• The lab needs a new adjustable-height phlebotomy chair that reclines, so that patients who feel faint while their blood is being drawn can be immediately reclined without being moved to another location. Just ask Grace Cottage’s administrator – this big, tough guy can’t stand the sight of needles, and he went down a few months ago, while blood was being drawn. It took about six employees to get Al LaRochelle up off the floor and into a bed. This chair would make it so much easier on patients as well as lab technicians. The cost is $1,595.
• Volunteers are needed to drive patients to medical appointments and to Grace Cottage Adult Day Services. There are people who would like to attend the program, but they have nobody available at the appropriate times to drive them from their homes to Grace Cottage and back again. This can be a flexible commitment – even once or twice a month would be a help. Couriers are also needed, to drive to Brattleboro and back.
• Our two feeding pumps and eight Intravenous (IV) pumps are functioning, but they are getting on in years (like many of us!) and are no longer being manufactured. When they need repairs, parts will not be available. The cost of a new feeding pump is $735; a new IV pump is $2,000.
• Attendees at Grace Cottage Adult Day Services can benefit from glaucoma sunglasses, even when they're inside. The porch is so cheerfully bright that these wrap-around sunglasses, new or used, would be greatly appreciated, and would also be used during outdoor excursions.
• In order to keep hospital patients and staff safe, a new fire sprinkler system must be installed this spring – the existing system has served twenty years beyond its original life estimate of twenty years. We’re well on our way to reaching our goal of $89,000 for the system.

For further information or to arrange for donation of any of the above Wish List items, call (802) 365-9109.

Cora Torrey, left, who had been a resident of Stratton House and Heins Home for 12 years, died at age 102 in December, 2002. The following letter was received from her family: “I wish to thank Dr. Backus and all the staff of Grace Cottage Hospital, Stratton House and Heins Home for the wonderful care, love, concern and consideration given to our mother, Cora Torrey, in the years she spent with you, including special care that was over and above the call of duty. Your love, concern, and dedication will always be remembered. A special thanks to all” Alden C. Torrey, Eliot, Maine, and all our mother’s family

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