The Bethesda Foundation board is continuing its mission to support health care in the region by preparing for future growth, strengthening partnerships, and addressing mental health needs in the community.
Board chair Chris Goertzen says the foundation is managing its current commitments while already planning ahead.
Hospital expansion is moving forward
One of the foundation’s largest ongoing commitments is the expansion of Bethesda Regional Health Centre, and Goertzen says they are excited about the progress being made.
“The foundation has been very busy, not only making sure we have funds in place for the commitments, for the expansion at the hospital, which we’re very excited about and we know will improve health care in the Southeast,” he says.
Construction at the hospital is on track and on budget, according to Southern Health–Santé Sud’s implementation lead for clinical planning, Kyle MacNair. He recently reported that the construction piece should be completed in fall. The next part would be to work on the operational activities with a plan to take in patients early in the new year.
Once complete, the main floor will offer 15 medical palliative care beds and a quiet room for families, while the top floor will house three operating rooms, exam rooms, offices, and stretcher bays for same-day surgery.
Mental health top of mind
Goertzen says the pandemic highlighted gaps in mental health supports, and the foundation is looking for ways to improve access and services in that area.
“Mental health, certainly after the pandemic, I think we’ve all been more aware of the vulnerabilities in our community, in our society, in the people around us,” he says. “That is an area we’re going to be collaborating with the Regional Health Authority and others in the community, to see what we can do as a foundation, using the generous dollars of our donors to improve the lives of people going through mental health challenges.”
He says some of that support may take the form of concrete infrastructure, such as clinics or program spaces.
“When it comes to health care, whether it’s mental health or physical health or other elements of health care, you end up usually at a facility, or something that is concrete and is visible in the community. That won’t change for the Bethesda Foundation.”
Workforce retention and recruitment a priority
Goertzen says the Foundation also hopes its work will contribute to a stronger local workforce.
“We all know that we need more people working in the health care field in our region, it’s a province-wide, Canada-wide problem,” he says. “We feel that if we can provide really good facilities, we can look at ways that we can work together with the RHA and others to make sure that we have a great place for health care employees to work.”
He adds that improving facilities could help attract workers from outside the region as well as encourage more people from within the community to pursue careers in health care and stay.
Collaboration remains key
Goertzen emphasizes that partnerships are at the heart of everything the Bethesda Foundation does, whether that’s with Southern Health-Santé Sud, local health care providers, or other organizations supporting vulnerable residents.
“When it comes to the health care improvements that we want to see here, it’s not just us, it’s a collaborative effort,” he says. “We look forward to working with the province, with the RHA, with other community groups and with our donors to make sure that we continue to improve our lives.”
Community donations making a difference
Goertzen says fundraising continues to be a vital part of the foundation’s work, and residents have several ways to contribute. These include popular initiatives like the Gifts of Light campaign at Christmas time and new programs that allow local employers to match employee donations.
“As well, people visit our website or visit our office and make regular donations that way,” he says.
“Whether they’re large or small, they’re all important.”