Eston community comes through in support for Health Centre equipment

By Verna Thompson

Residents and community members will soon enjoy a new bathtub at the Eston Health Centre, thanks to the generosity of Eston and area residents, as well as the Dr. David S. Mulder Eston District Health Foundation.

Last fall, the Foundation was notified that a new tub and lift were a priority at the Health Centre. The present tub is 15 years old and reaching the end of its useful life.

The Foundation agreed to fund the new equipment; however, help was needed if the unit was to be purchased in a timely manner.

Members of the Dr. Davis S. Mulder Eston District Health Foundation recently made a significant cheque presentation for the purchase of a new tub/lift at the Eston Health Centre. The funds represent a donation from the Foundation as well as community donations of more than $13,000 for the purchase of the  unit. Foundation chairman Brian Shauf, right, and treasurer Wayne Sinclair made the $32,707.69 presentation to Jocelyn Nash, manager of the Eston Health Centre, second from right and Joahnna Digal, SHA Director of Primary Health Care in the area.

An appeal went out to residents of the Foundation coverage area, and in days, some $30,150.00 was raised, with members of the community donating $13,150.00, and the Town of Eston and R.M. of Snipe Lake each contributing $8,500.00. 

In late June, Foundation Chairman Brian Shauf and Treasurer Wayne Sinclair presented a cheque for $32,707.00 to Eston Health Center Manager Jocelyn Nash and Johanna Diegal for the purchase of the tub/lift. 

“The new tub and lift will benefit not only Health Centre residents and the  members of the public who use the equipment., “ Nash said.  It will be safer and more comfortable for those using the equipment and will also help the Centre staff work more efficiently and in a more timely manner.” 

Shauf, chairman of the Foundation board of directors, said that the Foundation’s purpose is to raise and distribute funds to ensure the advancement of family-centred health care in Eston and the district by the provision of medical equipment such as the new tub/lift.

He said, “Since the inception of the Foundation, we have enjoyed strong support from the public. The quick and generous support for the purchase of the tub/lift is a graphic example of this support. Once again, the local community has come through when an urgent need was identified.”

The new tub/lift unit is slated to arrive in October.

With extra funds now available, the Foundation has also agreed to purchase a new vital signs monitor, which is needed for the Health Centre.