Home / Health / Rural Hospital Auxiliary Marks 80 Years Amid Staffing Crisis
Rural Hospital Auxiliary Marks 80 Years Amid Staffing Crisis
1 Nov
Summary
- Auxiliary marks 80th anniversary, highlighting rural healthcare importance.
- The organization fundraises for equipment and student bursaries.
- Hospital faced ER closures multiple times last July due to staffing shortages.
Celebrating 80 years, the Western Hospital Auxiliary underscored the vital role of rural healthcare access amid current staffing challenges. The organization actively raises funds for essential hospital equipment and provides annual bursaries to students pursuing health-related studies.
Treasurer Marlene Bolger highlighted the historical importance of the Western Hospital, noting that its absence would necessitate long travel for care, potentially leading to tragic outcomes. The hospital has recently faced significant staffing issues, including multiple emergency room closures in July of this year.
Bolger expressed pride in the auxiliary's support for new services, such as palliative care, by furnishing family rooms. The Bargain Nook, a thrift store contributing proceeds to the hospital, also marked its 40th anniversary. The auxiliary's fundraising goal of $600,000 to $700,000 is for replacing the hospital's X-ray machine.
The auxiliary is actively seeking new community members, particularly younger individuals, to contribute their skills and ensure the continued advancement of hospital resources and services.
