UNITY — The Unity Health Care Auxiliary was the recipient of a $10,000 donation from the Unity Credit Union to be used to help purchase another bed for the Unity & District Health Centre.
With the cost of medical-grade furnishings and equipment continuously rising, the auxiliary has made it their mission to assist with purchasing equipment the hospital and long-term care facility need, said member of the auxiliary Bea Stephenson. Each new bed costs approximately $8,000, she noted; therefore, the money donated by the Unity Credit Union will be used to purchase one new bed in a three-bed purchase.
The auxiliary was first established in 1937, finding ways to benefit patients and residents at the health-care facility. Currently, the group is comprised of eight women who meet roughly six times a year to discuss where funds will be allocated.
The group only hosts one annual event, the Auxiliary Tea in May, to help raise awareness that a group such as theirs exists in the community. Stephenson said in an interview that most of the funding the group receives in a year is through donations.
“We receive many donations through memorials, privately or from businesses. We had one donation come in specifically requesting air mattresses be purchased and another wanting to purchase an outdoor patio set for the staff for their breaks when the weather is nice. We are here to ensure patients and staff have what they need to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.”
The women with the auxiliary are also working on purchasing mechanical lifts for every acute and long-term care room in the facility. Currently, there is only one rechargeable lift on the acute floor and per pod in long-term care for assisting patients and residents who require full assistance in transferring from bed to chair. They are also looking into purchasing new chairs for the dining rooms in long-term care.
To date, the auxiliary has raised and donated more than $200,000 over the past five years, allowing the Unity and District Health Centre to continue to serve the area and its residents.
