(Saskatoon) Thursday, March 16, 2006 – Saskatoon long-term care residents today received a generous $30,000-donation from the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign Fund.
Money will be used for a variety of specialty products and bed mattresses for the prevention of decubitus ulcers (wounds) and will help support preventive healthcare practices.
Decubitus ulcers result from constant pressure to the skin and muscle, and can range from mild (affecting the skin surface only) to severe (affecting the muscle and bone). Senior citizens, and anyone who must remain in a chair, bed or wheelchair for long periods of time, are at increased risk. If untreated, these wounds can result in death due to complications from infections.
"These wounds are serious and can significantly reduce the quality of life for residents. In addition to being painful, treatment can be costly with lengthy recovery times," said Shan Landry, Vice-President of Primary Health. "The Saskatoon Health Region is committed to preventative healthcare initiatives. Prevention supports optimal care to our residents, is economical and allows staff to focus on other resident care needs."
Costs for the treatment and management of decubitus ulcers include supplies (dressings, ointments, etc.) as well as nursing hours spent on treatment and therapies.
This donation was made possible thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion Branches #63, 78 and 362, Army and Navy Airforce Veterans Association, the Korean Veterans Association and, most importantly, the people of Saskatoon who donated so generously to the Legion’s annual Poppy Campaign.
Poppy funds are made available through the generosity of the Canadian public, and these funds are merely held in trust for Canadians by the Legion. Funds are used to assist veterans and their families and are also reinvested into the community through a number of services, including purchasing medical equipment, supporting services for seniors, and assisting non-profit organizations and charities.
"The annual Poppy Campaign provides us with an opportunity to educate future generations about the sacrifices made by our veterans and to reinvest money back into the communities we fought so hard to protect. The people of Saskatoon should be proud because your support helped make this donation possible," said Al Mahoney, on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign and Saskatoon veterans.
Sixteen long-term care facilities in the Saskatoon, home to 1,500 residents, will benefit from this donation. Of the 1,500 residents, 76 per cent of them are at risk for decubitus ulcers.
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For more information contact:
Kerilyn Voigt
Corporate and Public Affairs Adviser
306.655.3386
Note to Editors: After regular business hours and on weekends, please call 655-1000 and ask for the Public Affairs Adviser on call.
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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