Hospital Tree Lighting Raises Needed Funds

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital invites former patients, staff, and community members to gather around the fireplace on Tuesday, December 1, 2009, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Crossroads Radiation Therapy Center for the annual “Tribute of Light” tree-lighting ceremony.

Guests will enjoy refreshments and entertainment provided by Stage M, an area community theatre group, as they preview scenes from their upcoming production, Miracle on 34th Street.

Individuals can sponsor a light on the tree in honor a loved one for $5 each. All proceeds raised from the event will be used to purchase special recliners for patients undergoing chemotherapy, hydration or other procedures at the hospital.

“These chairs are an important part of creating a comfortable environment in our healthcare setting,” said Irene Balowski, director of cancer services. From June 2008 to June 2009 alone, patients from 15 counties visited more than 11,000 times to receive radiation or infusion therapy services.

The hospital thanks the donors and friends who made last year’s ceremony a success. The event raised more than $1,000 for the intensive care and rehab and nursing center. The funds supported the purchase of a beautiful aquarium, enjoyed by countless intensive care patients and families during their stay over the past year. The remaining funds supported the new Four Seasons Room in the Rehab and Nursing Center.

“Every dollar stays in Reed City to support our hospital, and makes a direct impact on patient care,” said Christie Carlson, fund development coordinator. The event is sponsored by the Spectrum Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital. To donate by phone call (231) 832-7184 or visit www.spectrumhealthfoundation.org/tributeoflight.

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital is a 25 bed acute care hospital located in Reed City, Mich. that has adopted the Planetree approach to care giving. A model of patient centered care in a healing environment, staff is committed to improving medical care from the patient’s perspective, empowering patients and families through education, information and encouraging healing partnerships with caregivers. Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital offers a newly renovated emergency department with private treatment rooms, an expanded medical imaging department, a regional cancer treatment center and an Eden Care award winning 54 bed rehab and nursing facility. Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital has been recognized for its quality care by the Michigan Quality Improvement Organization and has earned the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Hospital Setting for 3 consecutive years, the Total Benchmark Solution quality award for 2005 and the 2006 and 2007 VHA Leadership Award for clinical excellence.