Donors get firsthand look at impact of giving at St. Joseph's Hospital

Supporters of St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation got the chance to see how their contributions are making a difference during a special donor appreciation tour held July 30.

The event followed the grand opening of the hospital's new MRI scanner and offered donors a behind-the-scenes look at several departments and programs that have benefited from community fundraising efforts.

After gathering for a meal, attendees toured the kitchen, diagnostic imaging department, MRI suite and long-term care areas while hearing directly from hospital leaders and staff about ongoing improvements and future priorities.

St. Joseph's Hospital Executive Director Candace Kopec, Director of Support Services Amanda Bartlett, Emmanuel Health CEO Corey Miller, Long-Term Care Manager Adrienne Gardiner and Director of Patient Care Janelle Hannah were among those who shared updates throughout the evening.

Donor dollars supporting major investments

The tour highlighted the significant role community fundraising continues to play in enhancing health care services in Estevan and southeast Saskatchewan.

According to the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation's 2024-2026 funding report, more than $3.78 million has been committed to equipment purchases, facility upgrades and physician recruitment over the past two years.

The MRI project represents the foundation's largest investment. To date, $2.87 million has been contributed toward MRI construction and equipment costs, part of the overall $6.5 million project.

Other recent investments include:

$238,195 for diagnostic imaging equipment, including a CT scanner injector and portable X-ray unit.
$158,229 for long-term care and adult day program upgrades.
$157,823 for physician recruitment and retention.
$145,642 for operating room endoscopy leases and upgrades.
$51,385 for emergency department equipment, wheelchairs and nurse education.
$50,755 for a dietary food delivery system.
$50,000 for a generator electrical upgrade.
$39,236 for addiction recovery furniture.
$15,380 for palliative care furniture.

Throughout the tour, donors were shown how equipment and upgrades funded by the foundation support patient care every day.

In long-term care, staff highlighted several improvements funded through donations, including bedside tables, tub room upgrades, blinds and enhancements to the Adult Day Program space.

Visitors also saw the MRI suite, which is already serving patients and reducing the need for residents to travel to Regina or other centres for diagnostic imaging.

Looking ahead to expanded cancer care

While many projects on display have already been completed, hospital leaders also provided a glimpse into future plans.

Donors were shown photos and plans for the foundation's "Closer to Home. Closer to Hope." campaign, which aims to renovate and expand pharmacy facilities that support cancer care services at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Foundation materials indicate the project carries a $1.5 million budget. Approximately 60 per cent of the required funding has already been secured through support from the Government of Saskatchewan, Radiothon for Life and designated chemotherapy gifts.

The campaign still requires $536,365 to reach its goal.

The proposed renovation would create a specialized compounding clean room designed for the safe preparation of sterile and non-sterile medications. Hospital officials say the upgrades will help protect and strengthen local chemotherapy services while creating opportunities for additional approved treatments to be offered closer to home in the future.

Keeping care close to home

One message remained consistent throughout the evening: local donations are helping ensure residents can access more health-care services without leaving the region.

From the MRI scanner and diagnostic imaging equipment to long-term care improvements and future cancer care upgrades, foundation-funded projects are aimed at improving patient experiences and outcomes.

At the same time, hospital leaders noted that major projects require ongoing community support. While significant progress has been made on the pharmacy renovation campaign, fundraising efforts continue before construction can move forward.

For donors, the tour provided a tangible look at the results of their generosity and the work still ahead.

As the foundation continues to fund equipment, facility improvements and new initiatives, organizers say community support remains essential to keeping quality health care close to home for residents across southeast Saskatchewan.