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Donations shed new light in hospital rooms

A generous donation has brightened two important areas of the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre.

Submitted story by Kathy Tuck, Stettler Hospital and Care Centre

A generous donation has brightened two important areas of the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre.

The operating room and labour/delivery room in the hospital have been equipped with new LED surgical lights, thanks to a $50,000 donation from Jaye Jacobson, Vinoell (Jack) Jacobson Jr., Walter and Diane Jacobson, Jody and Gary Piper and families in memory of Vionell and Velma Jacobson.

“We will be forever grateful to the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre nursing staff and physicians,” Jaye Jocobson said. “The quality of care that our family has received throughout the years has been exceptional. We are very blessed to have such exceptional services in our community.”

Leona Thorogood, the chairperson for the Stettler Health Services Foundation, said the Stettler-area community stepped up to the plate.

“As a board, we are forever amazed at the generosity of community members and their families who are impacted by our care providers,” Thorogood said.

“The pride and caring that each health-care worker shares each day is what makes our care facilities what they are.

“Donations like this one that we received from the Jacobsen family is what allows us to enhance both the patient and staff environments and that can only be good for our community. Thank-you never seems to be enough. Through this donation, you have changed the lives of so many.”

The donation covered the entire purchase of the lights, which replace previous operating room and labour/delivery room equipment installed in 1987 and 1974. Alberta Health Services covered structural and installation costs.

“We’re very grateful for these extraordinary donations,” said site manager Diane Palmer. “Physicians and staff are now using the new lights and are all expressing their appreciation.

“The previous lights provided adequate lighting for many years, but they were quite old, and it was time for an upgrade. We are so privileged to have such generous donors to make this happen.”

The new lights have large movable arms that can adjust to the needs of staff. A wall-mounted control helps to provide the appropriate level of light, as staff members conduct their work.

Physicians at the hospital have quickly adjusted to the new equipment.

“It’s easier for us to adjust the level of brightness when operating and the lights are easier to move around,” said Dr. Phil Vogel.

“This is a crucial tool to our everyday work.”

Along with the improved brightness, the lights also provide a more comfortable workspace, giving off very little heat. And with long-lasting LED bulbs, the new system will provide bright light for many years to come.

Stettler-and-area residents can also participate in maintaining the quality health care provided to the community by donating to the Stettler Health Services Foundation. The foundation works to identify the best use of donated funds and supports a wide range of services in the hospital.

Legacy opportunities are also available, and board members would be happy to assist families in planning.

To learn more about your health foundation, please visit www.stettlerhealthfoundation.com.