LET'S MAKE AN IMPACT, TOGETHER!
DONATE TODAYAs a long-time family physician in the area, I imagine, like me, you value quality healthcare close to home.
For 43 years, I was a doctor in Carleton Place. For 22 of those years, I provided care for some of my patients on the Rosamond Unit at the Almonte General Hospital. I have seen directly how community support makes a profound difference. Even though I am now retired, I continue to witness firsthand how community support enhances patient care at the Almonte General Hospital and resident care at Fairview Manor. Let me explain how.
I remember one of my patients I visited for three months on the Rosamond Unit who was suffering from liver disease. The hospital’s Ultrasound machines, purchased completely with donor dollars, were instrumental in the care teams’ ability to monitor her paracentesis, a chronic buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
With ongoing monitoring, it was evident we needed to drain the fluid on a regular basis. This would not have been possible had we not had regular access to the proper surgical tray equipped with syringes, tubes, fluid bottles, gauze and sterile compresses. Although my patient unfortunately passed away, our interventions helped provide a better quality of life during her last months.
For many of my patients on Rosamond, I also saw how vital physiotherapy was for their overall quality of life and often rehabilitation. Almonte General Hospital’s physiotherapy department has many of the pieces of equipment the staff needs to provide outstanding care, again thanks to community support.
These are concrete examples of how donor support helped me and the exemplary staff on the Rosamond Unit provide the best care possible. That’s why I’m encouraging you to give to this appeal and know you too are part of the incredible care team at the Almonte General Hospital. You just never know when you may need the Hospital again.
Six months ago, it became clear to my sister and me that our parents were no longer able to live at their retirement home, and we knew we had to make some difficult decisions. We had to quickly access quality long-term care where they could get an enhanced level of support given that their dementia was rapidly advancing.
For me, the number one choice was crystal clear, Fairview Manor. I believe, for several reasons, it is the best long-term care facility in the region.
For one, the staff are dedicated and caring. An example of this happened one day when I came to visit my dad. One of the amazing Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Serge, was helping him get dressed. Rather than interrupt, I waited by the door for them to finish. I was truly touched by how patient and compassionate Serge was in supporting and helping him. When they finished, I walked into the room and saw my father sitting proudly wearing his favorite blue sweater.
Secondly, before being admitted to Fairview Manor in a room next to my father’s, my mom spent time on the Rosamond Unit at the Almonte General Hospital. Both there and now at Fairview Manor, the recreation programming is extremely well done. My mom still loves having her nails done which is organized in both locations in a fun and social way. These seemingly small gestures really contribute to a resident’s overall well-being. Mom feels better when her hair is well groomed, and her nails are shiny and red.
The last reason is because of how well resourced both the Hospital and the Manor are, thanks to donors, volunteers, organizations and local businesses. Community support plays a major role in the tools staff have at their disposal. Major pieces of clinical equipment, like the new CT scanner, and smaller pieces of equipment like Ultrasound machines or even a proper stocked OR tray are only possible because of the community’s generosity.
As a physician, I cannot underscore how important these tools are. With my parents now requiring more support through long-term care, the thought of one of them being seriously ill late at night and having to bundle them off to a hospital in Ottawa for tests, like a CT scan, is very unsettling.
But it’s not just major pieces of equipment like a CT scan. The Hospital and Manor count 100 per cent on community support to fund all clinical equipment. This includes surgical equipment, IV pumps, physiotherapy equipment, new beds and mattresses, drug carts and heart monitors to name but a few.
I remember when my father first moved to Fairview Manor, it was becoming more of a challenge to get him to shower. I was so relieved that the staff had a special Tub Lift that allowed them to gently and safely get him in and out of the bath.
This piece of equipment both ensures patient safety and dignity, while also minimizing staff injuries from lifting and moving residents or patients. Having these special lifts is only possible through community support of the Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation.
Being retired allows me to spend more time with my parents. It also gives me pause to reflect on their care, my career and health care in general. In all cases, I am optimistic about the future.
Our community continues to place an extremely high value on quality healthcare close to home. With the cooperation of local hospitals and healthcare providers as well as through the support of local fundraising efforts like this one, both the Almonte General Hospital and Fairview Manor are able to provide exceptional care.
With that in mind, I am writing to invite you to make a donation to the Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation this holiday season. Let’s make sure that we continue to have access to exceptional care.
The list of clinical equipment needed this year is long. Regardless of how much you give, you will be helping make sure the doctors and staff entrusted with caring for the residents at Fairview Manor or the patients at the Almonte General Hospital have the necessary tools to provide the best, possible care.
This Christmas Day, when my mom is sitting with her nails all shiny red and my dad is feeling proud in his favorite blue sweater, please know that by making a donation you have helped support their care. And the care of hundreds of other Hospital patients and Manor residents. Many of whom are probably your family members, friends and neighbours. Join me in helping ensure they have access to quality care when they need it.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy 2025.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Higham (Retired)
