Tuesday July 30, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC
by Victoria Hospitals Foundation | Published by Island Social Trends
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation is marking a landmark moment in the community’s generous support of healthcare advancements. Over 5,900 individual donors and organizations have rallied in an unprecedented way to support the Foundation’s latest campaign and the two referral hospitals it supports: Royal Jubilee Hospital and the Victoria General Hospital.
The Imaging is Power campaign saw its goal of $11 million exceeded. Donors to the campaign are leaving an impressive legacy of improved wait times, enhanced scan clarity, and better patient outcomes in our Victoria hospitals.
Imaging is Power is the Foundation’s most successful annual campaign to date. There were over 5,000 donors.
Over the last weeks alone, the Foundation experienced several profound acts of generosity including a transformative gift of $1 million from a loyal donor who has been a strong user of imaging tools in recent years—as his needs grew, so did the amount in which he gave. The Foundation also received a pledge of $250,000 from a local foundation that intentionally chose this campaign to double its annual impact.
“We embarked on a profound journey last spring to advance substantial innovation within our hospitals. We are tremendously grateful to every donor who showed up and gave when we asked, every organization who led by example, and every volunteer and spokesperson who helped change the landscape of imaging in our hospitals. Our community has surpassed every hope we had, and inspired our caregivers more than ever before,” shares Avery Brohman, CEO, Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
The campaign was inspired by 32 Radiologists, led by Medical Director of Imaging Dr. Alan Andrew. Last spring, the Foundation, together with the Radiologists set a goal to replace six vital pieces of medical imaging equipment at RJH and VGH: a new CT Scanner, SPECT/CT scanner, and C-Arm imaging device for the Heart Catheterization team, and the transformation of three MRI machines using first-in-Canada innovation.
In replacing these six imaging tools which are 13 to 22 years old, supporters of Imaging is Power are empowering Radiologists and physicians, and bringing clarity as they plan their patients’ course of care. Over 500 people undergo scheduled scans every day at RJH and VGH, with several emergent scans taking place in between. Imaging supports all patients, from babies in utero to seniors.
“Our Radiology team desperately strives to serve our community and patients as efficiently as possible. We embarked on this project with the full intention to prioritize the needs of our patients, and we are so grateful to know our community is right alongside us,” shares Dr. Alan Andrew, Radiologist and Medical Director, Island Health Medical Imaging. “Not a day will go by that I don’t think of all of you who made this revolution in imaging happen for our hospitals.”
The refurbishment of the first MRI machine is already underway at RJH. The machines are being stripped down and rebuilt from the magnet up and will have a wider bore than the original machines. This installation is more cost effective, far less disruptive to everyday hospital care, and is kinder to the environment. It is a first project of its kind in the country, with other hospitals looking to follow suit.
The brand-new CT scanner is on its way to Victoria General Hospital, and the cardiac C-Arm replacement will start later this summer.
“As a Foundation, our focus is on stewarding the incredible generosity we have experienced and supporting our hospitals in getting these new machines operationalized as quickly as possible,” adds Brohman. “Though our promise to Island Health has been fulfilled, our Foundation is evermore determined to address the growing needs of our healthcare system on the Island—in bigger, and bolder ways. With ongoing imaging needs, we invite our community to continue their giving and show our caregivers we are there for them, and for one another. In the fall, we will share more about our path forward, and how we can transform our surgical landscape. It is time.”
The Foundation highlights its strategic partnerships with the Capital Regional Hospital District, the Ministry of Health, and Island Health that contributed separately, and in addition, to the imaging project. They helped ensure the size and scale of a project like Imaging is Power could have been achieved.
Contributions to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation can be made online at victoriahf.ca/donatenow, by calling 250-519-1750, by visiting the Foundation office on the RJH campus, or by mailing a cheque to Wilson Block, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria BC, V8R 1J2. All denominations make an impact.
===== BACKGROUND:
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation works in partnership with Island Health to enable donations to every area of care at Royal Jubilee, Victoria General, and Gorge Road hospitals. As Island Health’s charitable partner, the foundation raises donations for medical equipment, special projects, education, and research. Victoria Hospitals Foundation is a registered charity: 10793 5637 RR0001.
===== RELATED:
Island Health digital transition at two major hospitals this summer (May 28, 2024)
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