoming more apparent. Basic items such as beds, furniture, and essential equipment are beginning to wear out and need replacing. With the age of these facilities, repairs are becoming less effective, and comprehensive replacements will soon be necessary. This presents a significant challenge as we work to maintain the high standard of care that our community has come to rely on.

We now ask for your continued commitment to our mission. Together, we will ensure that our healthcare facilities remain vital and vibrant for many years to come.

To stay informed about our work, follow us on Facebook or visit our website at www.nchcf.ca.

On behalf of the NCHCF Board members—Chair Peggy George, Vice Chair Monica Slobodzian, Secretary Kendra Campbell, Treasurer Kathy Gray, Directors Sherri Carlson, Susan Moldowan, Sherry Mahon, and Brian Enge—we wish you and yours health and happiness today and always.

With heartfelt thanks, The North Central Health Care Foundation Team

Your Health – Your Future – Your Legacy The NCHCF has been raising funds to support the ongoing delivery of healthcare services in Melfort and area since 2001.Our Board is operated entirely by volunteers. We work closely with the Health Region’s Facilities in Melfort to determine the highest priorities each year, so that funds are always directed to the areas of care where they are needed most. A person’s good health is a great blessing. We are grateful for the stable, well-staffed medical teams currently in place at our facilities. Their dedication and expertise are the foundation of the high-quality healthcare we enjoy in Melfort. With your financial support we can continue to upgrade and replace aging medical equipment. As another year draws near, we ask you to please consider supporting our Foundation so we can continue to enhance the health care in the Melfort Hospital, Parkland Place and Nirvana Assisted Living. Your donation will make such a difference and we can’t thank you enough.

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YES! I would like to give a Gift to Health this Christmas…

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E-transfers are safe, quick and secure. Email nchcfoundation@outlook.com

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Mail or drop off a cheque made payable to North Central Health Care Foundation ( or NCHCF)

Mail to NCHCF, Box 1480, Melfort, SK. S0E 1A0; or drop off at the front desk of the Melfort Hospital or Parkland Place

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If you prefer to use a Credit Card – please call us at 306.752.8700 or Secure donations may also be made through our website: www.nchcf.ca

If you would like a receipt for this tax year, please date cheques prior to Dec. 31, 2024. Thank you!

Thank you once again for your contribution to your North Central Health Care Foundation. Wishing you all the best, Good health, Joy and Prosperity!

Report from the Chair – April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024

As we reflect on the year from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible work and dedication shown by our volunteer Board. It has been a year of significant accomplishments, thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, donors, and community partners.

Our volunteer directors continue to be a backbone of the Foundation’s success. Another major part of this success comes from the two gift shops, one located in Parkland Place and the other at the hospital. This year, our dedicated volunteers contributed a combined total of 1,900 hours to these operations, ensuring that our Foundation remains accessible and in the public’s eye. Their commitment is instrumental in keeping our mission strong.

One of the highlights of the year was our Surgical Equipment Campaign Radiothon, held on October 26, 2023. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we surpassed our goal of $150,000 and raised an impressive $254,000 Three large and timely donations were pivotal in our success:

• Deloros and the late Bernard Bueker: A generous donation of $52,680 for the operating room and $25,000 for priority purchasing at Parkland Place.

• The estate of Leilah Wood: A donation of $125,000, which significantly impacted our ability to support the hospital’s critical needs.

• Melfort Rotary Club: Pledged $25,000 over the next five years to support our ongoing campaigns.

The Foundation has made significant strides in improving hospital facilities and patient care this year. Our funding supported the acquisition of the following essential medical equipment and upgrades:

• Point of Care Ultrasound Machine: Enhances technology to assist general practitioners (GPs) and surgeons in diagnosing and treating certain conditions more easily.

• Tonometer: New technology that enables quick identification of ophthalmological conditions in the ER, providing timely interventions.

• Bladder Scanner: Allows for non-invasive bladder volume monitoring, reducing the need for more invasive procedures.

• Warming Cabinet for Chemotherapy Area: Ensures blankets and supplies are kept warm for chemotherapy patients, enhancing patient comfort.

• Two TVs for Chemotherapy Area: Installed to improve the patient experience during treatment.

• Two Medical Fridges and One Medical Freezer: For safe storage of medications in the pharmacy department.

• Anesthetic Carts: Updated to house essential medications and equipment required in the operating room.

• Four Medication Carts: Replaced aging carts with more secure and efficient models, ensuring better workflow for nursing staff.

• Whirlpool Tub: Replaced outdated equipment to improve patient care.

• Family Quiet Room Upgrades: New furniture and appliances were purchased to create a more comfortable and supportive environment for families.

