Dr. Bert Lauwers, Clinical Director of the Critical Care program, and an ER physician, is assisting the Foundation with this campaign to replace a blood gas analyzer and a ventilator, as well as purchase a portable ultrasound for the emergency department.

According to Dr. Lauwers, “A blood gas analyzer decreases the turnaround time for blood samples, affording clinicians the ability to make more rapid medical decisions, while ventilators are vital tools in caring for our most critically ill patients. A portable ultrasound machine located within the Emergency department would allow for rapid and convenient access to the diagnostic information needed for life-threatening injuries.”

Dr. Bert Lauwers and RMH volunteer Ralph Griffin, were on hand to kick off the campaign with donations of their own, gratefully accepted by Foundation Executive Director Erin Coons. Ralph Griffin has a very special task for this campaign – he decorates the Christmas trees in the lobby with the ornaments the Foundation receives from donors.

“We enclose an ornament with our letter that donors can sign and return with their gift. It is then displayed on trees in our main lobby over this special season,” says Foundation Executive Director Erin Coons. “This year, we are also encouraging others to celebrate the season with the ‘gift of giving’ by honouring a friend or loved one with their gift. Then, donors can use the card that is also enclosed with the letter to let that person know about the gift they have given in their honour this Christmas.”