Drina opened the meeting in the usual way, welcomed guests, toast to the Monarchy, and our land acknowledgment. The group then had the usual Lisa's wonderful meal. There was lots of conversation among the group catching up on the past week.
Bob Gibson Chair of the Peterborough Reginal Health Centre (PRHC) introduced our speaker for the evening Carol Lawless from the PRHC Foundation who presented information about the 60 million dollar fund raising campaign that the hospital has undertaken. As with all hospitals the provincial government funds operating costs but not equipment costs. So this is left to the individual hospitals. In order to attract the best doctors and staff the hospital must have the latest equipment because that is what new doctors are being trained on. Currently the PRHC equipment is approximately 16 years old and in need of upgrading. These funds will do the following.
- Empower world-class care close to home
- Fuel innovation and bring new lifesaving services to our region
- Attract the best and brightest healthcare professionals
- Inspire and support solutions to critical hospital challenges
Why is this important to us in Port Hope? PRHC is a regional health centre and as a result if we need advanced care we would be transferred from Northumberland Hills to Peterborough. The same holds true for people from Ross Memorial in Lindsay, from Campbellford Memorial as well as Haliburton Highlands Health Service. Carol mentioned that if we were experiencing a suspected heart attack don't drive or get a ride to the hospital, call 911 and you will be accessed by the attendants and probably taken directly to Peterborough saving time which is so important.
Thanks to you, the Campaign for PRHC is already 82% of the way to the $60 million goal with $49.5 million raised and Carol told us about various activities that will be enhanced by the dollars. This will result in world class cancer treatment, heart and vascular treatment, mental health as well as much more.
Following the theme of gifts Bob Wallace spoke about some of our members who have made the Rotary Foundation their charity of choice and have made ongoing gifts to the Foundation to help our Rotary work. Bob Gibson was recognized as our newest Paul Harris Fellow and presented with his recognition certificate and pin. Recognizing her continued commitment to our Foundation Laurene Winkler was presented with her Paul Harris Fellowship +2 pin.
Co-president Steve reminded us of the upcoming Flavours of Port Hope event being held on March 1st. Get your tickets sold, bring in the silent auction items and let make this the success we hope to have.
Drina closed the meeting with the singing of Oh Canada.