Community Support Pushes Hospital Foundation Fundraising Past $3.27 Million

Date: July 15, 2023

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) is celebrating a strong year of community generosity after raising more than $3.27 million in support of medical equipment purchases and the development of Prince Edward County’s new hospital.

During the foundation’s recent annual general meeting, Barbara McConnell, chairperson of the foundation, thanked residents, donors, and volunteers for their continued commitment to strengthening local health care.

“Each year, our community helps ensure our hospital teams have the tools they need to provide exceptional care,” said McConnell. “With fundraising now focused on the new hospital, we are working toward a total goal of $27 million.”

McConnell noted that over $20 million has already been secured through cash donations and pledges, leaving approximately $7 million still to be raised. With the project now in the qualifying contractors stage, she said the expectation remains that the new hospital will open in late 2027.

Foundation treasurer David Griffith highlighted the organization’s continued financial contributions to Quinte Health, reporting that in the most recent fiscal year ending March 31, PECMHF transferred more than $1.09 million to fund critical medical equipment.

Those funds supported a wide range of upgrades, including new sterilization equipment, an ECG machine and blood analyzer for the emergency department, and a new x-ray system serving nearly 8,000 patients annually. Additional purchases included a borescope for endoscopy equipment cleaning, bariatric stretchers, smart hospital beds, and contributions toward the Intensive Care Unit at Belleville General Hospital and the Regional Health Information System (RHIS) project.

Griffith also reported that the Back the Build campaign alone received $2.5 million in donations, further strengthening the foundation’s ability to meet both its equipment funding and hospital construction goals.

McConnell reflected on her long-standing role with the foundation, now entering her fifth term as chair, calling the work both meaningful and essential to the community.

“The foundation’s mission to support quality health care for everyone in The County is one of the most important services we offer,” she said, expressing appreciation for the foundation’s board of directors, campaign cabinet, and staff for their dedication.

The foundation also recognized changes within its board, thanking retiring director Pat Evans for her service, and welcoming Peggy Payne and Susan Quaiff as new members. Payne steps into the role of vice-chairperson, while Quaiff joins as the PECMH Auxiliary representative.

McConnell concluded by emphasizing that continued community partnerships, donor support, and staff commitment will be key to the foundation’s future success.