ER staff at QEH see 'almost daily' need for clothes for patients

Staff at the emergency room in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown care about more than just stitching up wounds they also ensure patients are adequately dressed when they are discharged from the ER.

Sometimes it's nice to get them out of whatever they're wearing and get them into something that's probably a little cleaner, something better suited for the weather- Mike MacDonald, emergency room manager

"There are lots of reasons why, but it's almost daily that it happens," said emergency room manager Mike MacDonald. "Sometimes it's due to injury, like if there's a major trauma and paramedics need to get at the patient and are cutting clothes, so patients don't have clothes to leave in."

A few years ago the ER staff realized the need was so huge, they began an informal initiative along with a QEH social worker to collect donated clothing items such shirts, pants, coats and shoes for adults and children.

"We deal with patients with severe poverty and homelessness, and sometimes it's nice to get them out of whatever they're wearing and get them into something that's probably a little cleaner, something better suited for the weather," said MacDonald.

Clothes sorted by size

The clothes are stored on a cart, and are arranged according to size. The collection even includes new items like socks and underwear, purchased by staff.

"We'll get sizes of the patients, and bring the clothing to the patients so they can have a look at it It's quite a nice little set up that we have going, " said MacDonald.

• Wo-He-Lo Club raises almost $30K for hospital

All 100 employees with the department help to replenish the stock by continually bringing in items.

The department is not accepting donations from the public.

"It's constantly turning over the inventory, which is great. We're glad to be able to help people out, because really we do a lot of things medically, but for a lot of people who come to the emergency department, the social piece is much bigger than the medical," he said. "Some people are very grateful, some people are overwhelmed."

'Not just on P.E.I.'

This need isn't new for hospitals. MacDonald said the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Halifax also keeps a stash of clothing for people, just in case.

• QEH apartment for patients' families increasingly used by patients

"There was a huge need there too, so it's not just on P.E.I. It's probably nationwide and beyond, but we're happy to do our little part."

.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | These pumpkins perished with purpose to smash stigma around mental illness
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Storm strands gannets, Parks Canada staff on P.E.I. come to the rescue