Foundations contribute record $6,356,467 to benefit patients

Vitalité Health Network, September 13, 2023 – Vitalité Health Network is thrilled to announce that, thanks to the sustained efforts and unwavering commitment of its 10 partner foundations, an impressive $6,356,467 was raised in 2022-2023.

This money helped support many initiatives and projects to improve services within the Network’s facilities.

“I would like to sincerely thank the generous donors and everyone involved in raising money and moving mountains. Through their dedication and involvement within their communities, the foundations play a vital role in the continuous improvement of care. Our patients are extremely fortunate to have the support of our foundations,” said Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO.

To highlight the great achievements of the foundations, here is an overview of the some of their projects and contributions.

Beauséjour Zone

Introduction of robotic surgery technology

A surgical robot has been integrated into the operating room of the Dr-Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre.

The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre acquired a robotic surgery system in late 2022. This robotic technology is used to make surgeries less invasive and less painful than they would be normally, which improves results and accelerates recovery for patients.

The state-of-the-art technology was acquired thanks to the $6,500,000 fundraising campaign of the CHU Dumont Foundation entitled “Driving Surgery Forward.” This first major campaign in 20 years is still active.

Installation of a terrace and a multisensory room

Thanks to the generosity of the Grocery Foundation of Atlantic Canada, the Child Psychiatry Unit of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre now has a Snoezelen-type multisensory room. The CHU Dumont Foundation contributed over $50,000 to this project.

In addition, $100,000 was donated for the construction of a terrace for patients from the same unit. 

Another Tree of Hope success

Boosted by a tremendous collective response, the 2022 Tree of Hope campaign was able to raise a total of $1,033,809, to improve the care and comfort of patients with cancer.

The Fondation Les Ami.e.s de l’Hôpital Stella-Maris-de-Kent raised $15,000 through the Northern Star campaign for the purchase of beds in the medical unit.

Northwest Zone

The Foundation of the Friends of the Grand Falls General Hospital has contributed over $300,000 in recent years

This year, the Foundation contributed to the expansion and reorganization of the treatment room in the oncology sector. The $40,000 donation was aimed at making this space more functional and pleasant for patients.

New automatic doors at entrance to Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin

The Fondation Dr. Romaric Boulay gave $50,000 to install automatic doors at the entrance of Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin last spring.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the foundation raised over $20,000 through the Northern Star campaign.

Creation of a Snoezelen room at the Addiction Services Centre in Edmundston

Through the collaboration between the Edmundston Regional Hospital Foundation, the Fondation Jean Paul Ouellet and the Maison Cap d’Espoir a new Snoezelen multisensory room was created at the Addiction Services Centre in Edmundston. This type of room is used to help patients relax, decrease their pain and reduce their anxiety. The Edmundston Regional Hospital Foundation donated $30,000 to the project.

The major annual campaign of the Edmundston Regional Hospital Foundation raised a total of $135,547 in 2022-2023. This made it possible to purchase a 3D breast ultrasound machine worth $157,750. This new technology will improve early detection and reduce the wait time.

The foundation also purchased two bronchoscopes worth $40,000 for ambulatory care.

Restigouche Zone

Friends of Healthcare Foundation: precious ally of Campbellton Regional Hospital and Restigouche Hospital Centre

Over the last year, the Friends of Healthcare Foundation has led several campaigns at the same time. Records were made with the Smile Cookie campaign ($21,000) and the Golfing for Healthcare Tournament ($92,000).

The charity organization organized its first chase the ace fundraiser this year, which had raised $20,000 as of August.

Acadie-Bathurst Zone

The Acadie Bathurst Zone of Vitalité Health Network has four foundations that work together to organize the Roses Radiothon. This year, each foundation accomplished a colossal task and the goal was surpassed. A total of $249,102 was raised to optimize access to care by acquiring equipment.

La Fondation de l’Hôpital de Lamèque: goal surpassed

Norma Aubut is Chair of the Board of Directors of La Fondation de l'Hôpital de Lamèque.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, La Fondation de l’Hôpital de Lamèque succeeded in raising $425,922 for expansion of the Family Medicine Unit. 

This unit, which was renovated to improve the comfort of patients and staff, will be inaugurated this fall.

Official opening of the oncology clinic at Enfant-Jésus RHSJ† Hospital

The goal of the renovation and upgrading of the oncology clinic was to provide safer and more effective care to patients. This work was funded by the Fondation Hôpital de l’Enfant Jésus ($909,715) and Vitalité Health Network ($1,052,285).

The surplus of the major fundraising campaign ($225,000) was used to purchase a mammography machine. This purchase will reduce the need for patients to travel to Chaleur Regional Hospital.

Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie $1,500,000 fundraiser

The Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie is currently working on two projects as part of its major fundraising campaign: the creation of a new chronic illness management clinic and renovation of the dialysis unit.

The chronic illness management clinic should help reduce the appointment no-show rate, which is currently 15 to 20%. The renovation of the dialysis unit will help improve access for eligible patients as well as reduce travel time and costs for people who have to go to Bathurst.

Acquisition of new equipment thanks to the Chaleur Regional Hospital Foundation

A major donation of $264,648 was made to the gastroenterology clinic for the purchase of a bronchoscope and an ultrasound image processing machine, which reduces the discomfort of patients during endoscopies.  This new addition reduces travel outside the region.

In the Laboratory, a mass spectrometer was acquired through a 245 000 $ donation by the Foundation. This new piece of equipment will make tests more effective and reduce wait times for results.

The goal of the 2023 annual campaign, entitled “Here for Your Health,” is $350,000.