Media Release

BUH Foundation Reaches $916,000 Campaign Goal Ahead of Schedule

January 29th 2024

North Battleford, SK – Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) Foundation is pleased to announce the completion of the latest capital campaign, “Medication Matters,” that raised funds for new Pyxis MedStations for every department in need at BUH. The capital campaign was launched in March, 2023 with a fundraising goal of $916,000 and a two year timeline to complete.

“We are absolutely ecstatic about the success of “Medication Matters” capital campaign and the support received that brought this campaign to completion a year ahead of schedule. The success does not come from one donor, but the coming together of individuals, businesses and organizations to support enriched healthcare each in their own way. Every ticket sold, event attended, birdhouse purchased and donation made has made this campaign a complete success,” shared Leanne Ducommun, Executive Director of BUH Foundation.

Proceeds from the 2023 Ladies’ Night, Wayne Pruden Memorial Golf Tournament, $100,000 Cash Lottery and Festival of Trees all went towards “Medication Matters” capital campaign. The final year of birdhouse sales from JRs Designer Birdhouses contributed and in May, On Air: for Healthcare radio-thon dedicated 12 hours to sharing about Pyxis MedStations and their importance and impact to healthcare, not only in The Battlefords, but also the service area of northwest Saskatchewan.

Thank you to Edward Urbanowski, Barry & Donna Svenkeson, Stromberg Family, Taco Time, River Valley Eye Care, Cenovus, Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation and the Estate of Gladys Milman for their significant contributions towards the campaign.

“We are grateful for the support we have received from the Foundation for medication delivery in The Battlefords and northwest Saskatchewan. BUH will be one of the only hospitals in the province with Pyxis MedStations integrated into every patient care setting and they will help improve safety, save time and reduce staff hours spent on inventory and delivery of medication. I am very excited to begin the process and see the impact Pyxis MedStations will have on Pharmacy Services and patient care,” expressed Sarah Lynds, Manager Pharmacy Services, Northwest.

Pyxis MedStations are automated medication-dispensing units that help improve the efficiency, effectiveness and safety of medication delivery to patients and allow for more time to be spent at patient bedsides and completing other tasks to improve healthcare in our community. Replacement units will be installed in the Emergency Department, Medical & Surgical wards & Palliative Care, as these former units have reached their end of life. New units will be put in place for ICU, Ambulatory Care Clinic, Women’s Health & Birthing Centre, Chemotherapy, Dialysis, Operating Room/Surgery and Battlefords Mental Health Centre. The beginning stages of implementing Pyxis MedStations have already begun, with wiring currently being installed. The units are expected to arrive at BUH at the end of April with training taking place in May. If all goes well the system is expected to go live in June 2024.

“It is wonderful to see things happening so quickly and to be so far ahead of the original projected schedule. We are proud to be a part of the new Pyxis MedStations and enrich healthcare for our communities in this manner. Thank you to everyone who supported “Medication Matters” and made the new Pyxis MedStations possible,” shared Cheryl Mitchell, BUH Foundation Board of Director Chairperson.

The official grand-opening for the new Pyxis MedStations is expected to take place in June/July of 2024 as BUH Foundation celebrates the completion of their largest fundraising campaign to date.