August 15, 2025
Physicians and staff are thrilled with the new INSPIRA endoscope video processor, which increases image quality. Shown at Wainwright Health Centre, from left, are: Chantell Mullett, LPN; Michelle Poulin, RN; Dr. Cheyanne Vetter; and Lindsey Owen, RN. Supplied.
New IV pumps are now being used in a dedicated infusion space. Care team members include, from left: Genevieve Circe-Turcotte, LPN; Raegan Forster, LPN; and Prabhjot Chahal, RN. Supplied.
Story by Tracy Kennedy | Photos supplied
WAINWRIGHT — Donated equipment is flowing in, and healthcare workers in Wainwright — not to mention patients and clients — couldn’t be more grateful.
Throughout this spring and summer, a variety of equipment for the care and comfort of patients has been delivered, purchased through donations to the Wainwright and District Community Health Foundation.
“It feels like Christmas, thanks to the foundation,” says Tabitha Kearney, site manager for Wainwright Health Centre.
So far, Wainwright healthcare services including Acute Care, Public Health, Home Care and Long-term Care have received an endoscope video processor, glucometer, blanket warmer, infusion and IV chairs, specialty wheelchair, electric breast pump, ice machine, IV pumps, bladder scanner, and 20 over-bed tables, among other items.
“Patients may not realize it, but a key part of their visit with us can involve a chair, pump or scan made possible through community donations, improving their healthcare experience,” says Kearney.
A new infusion clinic space has been created and runs two days a week, furnished with new IV pumps and reclining infusion chairs courtesy of the foundation. Kearney explains the new space and dedicated equipment makes for a more comfortable visit and allows outpatients to avoid the emergency department.
A new INSPIRA scope video processor replaces the previous endoscopy processor, boosting imaging quality. Additionally, a new automatic door to the outpatient physiotherapy space allows clients with walkers and canes access the area more safely and easily.
“We couldn’t do it without the Wainwright and District Community Health Foundation. We are incredibly grateful,” Kearney adds.
For its part, the foundation credits its success to informed and engaged donors. Whether it’s through funds raised at their sold-out annual gala each April, or through memorial or corporate donations, the community demonstrates its capacity to care for one another again and again.
“People are motivated to give when they understand the need and how the equipment will be used,” says Deanna Waddell, the foundation’s chair.
“They’re motivated by knowing that their family and friends may need to use it. A senior, for example, may say: ‘You know this is my community and this is probably the facility I’ll be coming to for my medical needs. I want to know that state-of-the-art equipment will be available for people who are near and dear to my heart.’”
Waddell says they raised about $170,000 in 2024. While she hasn’t officially compared how much is raised in other communities, she adds that one only has to look at the community’s successful CT scanner campaign to know just how committed Wainwright is.
“I think we must have the most generous rural community in Alberta,” says Waddell. “People think healthcare donation is a priority — and they really rise to the challenge. It doesn’t matter if it’s a CT scanner or something smaller like a Broda (wheel)chair, they’re all in. They don’t just take an interest in their community, they take ownership.”
