Our Christmas Letter

There was a time in the history of St. Joseph General Hospital when, during the festive season, the caring spirit of the community came to the beds of the patients in the form of Christmas hampers and get well baskets. A tradition began more than 50 years ago by Henry ‘Hank’ Schellink, then hospital Board Chair, and his wife Tucky. Over the years, this tradition moved on replaced by several other acts of random kindness, generosity and good will from many individuals.

The Hospital is rich with history of service from the community and was proudly celebrated throughout 2013 during our Centennial Year. Being of service to the community remains at the heart of our operations as we turn to the future, where the master plan for healthcare in our region includes the transition of acute care services to the Comox Valley Hospital in 2017. St. Joseph’s still has 4 years to meet the healthcare needs of a growing population and aging demographic and we need your help.

Today, the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation continues its time-honoured tradition of sharing and spreading the message of compassion by reaching out at Christmas time to encourage your support. Looking at the year ahead, much is needed to improve and invest in new technology and equipment in order to continue to better service you, our community.

This year we are requesting your support to help raise the $80,000 needed for our 100 years/ 100 needs wish list. Medical equipment and patient comfort items are needed for several departments in our hospital.

Approximately 23,400 patients come through Emergency Room doors each year. To keep pace with the high traffic volume experienced in this area including clinical equipment, new furnishings, along with waiting room chairs and stretchers are necessary to improve the comfort of the patients and those who wait with them.

“Unexpected events can abruptly land a person in the hallways and waiting rooms of a hospital’s E.R. These can be moments of high stress, tension and trauma. Our jobs are to enhance the patient, family-care experience in every way possible by making the environment less daunting, and the surroundings more comforting,” says Jane Murphy, St. Joseph’s President and CEO. “These subtle yet significant improvements can translate into huge benefits for patients and loved ones.”

We are very fortunate to have the quality and diversity of healthcare readily available in this community hospital. It is with the generosity of donors like you that so many services can be delivered throughout the Comox Valley and surrounding communities.

We wish to sincerely thank you for your thoughtfulness. From our hearts and home to yours, St. Joseph’s General
Hospital wishes you and your beloved a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Sincerely,