Recent news and donations

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The Health Foundation of East Central Saskatchewan held its Annual General Meeting on May 19 at the offices of the Foundation Yorkton. Main items of business were the presentation of the audited financial statements and the report of the board Co-Chair summarizing the Foundations activity in the community.

Once again The Health Foundation received a clean unqualified audit from Baker Tilly SK LLP. The auditors indicated that the financial statements accurately present the financial position of The Health Foundation as of December 31, 2020.

Diane Rusnak, Co-Chair of the Foundation summarized the work and accomplishments in 2020. In her report Ms. Rusnak thanked her fellow board members for their work and dedication.

“The Health Foundation makes a very positive difference to our local healthcare and to the lives of many people; and the board enables that work to happen. Our board members are Co-chair Kris Sapara, Treasurer Doug Jones, Maryann Trischuk, Brad Bazin, Christine Denysek, Don Hood and Warren Kotzer.”

Following is a summary of her report highlighting major activities and accomplishments:

• The Health Foundation raised $1,606,282 and medical equipment valued at $866,891 was purchased. Those funds were raised on the strength of 1,637 donations. 
• The Foundation purchased another $310,073 worth of equipment so far in 2021, and have made commitments for another $683,909. 
• “We are successful with our fundraising for two reasons. The first is we raise money for equipment that will provide new or enhanced services that people can see will make a difference in the healthcare available locally. Secondly, people see the results of their donations right away.” 
• Last year the Foundation played a part in bringing a new chemotherapy treatment to the Yorkton hospital. "The amount of money required was small, but someone came to see us to ask why they had to go to Regina for treatment. It was a treatment that we were able to work with hospital staff to put in place." 
• Surgeons appreciate the new surgical equipment purchased in the fall. That equipment was in place and being used in January. Other surgical equipment purchases during the year gave the operating room teams the equipment they needed. Yorkton hospital did not have an increase in wait times for surgery – the operating room staff kept pace with demand.
• Dr. Franke is the ear, nose and throat specialist who comes from Saskatoon. "He asked if we could buy equipment so that he could do simple procedures here, rather than have people travel to Saskatoon for procedures that take 10 to 20 minutes. We were able to raise the money and purchase the needed equipment." 
• A total of $17,592 was spent on scholarships. Three nurses took the critical care course and are now qualified to work in ICU, and one nurse took the dialysis course to be qualified to work in that area. 
• The Health Foundation has taken on more of an advocacy role since the creation of a single health authority. "In many ways it falls to us to speak out about services that we need in a regional Hospital. We find the community expects us to address these issues. We have for years worked with residents and the health authority to identify gaps in services – and then work to address those gaps. Advocating for services is a logical next step."
• The second part of advocating for services is moving planning forward for a new hospital. Planning was delayed this year because of Covid-19, however the Foundation has remained in touch with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and with the Ministry of Health on this. Planning will move forward in 2021. 
• "It is important to remember, The Health Foundation is not part of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. We receive no government funding. We are an independent community organization, managed by a volunteer board, and we have only two full-time staff."
• "Most of all, we have to thank our donors. Their support and belief in the value of our work is what allows us to work with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to improve and enhance our local healthcare."