McLean-Zeller Improvements Unveiled at BMP Hospital

Cowansville, May 1, 2009  – The CSSS La Pommeraie and the BMP Foundation today showcased the realizations of the largest single gift received by the BMP Foundation, a $1,000,000 gift by the Zeller Family Foundation.

From left to right: BMP Foundation Chair, Pierre Marziali, CSSS La Pommeraie Director General, Diane Daigle, Mrs. Betty McLean, Mr. Wilson McLean, CSSS La Pommeraie Vice Chair, Mrs. Louise Roy-Yelle,  BMP Foundation Director General, Frank Johnston-Main.

The gift, first announced in December 2007 and made under the direction of Mr Wilson McLean of Town of Brome Lake, has been used specifically for the improvement of the working and care environment within designated units of the BMP Hospital. Allocation of the funds was determined following input and discussions with Mr and Mrs McLean, and with BMP employees directly involved with the affected units.

The funds have been used in three ways. Three hundred thousand dollars were invested to expand and modernize the nursing stations within the Hospital’s Medicine, Surgery and Intensive Care units. An additional $100,000 was invested in new equipment within various units. The remaining $600,000 has enabled the construction of the new McLean-Zeller Pavilion, adjacent to the Hospital’s Medicine unit, providing a new learning and training facility, a larger, more pleasant patient and family lounge, new employee lounge, and additional working space.

In outlining details of the project, CSSS La Pommeraie Director-General Diane Daigle noted : “We know that our strength emanates directly from our employees. This unique and very generous gift has given us the opportunity to listen to our employees and respond directly to the needs of particular concern to them. We are confident that this investment in our people, and specifically in their working and care environment, will result in even greater service and care that we can offer to the people of our region.”

The gift represents an important cornerstone within the BMP Foundation’s commitment to raise and invest $10,000,000 within the next five years to modernize and improve the service that the Hospital can offer the region, explained BMP Foundation Chair Pierre Marziali. “Through directing this gift in our direction, you have given our staff a tremendous shot in the arm,” he commented in thanking the Brome Lake couple for their kindness and their hands-on involvement in this gift. “You have also provided our Foundation with a solid footing on which we are building the most successful campaign in our history.”

These funds are an important investment in improving the care and working environment of the Hospital. Other Foundation commitments include $3,000,000 to help with the ongoing expansion and modernization of the Hospital, over $2.5 million in additional equipment and training, and $2,000,000 to help the CSSS La Pommeraie provide 60 new long term care beds within the region.

The BMP Foundation and the CSSS La Pommeraie once again express their most heartfelt appreciation for the most generous leadership shown by the McLeans and the Zeller Family Foundation.