The Brandon Regional Health Centre Palliative Ward has received 12 new beds for the unit’s single rooms all thanks to generous donations received by the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation.   Donations through the Foundation can be directed to the Identified Needs fund where they accumulate for the purchase of equipment from the hospital’s “Wish List” of items not able to be covered through the regular budget/funding process, or to a Restricted Fund. One of the Restricted Funds is the Palliative Care Fund.

In 2016, over $180,000 was used from the Palliative Care Fund to purchase the new Versa Care beds. These specially designed beds have a low bed height, and low chair position capability, adjustable bed length, side rail controls, patient monitoring system and each bed has a built in air mattress for maximum comfort and pressure relief. These beds will provide the utmost in care in comfort.

In addition to the beds, two patient rooms in the unit have received new furnishings, including a loveseat, recliner chair, end table, lamp, and a ceiling mounted flat screen television. A mechanical lift was also purchased for the unit, and a hallway sitting area received several new chairs. All of these items were purchased using cumulative donations to the Palliative Care Restricted Fund.         
              
A new warming cabinet for flannel sheets is also a welcomed addition to the unit, thanks to a very generous donor who gave $5,100 in memory of her husband.  
 
"All of the patients and their family members coming to Assiniboine Centre Palliative Care Unit will benefit from these additions," says Heather Grimshaw, Nursing Program Manager of the unit.

Thank you to the many donors and families for their tributes and donations that have enabled the Foundation to fund the purchase of these items for the Palliative Care area. Your support is helping us make a difference to the patients receiving care at the Brandon Regional Health Centre.