ARCOLA - Life has not been a bowl of cherries for any employees of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and for the lab staff at the Arcola Health Centre, they are not an exception.
Kim Penney and her co-workers learned some time ago that that their complete blood count (CBC) blood testing machine is on its last legs. Testing blood is an extremely important part of medicine and this machine determines one’s complete white blood cell count, and the amount of red blood cells and platelets in your body.
This test is usually the first indication of infection or illness. A new blood testing unit with an interface compatible with the laboratory information system costs $20,000.
Penney and the lab staff have taken it upon themselves to ask for donations, both from organizations and individuals.
“The local interest has been incredible,” says Penney. “We only sent out donation letters early last week and we have already received a lot of inquiries. In fact, on October 5th, I asked Wayne Wilson of the Carlyle and District Lions Club about some assistance.
“Later that day, he called to advise that $2,500 was pledged that very night at their regular meeting and this was our first donation.”
The Arcola Health Centre and their lab and x-ray department service a large area in southeast Saskatchewan. As the population ages, it is important that local hospitals continue to provide residents with the best health care possible.
Additional donations have been received. Details will be provided in next week’s edition of the Observer.
