PRHC Foundation Receives historic $5 Million Donation From Jim Neill

PRHC Foundation donor Jim Neill has committed to donating a historic $5 million in support of the future of cardiac care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Dr. Warren Ball, Lesley Heighway, Jim Neill, Dr Peter McLaughlin. Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.

PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway, made the announcement at a private donor event attended by a small number of hospital and PRHC Foundation representatives, sharing that the gift is the largest donation in the PRHC’s Foundation’s history.

“Over the past year and a half, we’ve seen firsthand how vital it is that Peterborough Regional Health Centre has the people and technology needed to provide lifesaving patient care, close to home,” said Heighway. “Our hospital has an exciting vision for the future of cardiac care at PRHC – including the expansion of services and bringing new treatments to our region – but we won’t get there alone.”

Dr. Warren Ball, PRHC Interventional Cardiologist & Head of Division, Cardiology, said the donation will have a transformational impact on patient care now and in the future.

“Jim’s generosity will help us keep our hearts here today by investing in significantly improved technology,” said Dr. Ball, “and when you add state-of-the-art technology to our exceptional patient care, it will also empower us to pursue our vision for tomorrow. While the planning for this exciting opportunity is in the early stages, I can tell you we’re committed to ensuring our patients have access to the finest, most comprehensive cardiac care available, right here at PRHC.”

PRHC and PRHCF reps, Board members, Cardiac team members and Jim Neill. Photo courtesy of PRHC Foundation.

Neill said he was inspired to make the gift after moving back to the area and seeing how important access to cardiac care close to home is for the hundreds of thousands of potential patients that live and work in our region.

“Where I used to live in Toronto, there were four hospitals within a 15-minute drive of my home – all of which offered lifesaving emergency cardiac care,” said Neill. “As I understand it, it’s essential that we limit the time and distance our loved ones, friends and neighbours need to travel to get to get the same standard of care. I want to be part of that process of providing very timely cardiac care close to home.”

Neill added that he’s honoured to be part of the tradition of philanthropy that has supported the Health Centre from the beginning.

“The new lifesaving treatments coming to PRHC in the near future will once again change the face of cardiac care in our region,” said Neill. “I’m excited to be part of that and I hope that my donation will encourage and inspire others, as the donors who have come before have inspired me.”

Dr. Peter McLaughlin, PRHC President & CEO, told guests that the cardiac program and the overall exceptional standard of care found at PRHC would not be possible without the past support of donors.

“Over the years, many individuals, foundations and corporations have stepped forward to embrace our vision as their own, through donations of all sizes,” said McLaughlin. “Now here we are once again, about to embark on a new era of cardiac care thanks to the support of another visionary leader. That’s the power of philanthropy and we’re grateful for Jim’s and all our donors’ support.”

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