By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

$233,662 in donations to radiothon to benefit health care locally

Feb 15, 2018 | 12:32 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The medical professionals of Alberta Health Services say people’s donations to the Care from the Heart radiothon have a real impact on the health care patients receive in southern Alberta.

All six Lethbridge radio stations were getting the message out Thursday, Feb. 15, broadcasting from Chinook Regional Hospital’s atrium as donations big and small came in. The goal was to raise $230,000 for the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation and Southern Albertans came through with incredible generosity. Shortly after 6:00 Thursday, the tally board showed $233,662 had been raised during the radioathon.

Katherine Chubbs, the chief zone officer for the AHS South Zone, said ophthalmology is one area in which fewer patients have to leave the Lethbridge area for treatment as a result of new equipment being purchased.

“Another big purchase that we recently made was an Isolette, which is something that we transport babies in,” Chubbs explained. “We don’t always have the level of care here in Lethbridge for really sick babies, so this allows us to transport them in a way that keeps them safe on their journey.”

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Teri Myhre, the senior operating officer for acute care (West) in the South Zone, highlighted the renovations underway to improve mental health services.

“First and foremost, we’re going to be addressing safety issues that will impact both our staff and patients,” she said. “Secondly, we’ll be doing a refresh of the environment, which will give us an aesthetically pleasing area which, again, will really enhance the environment for patients and families when they need to spend time here.”

Myhre stressed every dollar raised stays in the community.

“We’re able to prioritize it for our greatest needs, whether that’s equipment or services or renovations. It will benefit every member of our community, so thank you very much for your donations. They really do make a difference.”