DERRY, NH, January 3, 2008 – After upgrading furniture items throughout the hospital, Parkland Medical Center donated 83 of its existing furniture items to the International Medical Equipment Collaborative (IMEC).  IMEC, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization, distributes donated medical equipment, supplies and support services to doctors, nurses and technologists working in hospitals, clinics and orphanages in underserved locations worldwide.  

“It’s a great feeling knowing we can do something to help make a difference to improve how patient care is delivered around the world,” said Gary Bernard, Director of Plant Operations at Parkland.

Parkland's furniture donation from patient rooms included 47 chairs, 12 high back chairs, 15 bedside bureaus, eight lock cases and one scale.  Facilities staff from Parkland and IMEC loaded up an IMEC truck with the furniture, which will be distributed to third world countries in need of the items.  Together with thousands of volunteers and partnering organizations, IMEC serves people in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and the former Soviet Republics.

About Parkland Medical Center

Parkland Medical Center is a regional acute care hospital located in Derry, New Hampshire, serving the populations of Derry, East Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Salem, Chester, Atkinson and Hampstead.  Established in 1983, the hospital is a leading provider of high quality healthcare services.  Twice Parkland has been the recipient of Solucient’s “Top 100 Hospital Benchmarks for Success” Award, a distinction given to hospitals demonstrating superior performance across quality, operational and financial indicators. In 2006, Parkland was named Business of the Year by the Greater Derry Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about its services, programs and physicians, visit www.parklandmedicalcenter.com.

Media Contact:

Ryan Lawrence

603.421.2115

Ryan.Lawrence@hcahealthcare.com