FDC Foundation Challenges Residents to Double $500,000 for Ross Memorial Ultrasound Project

By Scott Arnold

A $1.2 million gift to Ross Memorial Hospital is getting an additional boost, with the FDC Foundation offering to match another $500,000 raised by the community.

Dr. Michel Boivin uses ultrasound technology to care for patients in the ICU at Ross Memorial Hospital. A $1.2 million gift from the FDC Foundation will help modernize ultrasound services at the hospital, with the foundation also offering a $500,000 matching gift when the community raises $500,000. (photo courtesy of ross memorial hospital)

The FDC Foundation has made a major investment in modernizing ultrasound services at Ross Memorial Hospital, while challenging local residents, businesses and organizations to help take the project even further.

The foundation will add another $500,000 once the community raises $500,000, meaning every donation made toward the challenge will be matched.

If the full challenge is reached, FDC Foundation’s total contribution to the project will be $1.7 million.

The funding will help Ross Memorial update its ultrasound services with new equipment and technology designed to improve access to diagnostic imaging and help reduce wait times.

The hospital’s project includes five ultrasound units, two echocardiography units for cardiac imaging and five portable point-of-care ultrasound units for areas including the ICU, Dialysis, Operating Room, Internal Medicine and Hospitalist Service.

Those portable units can be used to quickly assess critically ill patients at their bedside, while the broader ultrasound upgrades will support care across the hospital.

Ultrasound is used for much more than pregnancy imaging. At Ross Memorial, the technology can help detect blood clots, gallstones and signs of kidney and liver disease, as well as support cardiac care and breast cancer care. It is also used to guide procedures such as IV insertion and central line placement.

The project is part of the RMH Foundation’s WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign and also includes new software, workstations, stretchers and renovations to support additional patient exams.

The RMH Foundation says the equipment and upgrades are not covered through government funding, making community donations an important part of bringing the new technology to the hospital.

Donations toward the $500,000 community challenge can be made through the WE ARE THE ROSS campaign, with the FDC Foundation matching the funds once the goal is reached.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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RMH Foundation's Thankful Hearts Walk Returns to Ross Memorial Hospital on October 1st

By Scott Arnold

For two former patients of Ross Memorial Hospital’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program, the upcoming Thankful Hearts Walk is a chance to give back to a service that helped them get moving again.

Former cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patient and volunteer Sue Junkin will take part in Ross Memorial Hospital’s Thankful Hearts Walk on October 1, helping raise awareness and funds for the program that helped her recover following heart surgery (photo courtesy of the RMH Foundation)

Sue Junkin first entered the program in 2018 following aortic valve replacement surgery. She initially wasn't convinced she needed rehabilitation, but after completing the 12-week program, she became such a supporter that she now volunteers, encouraging other patients and helping them feel comfortable.

“I was afraid after my surgery, but I knew I was in good hands,” Sue said.

She’ll be among those taking part in this year’s Thankful Hearts Walk on October 1st, which raises awareness and funds for Ross Memorial’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Former patient Les Hebbard will also be participating.

Two years ago, the 84-year-old was experiencing a lack of energy before a fall led to a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. He was referred to the rehabilitation program, where he took part in supervised exercise, including walking and building strength on a stationary bike.

Les said he appreciated the dedication of physiotherapist Lindsay Churcher and physiotherapy assistant Ruth Hopkins, who kept him motivated throughout the program. He continues to use the exercises they taught him.

Asked whether he would recommend the program to others, his answer is simple: “Definitely. Go try it and you’ll be going back.”

The Thankful Hearts Walk will begin at Ross Memorial Hospital with registration from 1:30pm to 2pm in the cafeteria. A warm-up starts at 2pm, followed by the 2km walk at 2:15pm. A shorter route will also be available.

Participants can collect donation and pledge forms through the RMH Cardiac Rehabilitation program or the RMH Foundation. Participants can register online where online fundraising is also available.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.