Quality Health care is an essential part of what makes a community a place to put down roots and raise a family. We can never take our quality of life for granted and must continuously work together to maintain and enhance it. We are asking individuals, businesses, groups, schools and community organizations to join us and ‘Put Yourself in the Picture’.
The Diagnostic Imaging Campaign has raised almost $1.8 million. These funds have been used to purchase two new digital X-ray machines – one stationary and one portable – and two new digital ultrasound machines. The remaining $2.2 million being raised is to house and purchase a CT scanner. The provincial Ministry of Health and Long Term Care provides funds to operate hospitals but does not provide funding to replace or purchase any new or replacement capital equipment. Almonte General Hospital counts 100 percent on funding from the AGH-FVM Foundation to ensure that staff has up to date equipment.
Diagnostic Imaging equipment is used in almost every aspect of health care, and the speed and accuracy of diagnostic testing can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Last year, approximately 15,000 patients were seen at AGH Emergency, 6,700 were seen by X-ray staff. The ultra sound is important for the Hospital’s thriving obstetrical program. These new machines offer better quality pictures and emit lower radiation.
Over the next few months I hope to create some excitement among women in the community, provide some history and facts about the services we are so lucky to have, and discuss how you can support the campaign.
Kindred Spirits will be a gathering of women who share a desire to find ways to contribute to the current campaign and to learn more about the ‘jewel’ we have in our community. At an upcoming event, we will share memories of how AGH has impacted our lives, and discuss ideas to encourage families to find different ways to raise funds and ‘put themselves in the picture.’
Our hope is that our Kindred Spirits will continue beyond the campaign to become an important force that will help to increase appreciation and knowledge of our hospital and expand community involvement and support. Please email: foundation@agh-fvm.com if you’d like a personal invitation to our first event this fall.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Virgin
Co-Chair, Put Yourself in the Picture Campaign