After a successful fundraising campaign by hospital supporters, patients at the High River Hospital have new in-room entertainment options.
The High River District Health Care Foundation, and partners, raised money to purchase and install new Patient Entertainment Systems in the hospital’s acute care ward. The new systems were displayed during a come-and-go celebration at the hospital on Sept. 27.
The systems offer a positive distraction during what can be a stressful hospital stay, the Foundation said.
“The TV project has been on the books in this facility for what feels like decades,” said Cathy Couey, with the High River District Health Care Foundation.
As a result of the campaign that raised $250,000, forty-three entertainment systems were installed and service fees are covered for the next 10 years.
Beyond TV channels, the systems include games and calming features that provide a benefit to patients.
“It's more than just TV, it is really a whole selection of things that can help fill your time here,” Couey said.
Registered nurse Taleah Hopman said she was impressed with the fundraising efforts and that the TV’s will add to patient comfort.
“A lot of times, people have no source of entertainment here, and those who don't have visitors, that's their sole source,” Hopman said.
Local service groups like the Highwood Lions Club, the High River Hospital Auxiliary and the Rotary Club of High River pitched in to help with fundraising.
Businesses in High River and Foothills County also supported the project and raised enough money to cover 27 of the TVs, the Foundation said.
Individuals and families also helped in the effort, said Wendy Kennelly, executive director of The High River District Health Care Foundation.
“We heard through this campaign, lots of stories of family members that had people here without a TV, and what this would mean to them,” Kennelly said.
