Bluewater Health formally accepted the final installment of a $1-million donation from the Rotary Club of Sarnia Monday.
Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander accepted a $100,000 cheque during the club's luncheon at Pt. Edward's Best Western Guildwood Inn.
She says the donation, believed to be the largest ever received from a service club in Sarnia-Lambton's history, was made as part of the capital project for the new hospital.
"Part of that was bricks and mortar, but as the years progressed and the campaign continued we were able to use some of Rotary's funds to purchase specific equipment for the Maternal/Infant/Child Department," says Alexander. "Stretchers, sleeper chairs for parents in rooms with a sick child or partner spending the evening with a new mom who's had a baby and infant warmers."
She says the commitment was paid over the past ten years.
"The Rotary Club of Sarnia has been such a generous supporter of Bluewater Health. It's truly a celebration to fulfill their million dollar commitment to the Maternal/Infant/Child Department," says Alexander. "The hospital is so grateful to them and their club members for their incredible support. It's just a wonderful atmosphere at Bluewater Health for babies being born and children being cared for and truly a direct result of their million dollar commitment."
Alexander says the differences between the unit at the new hospital and the old site are incredible.
"I have first hand experience of a baby born pre new construction at Bluewater Health and then I had my second daughter in the new facility," she says. "It really is a beautiful unit that has rooms that are comfortable and large and gives that experience for people to feel almost -- almost like a home like setting."
Alexander says the level and quality of care being provided now has encouraged more women to choose to have their babies at Bluewater Health.
She says over 1,000 babies are being born each year at the Sarnia site.