Donor matching dollars for new x-ray machine at Kemptville District Hospital

Gavin Murphy is challenging the community to match him dollar for dollar to purchase a new x-ray machine for Kemptville District Hospital (KDH).

The KDH Foundation is launching a matching fundraising campaign in partnership with Murphy, who has pledged $230,000, or approximately half the cost of the new x-ray.

For every dollar that people donate to the campaign, Murphy will match it – up to $230,000 – doubling every donation! This isn’t the first time he’s supported healthcare initiatives regionally; he also donated $500,000 to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.

“I strongly believe in a universal, publicly funded healthcare system,” said Murphy. “Everyone should have access to healthcare services because it’s equitable and just.”

Murphy, an Ottawa lawyer, had hip surgery at KDH just before Christmas last year, and was impressed by the staff, physicians and volunteers, who he referred to as “wonderful people.”

“I want to challenge the community to come on this journey with me and match my dollars to fund this critical diagnostic tool,” said Murphy.

One of the x-ray machines that KDH relies on to deliver vital patient care is approaching 16 years in operation, which far exceeds the typical life cycle of 10 years. The x-ray machine has reached its end of life, and must be replaced.

“If one of our x-ray machines went down – a very real possibility considering its age – KDH would struggle to function as a hospital because we couldn’t service the ER and inpatients,” said Karen Finner, Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Team Lead. “Only having one x-ray machine would also mean not being able to keep up at high demand times between 7am and 3pm, which is when we service physician referrals.”

In November of 2024, KDH replaced its other aging x-ray machine, which also reached its end of life. The new machine – a GE HealthCare 656 HD Gen 6 – produces high quality images owing to enhanced technologist features, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities.

“Investing in diagnostic equipment enables KDH to fulfill its promise of service excellence and innovation for our community,” said the hospital’s CEO, Frank Vassallo. “We’re deeply grateful for donors like Gavin Murphy, who make a real difference when it comes to patient care.”

KDH is hoping to purchase a second, similar x-ray machine, which is a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool that has improved patient outcomes and timely access to quality care. The new x-ray machine has also improved technologist workflow for DI by enhancing efficiency through its advanced features. It improves operator safety as well, due to being cord free with lighter image detectors to reduce risk of injury.

“KDH is able to serve more patients because features on the new machine speed up and enhance x-ray examinations,” said Katie Hogue, KDH VP of Nursing/Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive. “A second new x-ray machine would enable us to serve even more patients, which is essential as our community continues to grow.”

X-rays are commonly used to diagnose broken bones (fractures) and damaged ligaments, and organ diseases such as pneumonia in the lung, or cancer. X-ray is the oldest and most frequently used form of diagnostic imaging. An x-ray machine generates images of internal structures in the body, which is vital for physicians.

“The Foundation extends our heartfelt thanks to Gavin Murphy for this beautiful gift of matching funds,” said Margret Norenberg, KDH Foundation Board Chair. “His generous spirit and commitment to health care are commendable, and we couldn’t be happier to partner with him to purchase a new x-ray machine for our hospital.”

Visit www.kdhfoundation.ca for more information about the campaign or to donate.

Media contact:

Cindy Smith, Executive Director

Kemptville District Hospital Foundation

613.258.6133 x 185

Email: cindysmith@kdh.on.ca