In March the Auxiliary to the Cowichan District Hospital authorized financial support for 21 items on the hospital’s wishlist.
These items come to a total of $73,600.
Items include a warming cupboard and medication fridge which together will cost $28,300, a cataract equipment storage cart, skin grafting equipment, pressure cushions, commodes, and an ultrasound linear probe for pain control.
“We expect that these items will contribute toward more comfortable or efficient patient service,” the Auxiliary said in a press release.
“In the past, the Auxiliary has focussed our donating capacity on strictly care and comfort items. We now recognize that patient care and comfort can include having equipment locally so that patients don’t have to travel to other locales to get treatment, and also having modern equipment that allows medical personnel to deliver better care,” they said.
“We believe that the items we have authorized funding for will outlive their time in the current hospital and will be moved to the new facility in a few short years.”
The group also continues to support activities with baby tuques, surgical sponges, emergency grooming kits, layettes, pediatric care toys, and tea and visiting at Cairnsmore Place.
The Auxiliary cooperates with funding WiFi service at the hospital and at Cairnsmore Place and Cowichan Valley Hospice.
In order to make these donations and operate these services, members operate the thrift store (HATS in Duncan), the hospital gift shop. The Needlers group provides knitted items for sale.
“The workload is significant, and we welcome you to join us and participate in giving back to the community,” the group said.
Application forms are available at both stores and online at www.cowichanhospitalauxiliary.com