Posted on: May 17, 2023
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation (VHF) has announced the completion of the Emerge Stronger campaign, a $10 million commitment for Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH), Victoria General Hospital (VGH), and Gorge Road Hospital (GRH). Over 5,800 donors came together to support the funding of over 200 pieces of equipment and innovative research projects over the course of 18 months.
Dr. Jill Kelly with Emerge Stronger thermometer.
“We are profoundly grateful for this community who united in support of our local hospitals—and specifically the care teams within them, the patients they serve, and the families they support," says Avery Brohman, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Hospitals Foundation. “Our donor family—loyal and new donors alike—are bringing the latest equipment advancements and innovation into our local hospitals. A profound thank-you to each of them for making a positive impact on the care that everyone in our community depends on."
Emerge Stronger was VHF's largest campaign in over a decade, and is funding over 200 pieces of equipment and research projects in nearly every area of care—from Pediatrics to Seniors Care, to benefit patients throughout their healthcare journey. This includes:
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An O-Arm imaging system, an Island-first to advance neurosurgery locally and keep advanced brain and spinal surgery patients close to home.
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A new Automated Chemistry Line, which plays a key role in the analysis of blood samples. This equipment will contribute to over 3 million tests performed each year within Island Health, from specimens received from various facilities across Vancouver Island. The new line replaces equipment that is 20 years old.
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Mitral valve surgical instruments to introduce a new, minimally-invasive cardiac surgery for eligible Island patients, which also keeps individuals closer to their support networks.
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New breast imaging software designed to improve detection of breast cancer. Almost 15,000 breast imaging procedures are performed at VGH every year.
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Research by Dr. Chen and Dr. Goodlett that aims to develop a quick and affordable technique to identify respiratory pathogens in pneumonia patients.
“Without equipment, we are making critical decisions without the full picture, delaying care, or not providing the right care at all. That's why donor support is key," says Dr. Jill Kelly, Medical Lead, Emergency Department at Royal Jubilee Hospital, and the campaign's first spokesperson. “As care providers, we have a drive and an obligation to ensure that all our patients receive the best possible care. It takes the right expertise, dedication, and equipment to do that. Donors help us with the latter—and it makes all the difference."
Emerge Stronger is one of the initiatives fueled by VHF donors. The Foundation is committed to continuing its fundraising efforts to keep RJH and VGH on the leading edge, while also supporting the caregivers within them, and the 860,000+ Vancouver Islanders they serve.
40% of equipment at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals is funded by donors.
Read the full media release: victoriahf.ca/emerge-stronger-complete/