Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with James Maitland, renowned for his expertise in robotics and IoT applications in medicine. James is driven by a strong passion for leveraging technology to advance healthcare solutions. We’ll be discussing the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation’s recent initiatives and successes, particularly focusing on their Team Giving Celebration Week.
What inspired the GBGH Foundation to start the Team Giving Celebration Week?
The foundation started the Team Giving Celebration Week to recognize and encourage donations from the staff. This initiative not only highlights the contributions of current donors but also motivates other team members to participate in fundraising efforts.
How has the event evolved over its five-year history?
Over five years, the event has grown significantly in both participation and impact. It has expanded from a simple recognition activity to a major fundraising event that garners substantial financial support and boosts team morale.
How were staff encouraged to participate in the Team Giving Celebration Week?
Staff were encouraged through a variety of engaging activities, including free meals, treats, and numerous prizes. The celebration created an exciting and inclusive atmosphere that motivated the hospital team to contribute.
Can you describe some of the activities and incentives offered during the celebration?
The celebration included incentives such as free meals, treats, and prizes generously provided by local businesses. These activities helped create a festive and rewarding environment for staff participation.
Which local businesses contributed to the event, and how did they support it?
Local businesses like Domino’s Pizza Midland, Sweet Treats Factory, Tom Smith Chevrolet Buick GMC, and The PULSE Nutrition supported the event by donating food, treats, and other goodies, enhancing the celebration’s appeal.
What was the total amount of financial pledges raised during this year’s celebration week?
This year’s Team Giving Celebration Week raised a total of $43,400 in financial pledges from the hospital staff.
How many GBGH team members contributed to this year’s event?
There were 134 team members from GBGH who made pledges during this year’s celebration.
What percentage of the GBGH staff team participated in the fundraising event?
The participation rate for this year’s celebration was more than 17% of the GBGH staff team.
Who is included in the GBGH Team Giving Circle?
The GBGH Team Giving Circle includes 100% of the hospital’s senior leadership team along with other dedicated staff members who choose to contribute to the foundation regularly.
How do members of the Team Giving Circle decide where their donations should go?
Members can allocate their donations to specific areas such as equipment purchases, education and wellness initiatives, or the Foundation’s Impact Fund, depending on their preference and insight into the hospital’s needs.
What are some examples of how donations from the Team Giving Circle have been used in the past?
Last year’s donations, amounting to $37,000, were used to fund a Pyxis Medication Dispensing Unit for the Emergency Department. This unit helps ensure critical medications are readily accessible for urgent patient care needs.
Can you explain what the Foundation’s Impact Fund is and how it benefits the hospital?
The Foundation’s Impact Fund allows the hospital to address urgent capital needs quickly, providing flexibility to tackle unexpected issues like equipment breakdowns efficiently.
Could you share more information about the Pyxis Medication Dispensing Unit funded by last year’s donations?
The Pyxis Medication Dispensing Unit is a secure, state-of-the-art system that helps keep critical medications within easy reach in the Emergency Department, enhancing patient care by making sure urgent treatments are administered swiftly and safely.
How does the Pyxis Medication Dispensing Unit improve patient care in the Emergency Department?
It improves patient care by reducing the time taken to access essential medications, thus speeding up the treatment process for conditions like pain and fever, which require immediate attention.
What other critical needs or projects is the GBGH Foundation currently focusing on?
The GBGH Foundation is focusing on various critical needs, including updating medical equipment, supporting staff education and wellness initiatives, and ensuring the hospital can meet the growing healthcare demands of the community.
What motivates staff members, like Maggie Duivenvoorden, to contribute to the hospital’s growth?
Staff members are motivated by a deep sense of pride and dedication to their workplace. They understand the impact of their contributions and are committed to enhancing the hospital’s services for the community’s benefit.
How do staff donations impact the overall operation and development of the hospital?
Staff donations have a significant impact by providing essential funding for new equipment, supporting necessary upgrades, and ensuring that the hospital can maintain high standards of care and address urgent needs promptly.
How can people outside of the hospital staff contribute to GBGH’s priorities?
Individuals outside the hospital can make donations to the GBGH Foundation, participate in fundraising events, and support campaigns that align with the hospital’s priorities to help improve healthcare services.
What are the future goals for the Team Giving Celebration Week and its impact on the hospital?
The future goals include increasing participation rates, raising even more funds, and continuing to enhance the hospital’s capabilities and resources, ensuring sustained quality of care and support for the community.
How can interested individuals learn more about the current needs of Georgian Bay General Hospital?
Interested individuals can visit the GBGH Foundation’s website to learn more about the hospital’s current needs and how they can contribute to ongoing projects and initiatives.