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The thermometer goes up

The generosity of the entire Sunshine Coast community was celebrated last Saturday, April 2 as the thermometer outside St Mary's Hospital was moved up to mark $1 million in donations. Karen Scott, president of St.

The generosity of the entire Sunshine Coast community was celebrated last Saturday, April 2 as the thermometer outside St Mary's Hospital was moved up to mark $1 million in donations.

Karen Scott, president of St. Mary's Hospital/Health Care Auxiliary and Maureen Clayton, chair of the St Mary's Hospital Foundation thanked community members and hardworking members of their organizations for the work done to reach this milestone.

Construction of the hospital addition started in October 2010 and is expected to be finished in the fall of 2012. Including renovations to the existing hospital, the end of 2013 should bring completion of the entire project. The state of the art facility will have enhanced infection control methods, including point of care units in each room accessible from the hallway, which will be funded by community donations. Additional items to be provided by community support include articulating arms for the ER which can X-ray patients without moving them, four new ICU beds and an infant resuscitation unit. Other big-ticket items that will improve and modernize equipment currently available will be identified as the project moves forward.

The foundation and the auxiliary will continue their fundraising efforts until their goal of 1.5 million dollars has been reached and with true Sunshine Coast spirit will attempt to achieve the two million dollar mark.

Both groups next join forces on May 8 at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club where they are hosting a community "heart smart" Mother's Day Brunch served by doctors disguised as waiters. Tickets are available at Hallmark Cards in Gibsons, Bank of Nova Scotia in Sechelt and Blue Water Books, Madeira Park.

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