Guelph General Hospital is asking the local community to help fund a replacement of its fleet of infusion devices after about a decade of continuous service left the current units nearing the end of their expected life.
Why the upgrades matter
Large-volume IV pumps are used across wards to deliver medications, fluids and blood products directly into the bloodstream. The hospital says nearly every patient will rely on a pump at some stage of care — from post-operative recovery and infection treatment to cancer therapy and long-term management.
Current fleet: nearly 400 pumps originally purchased with donor support in 2015. Hospital leaders say the devices, after roughly 10 years of near-continuous operation, are due for replacement to maintain patient safety and reliability.
What the new pumps will do
- Expanded safety features to reduce medication errors and improve dosing precision.
- Connectivity allowing pumps to link directly to patients’ electronic health records, which the hospital says will streamline workflows.
- Potential efficiency gains for nursing staff, freeing up time to spend with patients.
Alicia Wickens, director of professional practice at the hospital, described infusion pumps as a core patient-safety technology and an important tool for nurses.
“Infusion pumps are a key patient safety technology, helping nurses administer IV medications and fluids with precision and confidence,” said Alicia Wickens.
Funding and community appeal
The replacement project relies on community donations because government funding in Ontario does not cover patient-care equipment, the hospital foundation noted. Each replacement pump is priced at $2,671, making this a significant fundraising undertaking.
The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital has launched a public appeal and has introduced a character named Olive as part of its spring fundraising effort. Neighbourhood households across Guelph-Wellington may already have received a letter about the campaign.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Number of pumps in current fleet | Nearly 400 |
| Year original pumps were purchased | 2015 |
| Price per replacement pump | $2,671 |
The hospital frames the initiative as crucial to preserving the standard of care Guelph-Wellington residents expect. Donors who have previously supported equipment purchases are being asked to contribute again as the devices reach the end of their service life.
More information about the appeal and how to give is available through The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
