Pictured from left to right in front of the James B. Neill Cardiac Centre at Peterborough Regional Health Centre are Dr. Peter McLaughlin, PRHC President & CEO, Jennifer Scriver, PRHC Cardiac Cath Lab patient and Registered Nurse, James Neill, donor, Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, and Dr. Warren Ball, PRHC Cardiologist & Head of Division, Cardiology.
Download a copy of the PRHC Foundation’s related media release.
On March 30, 2023 the Cardiac Centre at Peterborough Regional Health Centre was dedicated to philanthropist James “Jim” Neill, who donated $5 million in support of cardiac care at PRHC in 2021. Neill and his family and friends joined representatives from PRHC and the PRHC Foundation at the Health Centre on Thursday for the dedication event, which included the unveiling of new named signage in his honour on the exterior north-east corner of the hospital, recognizing the James B. Neill Cardiac Centre.
Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, said Mr. Neill’s $5 million donation – the largest in PRHC Foundation history – is already empowering the hospital to respond to the rapidly growing needs of the region, supporting world-class cardiac care close to home through the enhancement and expansion of cardiac services.
“We’ve come together this afternoon to commemorate an act of visionary generosity so transformational, it’s not only improving the quality of care available at PRHC today, it’s actively shaping the future of cardiac care in our region,” said Heighway. “Together with our community of donors, Mr. Neill is saving and improving the lives of thousands upon thousands of present and future patients and for that, as well as the inspiration his donation will provide to so many, we’re incredibly grateful.”
Dr. Warren Ball, PRHC Interventional Cardiologist & Head of Division, Cardiology, shared that thanks to donor support from Neill and others like him, he and his colleagues can provide lifesaving, minimally invasive cardiac diagnosis and stenting in state-of-the-art facilities.
“Our new Cath Lab technology provides images of even greater diagnostic quality, while using less radiation – meaning it supports shorter procedures and is even safer for patients,” said Ball. “We’re able to treat more patients locally, helping to eliminate the time and stress of travelling to a bigger centre for cardiac services.”
Dr. Peter McLaughlin, PRHC President & CEO, added that Neill’s donation will play a pivotal role in the delivery of cardiac care at PRHC for years to come, allowing the hospital to realize their vision for expanded cardiac services.
“Donor support is unlocking opportunities and ensuring the people, infrastructure, systems and programs are in place to usher in a new era of care in our region,” said McLaughlin. “Your generosity says our community believes in our vision – and that you, and others like you, stand beside us. Thank you.”
Neill expressed his joy at being able to donate in support of cardiac care at his regional hospital and said he’s very proud to be part of the donor community that has made the new Cath Lab suites, as well as future advancements, possible.
“To have my name on the side of the building, to see it associated with such an outstanding hospital and such exceptional and talented healthcare professionals, is a great honour,” said Neill. “It’s my hope that when patients, visitors and staff look up and see it, they’ll be encouraged and inspired to support their hospital in whatever way they can, much as the donors who came before inspired me. Thank you for granting me the opportunity to be part of the great tradition of philanthropy that has been part of PRHC’s history since the beginning.”
Download a copy of the PRHC Foundation’s related media release.