By: Dan Jones Northumberland 89.7 FM, Local Journalism Initiative

The annual year-end fundraising campaign has begun, as the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation is seeking to raise $500,000, through its Angels of Care campaign in support of the hospital’s Endoscopy Program.

The Hospital has already purchased the seven scopes, as John Russell the Executive Director of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation said the previous scopes needed urgent replacement as they were at the end of their lifecycle and becoming unreliable.

“The bottom line is, when we replace our scopes we are improving the early detection of illnesses like cancer,” said Russell. “This is really a cancer diagnostics campaign. Because whether a colonoscope or gastroscope detect illnesses like colon cancer and stomach cancer and things like that.”

Surgeons use equipment like this to detect polyps in the colon, and for removal and testing for cancer. Early detection of cancer can lead to quicker treatment options and improved recovery and health outcomes for patients. Last year, approximately 1500 people accessed endoscopy services at the Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

“Early detection is vital in terms of treatment and better outcomes. Having a scope program that is vital, and with new equipment things can be diagnosed quicker, it means a better outcome for our patients,” explained Russell. “It basically means that we’ll see more patients, detect illnesses earlier, reduce wait times and attract new surgeons to the area, which is critical.”

A group of loyal donors in the Campbellford region called the “Matchmakers” are matching donations up to $300,000. The “Matchmakers” are hoping the contribution will encourage community members to also help fund the endoscopy program. While the fundraising campaign is scheduled to the end of January, the “Matchmakers” are only contributing to donations until the end of December.

Donations can be made to the Angels of Care Campaign through the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation at 705-653-1140 ext. 2104, or givetocmh.ca. A mailed letter with an envelope is being sent out to the community, as another way of accepting donations.