In late March the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation launched their Critical Response Fund: COVID-19, to support front-line staff and Healthcare Heroes through the pandemic. The community response was overwhelming.

“We were humbled and grateful to receive such generous support from a community full of dedicated donors. We knew the hospital would need extra help to protect residents from COVID-19, and we are proud to announce a $75,000 transfer to Grey Bruce Health Services,” said Amy McKinnon, Executive Director, Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation.

“We are very thankful to the Foundation and the donors who have come forward during this pandemic,” said Grey Bruce Health Services President and CEO Gary Sims. “We had to quickly set up an Assessment Centre to test people for the virus, set up a field hospital, and significantly enhance our supplies of personal protective equipment to safeguard staff and patients. That type of preparation is expensive, and we sincerely appreciate donations to this Fund.”

In addition to personal protective equipment, and supplies for the temporary field hospital, the COVID-19 funds were also used to support the purchase of iPads for patients to keep in touch with their families.

“A patient in GBHS Owen Sound’s rehab unit, named Scott, talked about how the iPad reduced his loneliness, especially since visitors have not been permitted during this pandemic. As a long-term patient, Scott mentioned how important its been for him to connect with his kids on Skype, and how that connection has helped in his recovery,” said McKinnon

Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation is committed to maintaining communication with donors and the community. Contributions will ensure health care staff have the essential lifesaving equipment, technology and support that they need to provide the best possible patient care, while safely caring for themselves and their colleagues.

The Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation office is currently closed, but staff will continue to support the needs of healthcare teams and the regional hospital throughout the duration of this pandemic and beyond.

To make a donation to support the Critical Response Fund: COVID-19, please visit www.oshfoundation.ca/covid-19 or call 519-372-3925.

source: media release, Owen Sound Hospital Foundation