Comfort Items
Since 2002, the Health Care Foundation has provided our hospitals with more than $10 million in funding, thanks to the support of our donors. We know that our physicians and health care professionals can only provide the best possible care if they have the best possible equipment at their fingertips.
Here are some of the comfort items that have been funded through these grants:
Communication Devices for Hard-of-Hearing Patients
In matters of great importance, such as understanding health conditions and giving consent for surgery, not being able to hear properly is a critical issue. That is why the Speech Language Program applied for, and received, a Comfort in Care grant to purchase Pocket Talkers. These are small devices that assist communication with hard-of-hearing individuals. The grants purchased five Pocket Talkers for use in the General Hospital.
"Comfort in Care grants truly recognize that it is the little things, like being able to communicate, that provide real comfort to patients.
- Leona Lewis, Speech-Language Pathologist & Stroke Program Coordinator
Musical Instruments & Refurbishment for Music Therapy
The Pastoral Care Program of the Waterford Hospital received a Comfort in Care grant to replace and refurbish musical instruments used for music therapy and chapel services. This has been much-appreciated by the many patients and volunteers who avail of chapel services and sing-alongs.
"Music is the gateway to the soul and has a powerful capacity to heal and restore...The single award of $1000 will repair and tune three pianos and purchase at least one guitar. The whole hospital is celebrating! Thank you Comfort in Care!"
- Susan Cummings, Manager, Pastoral Care & Ethics, Waterford Hospital
A Voice-Activated Telephone for Patients with Limited Hand Function
"Many neurosurgery patients have limited hand function which can make it difficult to perform everyday activities that we often take for granted, such as using a telephone. At such stressful times, communication with family and friends is essential, especially if they are far away. Thanks to the Comfort in Care grant, a voice-activated telephone will be available for these patients so that they can independently connect with their loved ones and receive the emotional support they need."
- Renee Hillier, Occupational Therapist, General Hospital
Books and Games Tables for the Waterford Hospital
"We are using this money on East3A to purchase a book rack and books, games and art supplies and a games table. A common complaint amongst our patients is boredom. Prior to getting this grant, there were very few materials on the unit for patient entertainment. Now people have a choice... they can do something independently, such as paint or read a book, or an activity with two or three others. This not only makes the day go faster; it also encourages interaction which helps many people get well sooner. Thank you again!"
- Karen Brown, Social Worker, Waterford Hospital
Family Rooms
Comfort in Care grants have been used by several nursing units to establish Family Rooms - a quiet and private place where patients and family members can gather together.
"On behalf of my staff and residents of Bell Island I want to express thanks to the Health Care Foundation's Comfort in Care program. This family room will provide patients and families a comfortable space within our facility to spend quality time. The room will also facilitate a respectful and dignified environment for patients and families during the death and dying process. It is through your support and assistance that this project will move forward."
- Arthur Morgan, Site Manager, Dr. W. Templeman Health Centre, Bell Island
Digital Hymnal for the Pastoral Care Program
A Digital Hymnal is a compact electronic device that contains over a thousand hymns and melodies that can be played at different pitches, tempos, volume and with a variation of instrumentation.
"On behalf of the Pastoral Care and Ethics Department I want to thank the Health Care Foundation for your Comfort in Care Award that enabled us to obtain a Digital Hymnal. Our intention is to use this device for small group worship services, particularly at the Miller Centre. It is also available for other hospital sites as needed. It is wonderful to have the back-up accompaniment of a pipe organ and other instruments for our services!"
- Sister Diane Smyth, Manager, Pastoral Care, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital/Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre
Television and DVD players
The Volunteer Resources Department of the General Hospital (Health Sciences Centre) received a $2,500 Comfort in Care grant to purchase a television/DVD units, media carts and DVDs for nursing units throughout the hospital. Walmart generously matched the DVD funding to provide even more movies for patients to watch and help them pass the time.
"I love watching movies; it makes the day go faster and helps me forget about being in hospital."
- Lloyd Colson, patient
Nintendo Wii Gaming System for Recreational Therapy
Find out how Program helps with patient comfort (Telegram: Jan.13, 2009).
Park Benches for the Geriatric Day Hospital
The Geriatric Psychiatry Day Hospital received $500 from the Comfort in Care program to purchase park benches for their outpatient program. Staff say that patients long to go outdoors when the weather is nice and now they will have a proper place to sit and enjoy the fresh air.
Sleeper Chairs for Guests of In-patients
Comfort in Care grants have purchased several sleeper chairs for nursing units at the General Hospital, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, Women's Health Centre, and the Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre. These chairs convert from comfortable visitor chairs to beds so that loved ones may sleep next to a family member in hospital to provide comfort and support.
