Upgrades to two Kingston hospitals made possible by generous donor

$1.25 million from local resident Stephen Sorensen will help with the purchase of much-needed equipment.

One single donation is helping improve two hospitals in Kingston.

The University Hospital Kingston Foundation received a donation from philanthropist Stephen Sorensen to the tune of $1.25 million.

The funds will be used towards a new suite of advanced diagnostic imaging and critical-care equipment for the Emergency Department at Kingston General Hospital and the Urgent Care Centre at Hotel Dieu Hospital.

President and CEO of Kingston Health Sciences Centre Dr. David Pichora says Sorensen has previously donated to the UHKF and the hospitals have benefitted from his generosity.

The equipment that will be purchased includes:

• Two GE HealthCare Definium™ 656HD Gen 6.1 fixed digital radiography (X-Ray) systems — one for the KGH site Emergency Department and one for the HDH site Urgent Care Centre
• One GE HealthCare AMX™ Navigate mobile digital X-ray system for bedside imaging in the Emergency Department
• A video laryngoscope to assist with airway management and intubation of critically ill patients
• A fiberoptic nasopharyngoscope camera for examining the nasal passages, throat, and vocal cords
• A transesophageal ultrasound probe to provide rapid cardiac imaging during life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac arrest

Pichora says the X-Ray machines will help speed up patient care.

Pichora says another key piece of equipment will allow doctors to help patients experiencing heart attacks.

Pichora couldn't thank Sorensen enough for what he says is a visionary who wants to make a difference.

Story by Ken Hashizume