Generous donation supports palliative care at Providence Care Hospital
Palliative Care programs and services at Providence Care Hospital (PCH) have received a generous donation, thanks to Dr. David Cook, in recognition of the wonderful care his wife, Margaret, received in her final days.
“The attention she received from the wonderful staff was filled with so much care, and I was able to sleep in a bed beside her, which was very special,” said Dr. Cook. “I am forever grateful, and I hope our gift helps other people and families during their time in palliative care.”
A portion of the $1 million gift will also be used to set up the Margaret Mary Cook Palliative Care Endowment Fund – which will help purchase equipment and comfort items for patients, support innovative medical education and research programs and enhance services for patients coping with dementia, including respite care for their caregivers and family members, according to a release from the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation.
“Margaret was the love of my life. We talked before she passed away and I promised I would make a donation on her behalf,” Dr. Cook shared. “We felt so lucky to spend her last week in Providence Care Hospital. As soon as we arrived it was like someone had lifted the world off Margaret’s shoulders. It was wonderful to see the relief in her eyes.”
The University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF) has recognized this extraordinary gift with a plaque placed in the Heritage 2 unit at Providence Care Hospital.
“This generous gift is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of the palliative care team (Heritage 2) at Providence Care Hospital,” said Cathy Szabo, CEO of Providence Care. “We’re so honoured to be a part of how Margaret chose to leave her legacy. She will live on in the hearts of the people we serve, their loved ones, and the staff who tirelessly provide their compassionate care every day.”
“Thank you, David and Margaret, for this investment in quality care that will benefit many in the region,” added Tom Zsolnay, President and CEO at UHKF.