By Mike Baker

Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation has secured some additional funding to help support frontline workers during this second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announced back in December, the organization received $92,000 from the Canadian Medication Association Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Hospital Fund. The money will be used to purchase equipment for acute care expansion across Haliburton County and provide area residents with improved access to patient care.

“Making improvements to this space will help ensure access to hospital services over the longer-term during this pandemic, as well as preparing for future pandemics or similar emergencies, and will help to ensure that staff has the necessary tools to provide safe, high quality care, regardless of the setting,” said Carolyn Plummer, president and CEO of HHHS.

The CMA Foundation launched the COVID-19 Community Hospital Fund early on during the pandemic as it worked to ensure small hospitals across the country, and its staff, had the necessary space and equipment to tackle the novel coronavirus in their communities. The $5 million fund supports hospitals across Canada with fewer than 100 beds to meet their evolving needs with activities, equipment and training that enhance staff wellness, improve access to care and help prepare for future pandemics.

Across all of its programs, the organization has committed more than $30 million nationwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know these are extraordinary times that require extraordinary support,” said Allison Seymour, CMA Foundation president. “From managing evolving health care needs to address changes in your community, to ensuring the proper equipment and training for your staff, our hope is that these funds will have a positive impact as we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic.”