The small sticker of the Rotary Club of Loches was symbolically stuck on Tuesday October 22, at the Loches hospital, by its former president, Hélène Caron. Two morphine pumps were donated by the club to the hospital center, worth €2,500 each. “An important work tool to relieve patient pain”confides Florent Uro, the director of the establishment.
It is the result of a partnership of several years between the hospital and Rotary, which has chosen to direct its actions towards local beneficiaries. “We ask them what is needed to guide annual action”explains André Pérois, member of the club and organizer of the Loches Chocolate and Gastronomy Fair, which is being held this Sunday, November 3.
It is thanks to this event that Rotarians manage to finance their actions. If, at the start, it was run by gluttony, the show takes on a solidarity dimension. “All profits are dedicated to the annual action”insists André Pérois.
“Give some peace to themselves and their families”
There were relaxing chairs for patients, luminous ceilings and, finally, morphine pumps. Their acquisition is permitted with the collection of €6,700 during the 2023 edition of the Salon du chocolat. Funds coming from entries, the Rotary tea room, but also from the twenty or so exhibitors. “Each edition finances an action, very often in the medical sector”he adds.
A whole series of tools to help patients, particularly those suffering from cancer, treated at the Loches hospital center. “These morphine pumps will, I hope, effectively relieve this suffering, offer patients increased comfort and give them and their families some peace of mind”says Hélène Caron.
Unlike conventional infusions, pumps are portable and provide greater mobility. “It’s much lighter, portable in size. This allows you to consider going out, even if only to eat outside with your family.”confides Florent Uro.
In the wake of the new president, Jean-Pierre Machat (the position is renewed each year), the Rotary club of Loches is already working on the action which will be financed by this year’s show. The objective is to acquire an emotional interactive robot (Paro) intended for residents of the Puygibault nursing home, which depends on the hospital. A demonstration is already planned before purchase.
Chocolate and gastronomy fair, Sunday November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Espace Agnès-Sorel. Entrance: €3.
