New furniture purchased for ER waiting room at Ponoka Hospital

PONOKA -- New furniture has been purchased for the Ponoka Hospital's ER waiting room courtesy of the local health foundation.

These efforts, led by the Ponoka and District Health Foundation, aimed to enhance the overall comfort and feel of the emergency department's waiting room for local residents awaiting care and treatment at the hospital. Foundation Chair Katherine Steblyk tells 89.7 The One that the purchase comes as part of their continued goal of improving health care in the Ponoka area. 

"There was a request from the hospital to the Ponoka and District Health Foundation asking us if we'd help them repair and update the cushions in the emergency department," said Steblyk. "So, we agreed, and all of the cushions have now been replaced." 

Funding for the new seating was provided through the foundation's greatest needs fund, which was established to provide support for purchases not targeted for specific projects. These funds are collected through donations from residents who either donate in memory of a loved one who has passed away, or just to say thanks for the care they, or a loved one received at the hospital.

With wait times in emergency departments across the province rising year-over-year, Steblyk says the purchase of the new furniture will help local residents remain comfortable as they await treatment from emergency staff.

"Not only do the new cushions look much better, but we hope they are much more comfortable," said Steblyk. "When you're waiting for treatment, and if it should unfortunately take a long time, we think it's really important that you're really comfortable while you’re waiting."

Some of the other current initiatives being worked on by the foundation include the new helipad project. The new helipad is slated to be built at the same location as the previous landing site, located on the north side of the hospital. In addition, the project will also include a new walkway extending from the pad to the hospital.