Every year thousands of people in Grey and Bruce take up the role of Guardian Angel. In recent years these amazing individuals have helped purchase new workstations for nurses, upgraded software systems for Brightshores Cancer Centre, installed an improved nurse call system, and purchased an advanced surgical table. Each of these was done with the goal of improving care for patients and making Brightshores a great place to work. None of that would be possible without the thousands of people who support local healthcare every year.
This year the needs are no different but the campaign might have to be. The Guardian Angel ornaments are printed and waiting in envelopes hoping to make it to people’s trees for the holidays.
“Like so many charities we’re dealing with a Canada Post service disruption that will effect donations during what is traditionally the busiest time of the year,” said Amy McKinnon, CEO, Brightshores Owen Sound Foundation.
Anyone wishing to get an ornament on their tree before Canada Post resumes service is invited to come pick one up in the Foundation office located on the hospital’s main floor near central registration.
“This year’s ornament features a reimagined version of a design from 15 years ago. The idea was to showcase how long this campaign has been going on and highlight how technology can change and adapt over time,” said McKinnon.
Funds from this year’s Guardian Angel campaign will be used to purchase a new CT scanner for Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital. The current CT is nearly ten years old and has done more than 150,000 scans. It’s a critical workhorse for this community and an important tool in the hospital’s role as the District Stroke Center. While the new machine will seem to patients like more of the same it will create noticeable changes for care and for staff.
New techniques allow the machine to use lower levels of radiation. Faster scan times will create better images allowing for more confident diagnosis and a need for fewer scans. A new contrast delivery system will save staff time and let them be more present with patients.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can go online to www.brightshoresfoundation.ca, call 519-372-3925 Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., make a donation in person at the Foundation office on the hospital’s main floor near central registration, or place a donation in the locked box located in the hospital’s lobby near the red phone. Anyone coming into the hospital is invited to pick up their Guardian Angel at the Foundation office during operating hours.
