North Central Health Care Foundation

10/25/2026

In the past year alone, 695 surgeries were performed at Melfort Hospital. Modern surgical equipment and technology play an important role in supporting surgical teams and providing patients with quality care close to home.

North Central Health Care Foundation’s latest commitment to Melfort Hospital’s operating rooms is two surgical imaging towers, representing a combined investment of $172,200, with the most recent tower committed in 2025.

These systems process images from compatible surgical cameras and endoscopes and display them on a monitor, allowing surgeons to view internal structures during endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures. This detailed visualization helps surgical teams see the area being treated and guides them throughout an operation.

Over the past three years, the Foundation has supported significant upgrades to both operating rooms at Melfort Hospital, helping equip surgical teams with modern technology and essential equipment to support high-quality patient care. These investments include:

* Surgical Tables — $75,000
* Endocautery Unit — $42,200
* Rhino Laryngoscope — $7,900
* Colposcope — $18,400
* Anesthetic Carts — $9,300
* Two Endoscopic Towers — $173,000

Together, these investments, including the new surgical imaging towers, represent a total of $517,000 in support of operating room equipment and technology at Melfort Hospital.

10/24/2026

A major North Central Health Care Foundation fundraising campaign, completed in 2019, raised over $500,000 to support the GE Optima portable digital X-ray system at Melfort Hospital. This significant investment helped the hospital transition from outdated computerized X-ray technology to industry-standard digital imaging, advancing its diagnostic capabilities and supporting the delivery of patient care.

The new system produces high-quality digital images without the need for traditional film. These images can be viewed electronically, helping physicians assess findings and make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment. Digital imaging also supports a more efficient workflow by eliminating the need for traditional film processing and allowing images to be accessed electronically.

High-quality imaging can help reduce the need for repeat examinations when images are inadequate, potentially avoiding unnecessary additional radiation exposure while making better use of valuable staff time. The transition to digital technology represented an important step forward in modernizing the hospital’s diagnostic imaging capabilities.

As a portable system, the GE Optima can be brought directly to a patient’s bedside when travelling to the imaging department is difficult or medically inappropriate. This is particularly valuable for patients who are critically ill, recovering from surgery, or have limited mobility. Bringing imaging to the patient can reduce the need for unnecessary transfers and help healthcare professionals obtain essential diagnostic images where they are needed.

10/24/2026

10/23/2026

In 2023, North Central Health Care Foundation funded an Arjo Rhapsody HydroSound bathing system with lift for Parkland Place Long-Term Care Facility. Purchased for $37,730, this system supports assisted bathing, helping caregivers provide personal care while promoting resident comfort and facilitating safe transfers.

The Foundation has recently committed $40,000 toward a second HydroSound bathing system with lift, which will arrive shortly.

Together, these two systems represent a combined investment of $77,730 in essential bathing equipment for Parkland Place. Both systems replace the original tubs, approximately 25 years old, and will complete the replacement of the facility’s original bathing tubs.

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

In 2021, Melfort Hospital received a GE Panda iRes infant warmer to support the care of newborns.

The Panda iRes provides a temperature-controlled warming bed where nurses can comfortably care for babies immediately after birth. From drying and changing a newborn to performing routine assessments and checking vital signs, the warmer allows healthcare professionals to tend to a baby while helping maintain their body temperature.

Equipped with resuscitation support and oxygen capabilities, the Panda iRes can also assist healthcare professionals when a newborn needs help breathing or requires immediate medical attention. Additional features, including temperature monitoring with a probe and an integrated weighing scale, help support the assessment and care of these tiny patients.

Purchased for $39,000, this investment helps support the health and well-being of newborns and their families in our community.

10/21/2026

Two MEIKO TopLine 20 washer-disinfectors were purchased for Parkland Place to support the safe and hygienic cleaning and disinfection of bedpans and other reusable care utensils. By automating this process, these specialized machines help maintain high hygiene standards while reducing the amount of manual handling required by staff.

An important feature of these units is their hands-free operation, which allows the doors to open and close automatically. Reducing the need to touch equipment during the cleaning process helps minimize contact points and supports infection prevention practices, while also making daily tasks more convenient for staff.

While these machines may not always be in the spotlight, they play an important role in maintaining a clean, safe care environment for residents and healthcare workers alike.

Both washer-disinfectors were purchased in 2025 for a total investment of $48,150, helping support safe, efficient, and hygienic care at Parkland Place.

10/20/2026

✨🌟 A SPECTACULAR ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NORTHEAST SASKATCHEWAN! 🌟✨

A night of stars. A future of clearer vision. ❤️

We are beyond excited to FINALLY reveal what we're raising funds for at the North Central Health Care Foundation's 25th Anniversary Silver Spectacular Gala! 🥂

🥁 We're raising funds to equip TWO operating rooms at the Melfort Hospital with specialized ophthalmology equipment! 👁️

And the impact this could have on our community is INCREDIBLE!

✨ DOUBLE the surgical capacity — potentially allowing twice as many patients to receive cataract surgery!

✨ CUT wait times in HALF — with the potential to reduce the current ONE-YEAR waitlist to approximately six months!

✨ MORE care, CLOSER to home — making a tremendous difference for patients across rural Northeast Saskatchewan!

For over 30 years, Melfort Hospital has been a hub for ophthalmology care in our region. With cataracts being a normal part of aging, the need for these services isn't going away — it's growing!

This is about more than equipment. It's about restoring vision, reducing wait times, and helping our families, friends, and neighbours receive the care they deserve, right here at home. ❤️

🌟 One spectacular night. A lasting impact on our entire region.

Together, we're investing in BRIGHTER VISION FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW! ✨

10/20/2026

In 2024, the North Central Health Care Foundation funded the purchase of a tonometer for Melfort Hospital at a cost of $9,620. This important piece of equipment is used to measure pressure inside the eye.

Measuring eye pressure helps healthcare providers assess eye health and identify elevated pressure that may be associated with glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and affect vision if left untreated.

This equipment supports the assessment of patients with eye-related concerns, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about further evaluation, treatment, or referral to a specialist when needed.

10/19/2026

Don’t miss us live on-air tomorrow morning. We will be announcing our latest commitment to local healthcare, and it’s an exciting one!