• Doctor Retention Incentive: We contributed a $10,000 bonus to the incentive package for Dr. Mah, supporting efforts to retain top medical talent in our region.

• Two Surgical tables and a Cardiac Monitor were 2 more big items

These investments not only enhance patient care but also ensure that our medical professionals have the best tools available to deliver top-quality service.

In addition to supporting the hospital, we continued our commitment to Parkland Place. This year, the Foundation funded the purchase of a new tub, chair, and lift, as well as five ceiling motor lifts. We are also committed to funding a bariatric bed and mattress, which will be delivered in the coming months. Furthermore, Parkland Place, now over 22 years old, saw significant updates, including the replacement of all dining room tables and chairs, as well as new bedside tables for all 105 rooms.

Another significant milestone this year was the completion of our commitment to the construction of the heliport in 2020. We are pleased to report that the Foundation has now fully paid off the construction costs. As a result, we have a surplus of approximately $81,700 as some remaining commitments from rural municipalities and other donors are yet to be received.

Our Foundation continues to be an active member of various local and provincial networks, including the Melfort Trade Alliance, Melfort Health Advocacy Committee, Hospital and Healthcare Foundation Network in Saskatchewan, and Donors Choice. We are also committed to honoring and remembering those who have served in our armed forces, having recently laid a wreath at the Remembrance Day service.

As we look toward the future, we recognize that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the NCHC Foundation’s role in supporting our medical facilities and staff remains critical. We have seen significant progress over the years, thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. However, the challenges ahead are becoming increasingly evident, particularly as Melfort Hospital celebrates its 30th anniversary and Parkland Place reaches its 22nd year of service.

Basic items such as beds, furniture, and other essential equipment are beginning to break down and need replacing. The age of the facilities means that repairs are becoming less viable, and more comprehensive replacements will soon be necessary. This presents a real challenge as we work to maintain the high standard of care our community has come to rely on.

In addition to the physical needs of the hospital and Parkland Place, we foresee challenges related to staff retention and education. With the healthcare industry continuing to evolve, attracting and retaining skilled medical professionals will require not only competitive compensation packages but also ongoing professional development opportunities.

We are grateful for the stable, well-staffed medical teams currently in place at our facilities. Their dedication and expertise are the foundation of the high-quality healthcare we enjoy in Melfort. Despite the challenges, the NCHC Foundation remains in a strong position to continue fulfilling its mission. Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our donors and volunteers, we are well-equipped to continue supporting the healthcare needs of Melfort and surrounding areas. Our focus will remain on maintaining and enhancing the resources that have been so generously donated to us, and we are excited about the future as we continue to support the health and well-being of those we serve.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission. Together, we will ensure that our healthcare facilities remain a vital, vibrant part of our community for many years to come.

Respectfully,

Peggy George, Chair NCHCF

Former employee puts Melfort primary stroke centre to the test

September 23, 2024

Melfort resident and former Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) employee Doris Smith (second from left), is pictured with the Melfort Hospital team members that delivered the initial assessment and treatment shortly after she suffered a stroke on December 31, 2023. (Left to right) Registered Nurse (RN) Narissa Fiske; Dr. Danielle Desjardins; and RN Terri McLaren. Missing from the photo is Sonia Flamand, Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist.

Story

Months prior to Melfort primary stroke centre’s planned August 19 go-live date, former Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) employee Doris Smith unexpectedly became the program’s first patient.

“All of a sudden I just lost my voice,” Smith said, recalling the events of New Year’s Eve 2023. “I could hear (my daughter) talking but I couldn’t answer her.” Recognizing something was very wrong, Smith’s daughter and her husband took her straight to the emergency room (ER) where she was also joined by her son.

Fortunately, the facility was in the process of transitioning to a primary stroke centre. Education was complete and enough computed tomography (CT) and ER staff were on-site to manage a stroke patient. At that time, 24/7 ER physician and CT coverage remained the only outstanding item needed to secure official stroke centre status.

ER staff immediately recognized and diagnosed Smith’s symptoms and, with support and direction from the stroke team and neurologists at Royal University Hospital (RUH), delivered initial treatment before she was airlifted to Saskatoon, accompanied by her son.

“The medical team was able to administer the clot-busting medication right away,” said Brenda Mellon, Smith’s daughter. “Our family firmly believes that her recovery was significantly aided by having access to the advanced equipment and exceptional care she received in Melfort.”

Melfort family physician Dr. Eben Strydom elected SMA president… READ ARTICLE by “Saskatchewan Medical Association“

MUCC Pink Game Raises Almost $18,000… READ ARTICLE by “Northeast Now“

Another Successful Christmas Castle put on by Dr. Adeyemi Laosebikan and his wife … READ ARTICLE by “Northeast Now“