Auxiliary funds new equipment at QEII Regional Hospital

GRANDE PRAIRIE – Patients at the Queen Elizabeth II Regional Hospital are now benefiting from several pieces of new equipment purchased with funds from the QEII Hospital Auxiliary.

The auxiliary has donated about $55,000 over the past year that was used to purchase a new IV infusion pump, bariatric chair, fetal monitor and an upgraded bladder scanner.

“The new bladder scanner acts as a portable ultrasound unit, providing a 3D image of the bladder to help reduce the need for a catheter,” says Bonnie Kennedy, medicine unit manager at the Alberta Health Services (AHS) hospital. “Using this bladder scanner is a safe, more comfortable option for assessing urinary retention.”

The auxiliary’s volunteer members raise funds through bingos and casinos, along with proceeds from the hospital gift shop, which is run by the auxiliary.

“Each year we work with the staff at the hospital to identify where their greatest needs are and where we can contribute to make the largest impact,” says Dorothy Kusyk, President of the QEII Hospital Auxiliary, which has been active in Grande Prairie since 1922, contributing more than $2 million over the past 94 years.

“We’re very grateful for the auxiliary’s continued support,” says Joan Libsekal, AHS Senior Operating Officer for Grande Prairie and the QEII Regional Hospital. “These latest contributions help ensure our patients have access to state-of-the-art technology and some of the best equipment while in the hospital.”

The QEII Hospital Auxiliary is looking for new members to join its ranks. Call Kusyk at 780-518-0120 or the hospital gift shop at 780-538-2770 for more information.

AHS works with 51 registered health care auxiliaries across the province, as well as various other health foundations and trusts. These non-profit groups have a significant impact on health delivery in Alberta by funding vital needs, programs, renovations, research and education, which translates into positive health experiences for patients and their families.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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