The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (PECMHF) has launched a PECMHF-COVID-19 Relief fund to be used where needed to treat COVID-19 patients through Quinte Health Care’s (QHC) 4-hospital system.

PECMH has already made significant preparations. Region-wide and in Prince Edward County (PEC), everyone has a social, professional and moral responsibility to do what they can to help.

Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation Executive Director Shannon Coull. (Submitted Photo)

“With COVID-19 we’re reminded, on many levels, we are connected. Our priority is the health and safety of the people of  PEC as well as those living across the Quinte region,” said Shannon Coull, CFRE, Executive Director for the PECMHF in a statement. “QHC is planning for an unprecedented public health threat across our entire region that will impact all four hospitals within our healthcare system. It’s anticipated this global pandemic will present itself with exponential growth in our community over the next week, possibly days.”

The financial impact on the healthcare system in Quinte is unknown, however, it will be significant. QHC is working hard to ensure every hospital site has the equipment, facilities and human resources require to ensure the hospitals can meet the anticipated surge in demand. This includes the closure of clinic spaces at Belleville General Hospital to transform them into additional ICU space. 

“QHC expects some of these costs, salaries, for example, will receive provincial government funding,” Coull stated. “Other costs likely will not be covered; the acquisition of medical equipment, transformation of spaces, PPE and supplies, for example. QHC will be expected to find funds to cover those extraordinary costs.”

This is why PECMHF has set up the PECMHF-COVID-19 Relief Fund. 

The Foundation encourage donations be made by using one of the three options:

   · visiting their website by clicking the link www.pecmhf.ca

   · mailing your donations to the Foundation at the following address:

        · PECMH Foundation, 403 Main Street East, Picton, ON. K0K 2T0, or

   · call the Foundation office at 613-476-1008 ext. 4502. Your call will be returned within 24 hours.

Donations directed to the PECMHF-COVID-19 Relief Fund will be used wherever funding is needed in the QHC 4-hospital system to treat COVID-19 patients and to help save the lives of those living in PEC and beyond.

Any donations received will be processed in a timely manner however you may experience a delay in receiving your tax receipt. PECMHF appreciates your patience and understanding. 

“Thank you for standing with us and continuing to be the power behind the work we do!” expressed Coull. “Stay safe, stay home and wash your hands!”