The Cypress Regional Hospital was abuzz on September 10 and 11 as the region hosted its 3rd Annual Safety Expo. The event welcomed staff and public from throughout the southwest to learn about how the healthcare industry and technology are impacted by safety, as well as how individuals can live safer lives.
Many exhibits, displays, and demonstrations were available including safety vendors, mock texting and driving accidents, STARS Air Ambulance and their Mobile Education Unit, regional safety displays, and more.
The event attracted more than 600 individuals over the two days including 150 students and teachers from schools in Swift Current, Shaunavon, Ponteix, Consul, Wymark, and Spring Lake.
“We were so excited with how this year’s Expo was received. We had great participation from our vendors who each offered something unique to those who attended. We owe a huge thank you to all of the vendors, staff, schools, and public who were a part of the Expo,” commented Jill Gates, Accreditation and Patient Safety Coordinator for Cypress Health. “We also want to recognize the staff and patients of the regional hospital for allowing us to host this great event in their facility and volunteers from businesses including SaskTel and Stark and Marsh who helped at the Expo.”
New for this year’s Expo were 3 barbeque fundraisers with proceeds being donated to the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation and STARS Air Ambulance. More than $600 was generated for the two organizations through the sale of hamburgers, smokies, and pulled pork on a bun.
Participants of the Expo were encouraged to complete evaluation forms, offering feedback on what they liked and what could be done to improve future events. Some very positive feedback was included in the evaluations:
- “This was good awareness with the public and great relations with other professionals” – Vendor
- “Great experience for our students. We will be back!” – Teacher
- “This was my first safety expo I’ve been able to attend. It was very informative.” – General public attendee
- “It was awesome – thumbs up!” – Students
The next Safety Expo is already being planned for 2015.