NORTH BATTLEFORD – Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) Foundation’s “Medication Matters,” which raised funds for new Pyxis MedStations for BUH has reached its goal.
The capital campaign was launched in March 2023 with a fundraising goal of $916,000 and a two-year timeline to complete.
“We are absolutely ecstatic about the success of the ‘Medication Matters’capital campaign and the support received that brought this campaign to completion a year ahead of schedule,” said Leanne Ducommun, executive director of BUH Foundation.
“The success does not come from one donor, but the coming together of individuals, businesses and organizations to support enriched health care each in their own way. Every ticket sold, event attended, birdhouse purchased and donation made has made this campaign a complete success.”
Proceeds from the 2023 Ladies’ Night, Wayne Pruden Memorial Golf Tournament, $100,000 Cash Lottery and Festival of Trees all went towards the capital campaign. The final year of birdhouse sales from JRs Designer Birdhouses contributed and in May, On Air: for Healthcare radio-thon dedicated 12 hours to sharing about Pyxis MedStations and their importance and impact to health care.
Thank you to Edward Urbanowski, Barry and Donna Svenkeson, the Stromberg family, Taco Time, River Valley Eye Care, Cenovus, Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation and the estate of Gladys Milman for their significant contributions towards the campaign.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from the foundation for medication delivery in The Battlefords and northwest Saskatchewan,” said Sarah Lynds, manager Pharmacy Services, Northwest.
“BUH will be one of the only hospitals in the province with Pyxis MedStations integrated into every patient care setting and they will help improve safety, save time and reduce staff hours spent on inventory and delivery of medication. I am very excited to begin the process and see the impact Pyxis MedStations will have on Pharmacy Services and patient care.”
Pyxis MedStations are automated medication-dispensing units. Replacement units will be installed in the emergency department, medical and surgical wards and palliative care, as these former units have reached their end of life. New units will be put in place for ICU, Ambulatory Care Clinic, Women’s Health and Birthing Centre, Chemotherapy, Dialysis, Operating Room/Surgery and Battlefords Mental Health Centre.
The beginning stages of implementing Pyxis MedStations have begun, with wiring being installed. The units are expected to arrive at BUH at the end of April with training taking place in May. If all goes well the system is expected to go live in June 2024.
“It is wonderful to see things happening so quickly and to be so far ahead of the original projected schedule,” said shared Cheryl Mitchell, BUH Foundation board of directors chairperson.
“We are proud to be a part of the new Pyxis MedStations and enrich health care for our communities in this manner. Thank you to everyone who supported Medication Matters and made the new Pyxis MedStations possible.”
The official grand-opening for the new Pyxis MedStations is expected to take place in June/July of 2024 as BUH Foundation celebrates the completion of their largest fundraising campaign to date. To learn more about the work of BUH Foundation, or to make a donation, please call 306-446-6652 or go to buhfoundation.com.
