The committee has set its goals higher in order to buy several new machines to benefit patient care.

RUMFORD – The Rumford Hospital 2002-2003 Annual Appeal topped $28,000 shortly after the second appeal letter was mailed. Members of the Development Committee recently met to plan another mailing to physicians and businesses this month. “We’ve had great response from our community,” said Development Committee member and Auxiliary President Barbara Belanger. “We set our sights even higher this year than last because there are so many vital pieces of equipment we need to purchase.”

The 2001-2002 Rumford Hospital Annual Appeal totaled $27,800. Those funds were used to purchase a fluid warmer for the operating room, a positive airway pressure system for patients in respiratory distress, defibrillator, a stretcher, temporary pacemaker for the intensive care unit, a telemetry transmitter and 5mm laparoscope, as well as add to the Nursing Loan/Scholarship fund.

The 2002-2003 Annual Appeal goals include the purchase of a stationary stepper for Cardiac Rehab, a fetal monitor telemetry unit for mothers-to-be in the Birthing Center, an insufflator for the OR, a new ambulance radio, another Stryker bed for Med/Surg and furnishings for an expanded Oncology Suite.

“Another $6,000 will allow us to reach our goal and insure that all this equipment can be purchased,” noted Belanger. “We’re asking members of our community who haven’t given yet to be as generous as they can be to help reach the goal.”