Medical equipment loan program opens in O'Leary

The Canadian Red Cross is opening a new depot at Community Hospital in O'Leary where people can borrow medical equipment.

She'd never have been able to have her Mom home with her for her last few days of life.- Laura Johnson-Montigny

Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, bath chairs and electric beds are available at no charge for up to three months with a medical referral.

Provincial director Laura Johnson-Montigny estimates about 500 Islanders took advantage of this program last year in Charlottetown, and demand has been growing as more people learn about it.

Johnson-Montigny said she's heard some moving stories.

"We had one lady talked about how she'd never have been able to have her mom home with her for her last few days of life if not for the program because she had a bed that was electric that could move and she wouldn't have had the resources to have that," she said.

"It's those kinds of stories that we keep hearing about this program that's really,really shown the need out there, and how we can really make a difference."

There is already a waiting list for the 10 electric beds available in O'Leary.

Johnson-Montigny said the expansion of the Health Equipment Loan Program is possible because of a partnership with Health and Wellness that started six months ago.

The province invested $200,000 to help purchase equipment, and is giving the Red Cross $150,000 a year to help cover operational costs.

The Red Cross plans to open a depot in Kings County before Christmas.