Two brand new patient transfer vehicles will take Blanche River Health patients to medical appointments out of town, thanks to the largest donation by an individual in Blanche River Health Foundation’s history. 

The purchase of the new vehicles was made possible thanks to the late Olga Jackson, a former Kirkland Lake resident who left a $962,500 gift to Blanche River Health (BRH) Foundation in her will. 

 “Olga Jackson left Blanche River Health an incredibly generous gift at a time when the hospital’s patient transfer vehicles needed costly maintenance, repairs and eventual replacement,” said John Sullivan, President, Blanche River Health Foundation. “Her gift covered 100 per cent of the cost of the new vehicles, leaving behind a legacy of caring in her home community that we are incredibly grateful for.” 

The non-urgent patient transfer service helps inpatients at BRH attend medical appointments spanning north to Timmins and south to North Bay and Sudbury. Last year, 540 trips were made.

Both vehicles feature levers to change seat layouts, a stretcher, wheelchair and oxygen storage, grab bars and power outlets.  The cost for both is $450,000 and will save an estimated $30,000 in annual maintenance the older vehicles required.

“One of the themes that was brought up at our recent community engagement sessions was the importance of improving and sustaining the patient transfer service, so this is a very timely gift” said Jorge VanSlyke, President and CEO, Blanche River Health. “While this is currently an unfunded service, we hope its importance will be recognized through dedicated, ongoing funding to ensure continuity of service for those who rely on it.”

While the transport service is limited to inpatients at Blanche River Health, advocacy efforts are underway to explore a similar service for members of the community in need. 

“Leaving a gift in your will to Blanche River Health Foundation is a legacy of lasting impact on health care in your community, and I hope Olga Jackson’s gift will inspire others to do the same,” added Sullivan. 

Erin Booth, a dear friend of Olga Jackson, says the care provided to Olga’s sister Tilly Novak at Blanche River Health inspired her to leave a lasting gift to the Blanche River Health Foundation.

“Olga along with her sister Mary and their mother, also Mary, moved away from Kirkland Lake to Toronto in the 1950s with great memories of the community and its people,” said Booth. “It’s fitting that she left a legacy gift that will benefit locals while showing her appreciation for Blanche River Health.” 

Because the Foundation is a registered charity, legacy gifts can significantly reduce estate taxes. Those who are interested in making a donation or leaving a legacy gift to the Blanche River Health Foundation can learn more by visiting the Foundation page on our web site or speaking to their estate planners.  

About Blanche River Health

Blanche River Health is a 74-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (26 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas. Our mission is to make health care work for you. BRH values people and continuous improvement and we demonstrate this through accountability, respect, and courage to excel.

Pictured

Photo 1: Brian Bronson, Terry Rosko, Mitch Moreau, Marcel Joliat, Jorge VanSlyke, Chester Jobson, and John Sullivan.

Photo 2: Transfer staff, Chester Jobson, Jorge VanSlyke, John Sullivan and Jennifer Boudreault.