Island Health would like to thank the Port Hardy Hospital Auxiliary for their generous investment in the North Island. The Auxiliary made possible three significant equipment purchases this year – a bladder scanner for Port McNeill Hospital, along with a Blood Bank Fridge and Fetal Monitor for Port Hardy Hospital.
Bladder scanners – use ultrasound technology to easily create a non-invasive image of the bladder. It is a preventative procedure that helps reduce the possibility of requiring catheterization later due to bladder complications or infection. Early intervention blockage of high volume in the bladder to help and reduce discomfort, pain and further prevent damage to the bladder or kidneys and fluid overload which related to increased mortality and also lead to several complications like pulmonary edema, cardiac failure.
Blood Bank Fridges – a highly stable and high-precision temperature control environment, achieve rapid cooling and silent operation, provide a good environment for blood preservation, and prolong the quality and safety period of blood and blood products, and reduce and prevent cross-contamination.
Fetal Monitor – monitoring measures the heart rate and rhythm of baby (fetus). This lets healthcare provider see how the baby is doing. Baby’s heart rate is a good and important way to tell and help with healthcare provider to diagnosis if baby is doing well or may have some problems to determine early interventions.
The Port Hardy Hospital Auxiliary started as the Port Hardy Women’s Auxiliary in 1962, forming to work with the North Vancouver Island Medical Society to bring local healthcare to Port Hardy. Early successes included outfitting a medical clinic, and hiring and leasing housing for the clinic’s first doctor.
Over the years, the Auxiliary has raised funds for healthcare in Port Hardy through countless volunteer hours and lots of creativity: successful thrift and gift shops, salmon barbecues, fashion shows, dances, cookbook sales, rummage sales, and bazaars. For a time the Auxiliary even produced a monthly newsletter – The Top Line Special. When the hospital was built, the Women’s Auxiliary became the Port Hardy Hospital Auxiliary.
Currently 44 volunteers strong, the Auxiliary is always looking for new members. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact: Louise Dugas (250) 949-6367, ac.htlaehdnalsi@saguD.esiuoL
Thank you, Port Hardy Hospital Auxiliary, for your dedication and success. We appreciate you!
