A new gastroscope is coming to Sault Area Hospital thanks to a $32,605 donation from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 Poppy Trust fund.
“The local Poppy Trust fund committee understands and supports the hard work of the Sault Area Hospital’s health-care professionals,” said Pierre Breckenridge, President/Poppy Chair for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25, in a media release.
"Veterans and Legion members are aware that supporting specialized equipment donations helps veterans, their families, and the community. We are proud to support the local hospital and salute the work healthcare professionals do for our Veterans and the community.”
A gastroscope helps get an “inside look” into the gastrointestinal tract, to help care teams diagnose and treat patients, a news release said. The gastrointestinal tract includes the mouth, throat (esophagus) and stomach, so this scope can be used to examine multiple areas.
The device can also be used to take tissue biopsies (samples), which is critical for testing and developing treatment plans. Newer models are slimmer in design than older models, making it more comfortable during procedures. They also have a higher resolution camera, which helps care teams get a clearer picture.
“The impact of this gift will support care for countless patients in our hospital, across many departments,” said Teresa Martone, Executive Director of Sault Area Hospital Foundation, “As Veterans and community members, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 and their Poppy Trust fund continue to provide generous support for Sault Area Hospital Foundation, ensuring our hospital has the equipment it needs to treat patients locally.”
Every year, from the last Friday of October to Nov. 11, tens of millions of Canadians wear a poppy as a visual pledge to honour Canada’s Veterans and remember those who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today. Donations during the Poppy Campaign go to the Poppy Trust fund, and support Veterans and their families.
Poppy Trust funds are given both directly to veterans, as well as to organizations that support veterans and their families.