Patti Bate knows she beat the odds.
She suffered a stroke last winter while at work as a clerk with Veterans Affairs Canada.
She was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s emergency department where it was discovered she had a bleed in the pons of her brain.
Only five per cent survive the type of medical blow that she was delivered.
As his wife lay unconscious for three weeks, Luis Bate braced for the worse. Staff stepped up to help him through a trying period of deep worry and concern.
“They were all expecting that she would die but they showed great empathy,’’ said Luis.
She did not die. She made what doctors believe to be a remarkable recovery, and she continues to make incredible progress, much coming during four weeks of rehabilitation therapy at the hospital.
Patti has no paralysis, only some imbalance that is expected to right itself in time.
The native Chileans who moved to Canada in 1974 and to P.E.I. in 1985 both credit the exemplary work of doctors and hospital staff with giving Patti a new lease on life.
“The service was fantastic in all aspects,’’ said Luis, a professor at the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI. “They did a wonderful job.’’
Patti was impressed with the great patience shown by staff. She noted with gratitude how everyone from nurses to orderlies expressed genuine delight in her progress.
“It encourages you,’’ she said. “The orderlies — they are just wonderful people.’’
Patti is telling her good news story in hopes of giving Islanders added incentive to contribute to the 2011 Annual Friends for Life Campaign. The campaign raises $1.5 to $2 million each year to purchase much needed medical equipment for the QEH.
Barb Dunphy-Gotell, executive director of the QEH Foundation, says Patti’s story is just one of many that illustrate the value of combining caring and skilled staff with top-notch equipment.
“When we hear about care such as the high level received by Patti in emergency, diagnostic imaging, ICU and stroke care, the community should feel really proud that their financial support is helping purchase medical equipment that is making a difference here on P.E.I.,’’ she said.
“The ongoing need of medical equipment never stops so that is why it is so important to support our hospital. Islanders are always so generous in remembering to make a gift to the QEH this time of year.’’
There is a long shopping list for a hospital where close to 8,000 surgeries can take place in just one year.
Dunphy says nearly $800,000 in new equipment is urgently needed for the QEH operating rooms.
The required items include:
- Two new anesthesia gas machines considered vital for optimal patient safety.
- An orthopedic video tower is deemed necessary to provide better image capabilities for surgeons who perform major procedures, such as knee and hip surgeries.
- New gynecological equipment will provide increased patient safety and will allow Island women who require complex procedures to stay on P.E.I. instead of going off-Island for care.
- As the QEH moves into Phase III of its stroke care program, numerous items are needed to enable stroke patients to continue to receive top-notch rehabilitation treatment.
- Every year, there is always a need for new beds, wheelchairs, and IV poles to ensure there is enough available for patient use and to meet appropriate infection control measures.
Dr. Lamont Sweet, who served as the province’s chief medical officer for many years, is chairing this year’s Friends for Life Campaign.
Sweet says just like so many other hospitals across Canada, medical equipment needs at the QEH are ongoing and great.
“Today’s equipment reaches its end of life cycle more rapidly than in the past and new technology generates significant improvements in diagnosis and treatment,’’ he said.
“I truly hope you will find your own reason to support this year’s campaign.’’
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation sends out an annual letter appeal to thousands of Islanders and friends who live off-Island. Volunteers are helping this week with follow-up reminder phone calls to make a gift to this year’s campaign.
Dunphy says the foundation is also encouraging donors to consider giving shares directly to the QEH Foundation instead of issuing a cheque to the annual campaign. If a donor decides to donate by transferring shares, the capital gains acquired over the years will be eliminated and an income tax receipt will also be issue for the fair market value of shares on the date of transfer.
“Encouraging Islanders to make the QEH a priority for giving this holiday season could be a gift in honour of a loved one or friend,’’ said Dunphy.
To donate to the 2011 Annual Friends for Life Campaign, please call the QEH Foundation office at 902-894-2495, go online at www.qehfoundation.pe.ca or mail to the QEH Foundation, PO Box 6600, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 8T5.
I had the pleasure of working with Patti many years ago. So happy to see you are doing so well, Patti! My mother has been ill over the past few years and it's thanks to the devoted staff at the QEH that she's still here with us. There was even an intern who spent the entire night with her in ICU when she was at her worst, instead of going home for much needed rest. We are so grateful to her and everyone who cared for her. Thank you Patti for sharing your story and for raising awareness for the QEH Foundation.