The Ponoka and District Health Foundation (PDHF) continues to raise funds to support projects at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre (PHCC) and the Ponoka Community Health Unit.
Most recently, the foundation purchased a Mobile Adjustable Instrument Table for the Endoscopy Department in May.
"This table will allow staff to customize the table to their personal working height, which will reduce their risk of back strain, pain, and injuries," stated a press release.
In April, PDHF provided funds for the Care Course which was taken by several doctors, nurses, and EMT staff at the PHCC. The two-day course focused on rural emergency care including airway management, trauma care, cardiac care, emergency obstetrics, pediatrics and neonatal care.
Feedback from those who attended was very positive, according to PDHF.
The foundation is continuing with its project to update the family area in the Palliative Care Rooms at the Ponoka hospital.
The rooms have been painted and they are awaiting delivery of new furniture, including a sofa bed, table and chairs, and recliner. Two coffee machines have been purchased.
They are also in the process of purchasing two recliners for the Indigenous Cultural Room.
PDHF has provided Ponoka Long Term Care with funds for new signage to create a more welcoming space for residents, their families and staff.
The Ponoka Community Health Unit was provided with funds to complete a renovation which adds a security window in the lobby to allow staff a better view of patients entering the building, improving both safety and security.
The foundation's main fundraising project this year was the helipad project at the hospital.
The project is being supported by the Helipad Committee which is composed of Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff and community members including service groups.
As the helipad site is on AHS property, they are leading the project. It's estimated the groundbreaking will be this fall.
The helipad project is being funded by several other Ponoka community groups as well as PDHF.
PDHF has committed to pay for the engineered drawings that are needed to start the project.
The drawings are expected to be completed by the end of June and the Helipad Committee will then tender them to contractors for bid on the work.
Currently, Stars Air Ambulance must land at the airport and patients are transported to and from the hospital in a ground ambulance.
"This takes valuable time and ties up the EMS staff and ambulances that are then not available for other calls. Once the helipad is refurbished, Stars will be able to land right at the hospital, saving valuable time," stated the release.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit our website at ponokahealthfoundation.com.
Upcoming events
An Indigenous Cultural Celebration is being held on June 19.
PDHF provided the funds to purchase a teepee that will be placed seasonally in the palliative care garden and used for sacred ceremonies and mental health healing.
A hospital staff appreciation barbecue is being held on June 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
