June 22, 2016
Olds Health Care Fundraising Committee member Ed Hildebrand is flanked by Kiwanis Club members H. Brian Thompson, left, and Bill Johnston at a recent pancake breakfast where they flipped flapjacks to help buy new flat-screen TVs for the acute care unit of Olds Hospital and Care Centre.
Story by Kerri Robins; photo courtesy of Kristine Schultz
OLDS — Acute-care patient Shirley Zimmerman has a thing or two to say about televisions — especially after she’s been watching an old tube-style telly since last February at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre.
“I’m thrilled our hospital is getting some new TVs because these old ones are just about broken down,” says the 78-year-old, joking that, “I could just throw it out the window, sometimes.”
Zimmerman suffered a stroke last February and spent about four months in the hospital. But thanks to recent fundraising — including a June 8 pancake breakfast that raised more than $10,000 — patients will soon be able to keep in touch with the world on new flat-screen TVs with the promise of clearer, crisper images on a much-bigger screen.
Hosted by the Kiwanis Club, in partnership with the Olds Healthcare Fundraising Committee, the breakfast tipped the scales — giving the hospital the green light to purchase 31 televisions for acute care at a total cost of $35,000, including wiring.
Acute care manager Nathan Banda says the TVs mean a huge improvement for patients, because they’ll help create a more home-like atmosphere.
“We want to create an environment that doesn’t seem so clinical for our patients,” he says.
Many of the old sets have either stopped working, or are very small and they provide poor images and sound quality. They also require the patient to wear headphones whenever watching TV.
Banda says he’s looking forward to the changeover: “The new flat-screen TVs will improve the outlook of patients’ rooms, but also provide programming with much better quality images and sounds. And they’re more user-friendly with remotes and easily handled controls.
“TV provides a distraction — and it’s nice for family members to watch with their loved ones while in the hospital.”
Foundation co-chair Kathy Kimpton says she’s happy with the eagerly anticipated upgrades.
“The hospital was due for some new TVs and our community has really stepped up in helping us fundraise,” she says.
“I’m proud to be part of such a great group of people and appreciate all the hard work that’s gone into this cause. Our Kiwanis Club partners did a fabulous job flipping pancakes all morning.”
Fortunately for Zimmerman, she’s now at home continuing her recovery.
“I’m glad our patients have the new TVs because it’s important to stay connected to the world,” she says. “The TVs offer that to people who might feel isolated when they’re in the hospital.
For more information, or to make a donation, please visit oldshealthdonations.com.
