MGH Acquires New Equipment Thanks to In Memoriam Donations
MGH Board Chair Bob Kirkpatrick presents Mike Hoban with a plaque recognizing the donations given in Memoriam of his sister Jamie-Lee which allowed for the purchase of a frozen plasma system at MGH.
MGH CEO Jocelyn Bourgeoin explained that, in a community like Manitouwadge, the ability to acquire such expensive equipment would not exist without the generous donations of local residents and businesses.
MANITOUWADGE, ON – Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 family and friends of the late Jamie-Lee Hoban, as well as many staff members of the hospital gathered at Manitouwadge General Hospital (MGH) for a special presentation. MGH CEO Jocelyn Bourgeois addressed those gathered to explain that, thanks to donations made in memory of Jamie-Lee, a frozen plasma system had been acquired by the hospital – very expensive equipment that might not otherwise be purchased by a small hospital in an isolated community like Manitouwadge.
The new equipment ensures that, should someone be brought to MGH’s emergency loosing blood due to an injury or accident, staff is now equipped to deal with the situation in the best way possible, having 4 units of plasma kept on site in the freezer of the frozen plasma system and the ability to thaw it safely and efficiently. It is estimated that this equipment could potentially be needed at the hospital as often as a couple times a year. When Bourgeoin gave the floor to MGH Board Chair Bob Kirkpatrick, he explained that in the month since the equipment had been acquired, it had already served in an emergency situation potentially saving the life of the patient.
Both Bourgeoin and Kirkpatrick acknowledge the work that Jamie-Lee, just 18yrs old when a tragic vehicular accident took her life, had done as a regular volunteer at the hospital (a.k.a. candy-striper). They also shared that Jamie-Lee had dreamt of becoming a physician and so, in many ways, the new equipment, purchased thanks to donations in her name, continued one of her dreams of caring for people and making a difference through healthcare. Kirkpatrick presented a plaque, which will be hung in the laboratory near the frozen plasma unit, to Jamie-Lee’s brother, Mike Hoban who accepted it on behalf of her family. The plaque reads “Jamie Lee Hoban Memorial Fund, The hospital greatfully acknowledges that the purchase of a frozen plasma system was made possible through the many donations received in memory of Jamie-Lee Hoban. April 22, 1991 – September 4, 2009”.
For this special occasion, Jamie-Lee's favourite cake was made at the request of MGH kitchen staff.
The presentation ended with cake and refreshments; at the request of the hospital’s kitchen staff, Jamie-Lee’s favourite cake was made. MGH Medical Laboratory Technologist Charge, Sue MacGregor, brought those interested to tour the laboratory where the new equipment is located. MacGregor explained that the equipment is not only important to Manitouwadge residents but also to people living in the neighbouring communities of Pic River, Heron Bay and Marathon (those served by Wilson Memorial Hospital in Marathon) as prior to the acquisition of the frozen plasma system by MGH, Thunder Bay was the nearest centre West of Manitouwadge with plasma available.
MGH Medical Laboratory Technologist Charge Sue MacGregor gives Jamie-Lee's family a tour of the new frozen plasma system.
