“We're going to fly them to Calgary, have them undergo surgery and then they'll stay in Calgary until they're able to be discharged so that ventilators are available for their family, friends and neighbours closer to home,” she added.
“That's really what the foundation is about. We want to keep our friends, family and neighbors close to home. So any services we can provide to help them stay here, that's our mission.”
Bach said he hopes to have the funding secured by the end of 2024, but the campaign will continue into early 2025.
So far, $500,000 has been raised, and fundraising for the campaign began with a Community Care Gala at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital in June and an online auction.
We also support ongoing donations, bi-weekly 50/50 raffles, charity golf tournaments and local business partnerships.
This is the Foundation's largest campaign to date.
Bach said other important medical equipment will also be purchased, including three new GlideScopes.
“Glidescope is state-of-the-art technology, with video and improved image quality, allowing nurses and doctors to have a better view,” Bach said.
“The GlideScope is used to intubate patients and run ventilators, so the two go hand in hand,” she added.
“If you make a mistake while operating with the GlideScope, you could hit the vocal cords and wake up with a sore throat because it wasn't a smooth, easy operation. So having the videoscope helps prevent those mistakes. It's new technology and the quality is improving.”
Anyone who would like to contribute to the campaign can contact the Medicine Hat Health Foundation.
