August 15, 2025
Physicians and staff are thrilled with the new INSPIRA endoscope video processor, which increases image quality. Shown at Wainwright Health Centre, from left, are: Chantell Mullett, LPN; Michelle Poulin, RN; Dr. Cheyanne Vetter; and Lindsey Owen, RN. Supplied.
New IV pumps are now being used in a dedicated infusion space. Care team members include, from left: Genevieve Circe-Turcotte, LPN; Raegan Forster, LPN; and Prabhjot Chahal, RN. Supplied.
Story by Tracy Kennedy | Photos supplied
WAINWRIGHT ¡ª Donated equipment is flowing in, and healthcare workers in Wainwright ¡ª not to mention patients and clients ¡ª couldn¡¯t be more grateful.
Throughout this spring and summer, a variety of equipment for the care and comfort of patients has been delivered, purchased through donations to the Wainwright and District Community Health Foundation.
¡°It feels like Christmas, thanks to the foundation,¡± says Tabitha Kearney, site manager for Wainwright Health Centre.
So far, Wainwright healthcare services including Acute Care, Public Health, Home Care and Long-term Care have received an endoscope video processor, glucometer, blanket warmer, infusion and IV chairs, specialty wheelchair, electric breast pump, ice machine, IV pumps, bladder scanner, and 20 over-bed tables, among other items.
¡°Patients may not realize it, but a key part of their visit with us can involve a chair, pump or scan made possible through community donations, improving their healthcare experience,¡± says Kearney.
A new infusion clinic space has been created and runs two days a week, furnished with new IV pumps and reclining infusion chairs courtesy of the foundation. Kearney explains the new space and dedicated equipment makes for a more comfortable visit and allows outpatients to avoid the emergency department.
A new INSPIRA scope video processor replaces the previous endoscopy processor, boosting imaging quality. Additionally, a new automatic door to the outpatient physiotherapy space allows clients with walkers and canes access the area more safely and easily.
¡°We couldn¡¯t do it without the Wainwright and District Community Health Foundation. We are incredibly grateful,¡± Kearney adds.
For its part, the foundation credits its success to informed and engaged donors. Whether it¡¯s through funds raised at their sold-out annual gala each April, or through memorial or corporate donations, the community demonstrates its capacity to care for one another again and again.
¡°People are motivated to give when they understand the need and how the equipment will be used,¡± says Deanna Waddell, the foundation¡¯s chair.
¡°They¡¯re motivated by knowing that their family and friends may need to use it. A senior, for example, may say: ¡®You know this is my community and this is probably the facility I¡¯ll be coming to for my medical needs. I want to know that state-of-the-art equipment will be available for people who are near and dear to my heart.¡¯¡±
Waddell says they raised about $170,000 in 2024. While she hasn¡¯t officially compared how much is raised in other communities, she adds that one only has to look at the community¡¯s successful CT scanner campaign to know just how committed Wainwright is.
¡°I think we must have the most generous rural community in Â鶹ӳ»,¡± says Waddell. ¡°People think healthcare donation is a priority ¡ª and they really rise to the challenge. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s a CT scanner or something smaller like a Broda (wheel)chair, they¡¯re all in. They don¡¯t just take an interest in their community, they take ownership.¡±
