For patients who require special assistance, it’s important that they have access to a proper bed while at a hospital. That’s why Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) have joined together to support the Lakeridge Health Whitby Foundation’s Buy a Bed campaign.

Lakeridge Health Whitby has a high-priority need for specialty beds for patients with complex medical needs that require long-term hospital stays exceeding 30 days. These technologically advanced beds allow patients and hospital staff to adjust the height of the bed for easier transition from sitting to standing.

With the cost of one bed being $5,000, the foundation had originally hoped to raise $200,000 that would be used to purchase these technologically advanced beds and specialty air mattresses. However, thanks to donors like Durham College and UOIT, the foundation has surpassed their goal and recently announced that they have raised $225,000 thus far.

“This opportunity was a tremendous way to show our appreciation for their partnership in supporting our students’ learning opportunities,” said Susan Sproul, dean of the School of Health & Community Services at Durham College.

In addition to acquiring new beds, the foundation raises funds to ensure that Lakeridge Health Whitby has the best patient equipment and programs possible and invests in capital projects, equipment, specialized services and unique programs that benefit each patient and offer support to their loved ones.

Durham College has a long-standing relationship with Lakeridge Health Whitby that goes beyond donations and beds. Students of the School of Health & Community Services benefit from the opportunity to apply the knowledge they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life situations that include caring for patients in a hospital setting.