FORESTERS FALLS — Bonnie McLaughlin liked having her knee surgery performed at Pembroke Regional Hospital instead of in an Ottawa hospital.
It’s not that it was a better surgery, but, it was much closer to home.
The Foresters Falls woman had two knee surgeries done at an Ottawa hospital and one knee surgery at the newly-opened orthopaedic wing at Pembroke’s hospital.
“It’s much closer to home,” she said.
When she was in the Ottawa hospital, her husband Kent could not see her each day. However, in Pembroke, he could come whenever he wanted to.
Another difference she noted between the two hospitals was in Ottawa she was put into a room full of stretchers while you waited your turn for the surgery.
“In Pembroke, when I stepped off the elevator onto the floor, I was met by a volunteer who showed me to my room,” Ms. McLaughlin said. “I could put all my belongings away. I could wait in my room until it was time for surgery.”
While she admits it’s three years between surgeries and things could have changed, there is one thing that didn’t change and that was the drive to each hospital.
Travelling to Ottawa meant leaving at least an hour earlier than necessary because of traffic, while going to Pembroke, you could leave 30 minutes before a person was to be there, she said. There wouldn’t be as much gas used and parking is less expensive.
Ms. McLaughlin said the nursing staff at Pembroke Region Hospital admitted they were still learning the orthopaedic side, but she said they were well-trained. But the same could be said for the Ottawa nursing staff. She recalled one of the nurses there telling her she was still a rookie nurse, having only been on the job for a year. However, Ms. McLaughlin said she was very professional and again, seemed well trained.
“It’s just a lot more convenient for me to go to Pembroke than to Ottawa,” she said.
But, the orthopaedic wing is still a new venture at Pembroke Region Hospital and funds are being raised for it.
Fundraiser on June 2
The Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation (PRHF) knows everyone likes a good social gathering. Whether it’s coffee with friends, a community luncheon or an intimate dinner party, no one likes to pass up a good meal or drink and good company.
On Friday, June 2nd, a new fundraising initiative in support of the PRHF will give individuals, groups, businesses and organizations an opportunity to raise funds while enjoying such events.
Promoted as Pembroke & Area’s Biggest Coffee Morning, simply register your event with the PRH Foundation and collect free-will donations or a specified amount from your guests when you host your event and your funds will go towards the Hospital’s Cutting Edge Campaign in support of orthopaedic program equipment and upgrades to the in-patient surgical floor.
“This event is supposed to be fun and easy,” said Nancy Warren, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “Participants can host any type of party: it doesn’t have to be a coffee morning. It’s a great way for friends, family, co-workers, clients, customers and neighbours to socialize while supporting our local hospital. Let us know in advance what you are planning and we can supply you with a hostess kit. It can be a small intimate gathering or a big party; it’s up to you. When we all pull together, it’s amazing what we can accomplish.”
Public events in support of this initiative will also be taking place around the region. Be sure to check out the Foundation’s website and Facebook page for events which will be listed closer to the date.
To host a coffee morning event, please contact [email protected] or call (613) 732-2811, extension 7408, or if you would like more information, check-out our website at prhfoundation.com
