Auxiliary Fully Funds Priority Equipment for the North Shore Health Network Richards Landing-Matthews Site

Left to Right: Sandra Parr, Amanda LaBrash, Barb Jackson, Sandy MacIntyre, Christine Thomson, Monica Keating, Angie Green, Shirley Pringle, Charlyn Beneteau, Cathy Whitlock.

Richards Landing, ON – The North Shore Health Network Foundation is thrilled to announce that the Richards Landing–Matthews Site Committee of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Auxiliary has fully funded the priority equipment items, totaling $99,300, as part of the 2025–2026 NSHN Capital Plan.

Each year, NSHN identifies equipment needs based on equipment lifespan, service demands, and emerging standards of care. Once approved, the NSHN Foundation and community partners like the Auxiliaries work together to raise the funds needed to keep local health care within reach.

This year, the Richards Landing–Matthews Site Committee Auxiliary once again demonstrated incredible generosity and dedication to local health care. Through their annual Community Night fundraising event, held each July in Richards Landing, they raised an outstanding $28,044.50, supported by residents and businesses across the Island and surrounding communities.

The funds raised, along with previous contributions, have now fully covered the cost of two urgently needed equipment upgrades:

• Vitals Machine – $8,300
  The Richards Landing–Matthews Site required a new vitals machine in the Emergency Department. The Root Masimo system provides continuous, non-invasive monitoring of key vital signs, allowing staff to quickly detect changes in patient condition and respond promptly. This equipment is being standardized across all three NSHN sites to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
  ECG Central Monitoring System – $91,000
  The Richards Landing–Matthews Site Emergency Department also required a robust upgrade to its central monitoring system. This advanced technology enables staff to deliver faster, more accurate patient assessments, improve response times in critical situations, and maintain the highest level of patient safety.

Together, these two investments total $99,300, fully funded thanks to the generosity of the Richards Landing–Matthews Site Committee Auxiliary and the support of the St. Joseph Island community.

“The Richards Landing–Matthews Site Auxiliary is proud to support our local hospital and to know that these purchases will make a real difference for patients and staff,” said Cathy Whitlock, Chair of the Richards Landing–Matthews Site Auxiliary. “Our members generously give their time and energy to this work because we believe deeply in supporting health care close to home. Community Night is about more than fundraising, it’s about coming together as a community to make a lasting impact.”

The North Shore Health Network and the North Shore Health Network Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to the Richards Landing–Matthews Site Committee Auxiliary and to everyone who contributed to making this achievement possible.