A few months ago, Humber River Hospital Foundation and Humber’s Apotex Emergency Department teamed up to create a new Patient Comfort Fund that would ensure that patients who arrive in our Emergency Department (ED) can have their most basic needs met.

Many of the patients who arrive in the ED are struggling, and the pandemic has only intensified these hardships. Some of our patients who arrive in our ED have no way of getting home or paying for the ambulance that brought them to Humber, and many don’t know where their next hot meal will come from. Before the Fund was created, our compassionate frontline staff often took it upon themselves to pay for these essentials out of their own pocket or the funds needed to be taken from the ED program budget.

In February and March, the entirely donor-funded Patient Comfort Fund helped pay for 38 patients with no other options to get home safely, and helped 14 patients leave with a warm meal or beverage.

In February and March, the entirely donor-funded Patient Comfort Fund helped pay for 38 patients with no other options to get home safely, and helped 14 patients leave with a warm meal or beverage.

“As a staff member, the Patient Comfort Fund is a great resource that has allowed me to provide my patients with more holistic care,” says Karuna Goela, a Physiotherapist in the ED. “I have been able to use the Fund to help pay for things like a hot beverage or meal, or a safe journey home from the Hospital. It’s a simple act of kindness that goes a long way and helps our patients feel more at ease during their visit to our Emergency Department.”

One of Karuna’s patients was anxiously waiting at the Hospital for their transportation home one day when Karuna asked if they wanted a tea or coffee while they waited.

“They told me that they would have loved a coffee but had no money,” says Karuna. “The Patient Comfort Fund meant that I was able to offer to go to the Tim Horton’s and get them one. They were so grateful. I could tell that that small act meant a lot to them.”

Kyle Shermet, one of our ED Managers, is proud of what the Fund has accomplished so far.

“The Patient Comfort Fund has been a great way to support not only our patients, but also our staff,” he says. “Our staff feel empowered to do what they are passionate about, and that is providing great care for their patients.”

Thank you to everyone who has supported The Patient Comfort Fund so far! Donate today to help us keep it going.