News release from Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is collaborating with Operation Green through the University Health Network (UHN), Not Just Tourists and Whoosh Logistics to donate vital and potentially life-saving hospital equipment to Ukraine.
Since February 24, it is evident that the war on Ukraine has affected so many around the world, leaving some feeling helpless. Like others, Soldiers’ staff felt compelled to provide support in some way. The Materials Management team started looking at outgoing equipment and what could be done to donate it.
With the anticipated arrival of over 20 new stretchers to replace those in the Emergency Room, the older, but still effective stretchers will be shipped to Ukraine along with 11 day beds. Through the abundance of generosity from the local community, the hospital has received new paediatric equipment for the obstetrics and NICU departments over this past year. While these items are more technologically advanced, those that they replace, basinets, warmers and isolettes still function well and will be sent to Ukraine to aid in the humanitarian crisis.
While the effects of this war are devastating, it is the hope of Soldiers’ staff that the donated equipment will ease the transport and treatment of patients to assist with their recovery and give newborns a better start to life, despite the distressing conditions surrounding them.
The response from staff at Soldiers’ has been heartening. “Many members of our team asked, ‘What can we do to help?’” said Carmine Stumpo, President & CEO, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. “I’m proud of our team for looking at ways that we can use our resources and for wanting to support their counterparts who are facing tremendous hardship while continuing to provide care for others in need.”
With assistance from Human Resources and the Soldiers’ Hospital Foundation, a collection from staff is being taken over the month of April with proceeds directed to the Canadian Red Cross and Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to supply essential water, food, medical equipment, supplies, shelter, and mobile health teams.
“The spirit of Ukrainian people during this devastating time is at the heart of our Hospital’s namesake,” said Stumpo. “Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital salutes those that risk their lives to defend freedom from tyranny and those who care for the sick and wounded in the midst of this dire humanitarian crisis.”
The We Are All Soldiers’ campaign message of the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation has never been more important than it is now, as our community marches forward together to make a difference, however we can.
Banner image: Members of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Obstetrics and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stand with one of the two isolettes that will be donated to Ukraine, amongst other life-saving equipment from OSMH, to aid in the humanitarian crisis. From left to right: Melissa Potts, Obstetrics, Brittany Clydesdale, Obstetrics, Andrea Webster, Obstetrics, Jared Baxter, NICU, Laura Ferris, Program Manager, Obstetrics and Cora Holmes NICU.
