WAITING GAMES West Branch Regional Medical Center Employee Support Committee members Mary Koliba, Joe Bell, Candy Cottle, Danae Cline, Dan Homan and Pete Jackson and nursing staffers Georgia Peterson, Sandy Krebs, Amanda White and Angela Loesser are pictured with the PlayStation 2 game system the committee purchased recently for patient use. (Courtesy photo) The stressful time patients spend in the hospital became a bit easier, thanks to the support of West Branch Regional Medical Center employees and the community. In December, the Tolfree Foundation hosted a Poinsettia Sale and the Foundation's employee support committee held their annual holiday raffle, with proceeds from both fund-raisers allowing for the purchase a PS2 game system, games and wireless controllers for patient use.

Members of the committee delivered the game system to the third floor nursing staff as part of their January meeting. "Opportunities for play and entertainment in the hospital have been proven to distract patients from their pain along with providing them a way to connect with families and friends" said Sandy Krebs, nurse manager of the medical unit. Krebs added, "We are excited to have the new system and it will give patients a chance to relax, laugh and take their minds off why they are in the hospital".

Pete Jackson, who serves as committee chairperson and foundation board member, said he is proud of his co-workers and how they always pitch in to support the foundation's fund-raisers.

"Every other month the employee support committee tries to provide some sort of activity for our employees. Last year we raffled off a gas grill, Marvin's Garden gift certificate along with our always popular holiday raffle," Jackson said. "Next month our raffle will be for a gift certificate tree, with the proceeds benefiting Healthaccess," Jackson added. The committee is also looking at hosting an ice cream social and possible winter festival; complete with ice sculpture and snowman contests.

To learn about the Tolfree Foundation, call (989) 343-3690 or visit www.tolfreefoundation.org.