The Nanaimo District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) is ahead of schedule to raise money for a critical care unit in what they’re calling the most ambitious fundraising campaign yet.
In 2018 the province announced the project would cost just over $60 million, with the ICU costing $41.6 million and a high acuity unit costing $18.5 million.
In a media release, the province says the cost would be shared by the provincial government through Island Health, the Nanaimo Regional District Hospital, and the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation.
According to the NDHF, the fundraiser has already surpassed their $10 million goal, with an additional $3 million from the Windsor Plywood Foundation for the critical care unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), and ICU lead Jane Marriot says all the support has gone to ensure medical care is up to par to deal with the growing community demands.
“It has allowed the critical care team to provide the utmost in quality care to those patients and families from our community and surrounding areas,” she says. “This increase in critical care capacity allows our team to continuously grow and meet the ongoing needs of our community and surrounding areas.”
The foundation says phase two of the project required a substantial investment to make sure the high-acuity unit has the proper equipment, including more beds.
NDHF board chair Tony Harris says the generosity of the community, and partners, have made this a huge testament to improving healthcare and proves just how committed the entire region is to enhancing the quality of care for everyone.
“This is just the beginning,” he says. “The board remains deeply committed to working alongside the Foundation, actively advocating for and supporting the immediate and overdue further infrastructure upgrades required at NRGH.”
NDHF CEO Barney Ellis-Perry says breaking a record like this is a milestone and proves the need to improve healthcare north of the Malahat.
“To break another record with the largest single donation in our Foundation’s history, and to see so many individuals and organizations step up to support the growth and needs of NRGH, is truly unremarkable,” he says. “The community’s unwavering support has made this life-changing critical care facility a reality for our doctors, and healthcare workers and ensures vital services are provided to patients across Central and North Vancouver Island.
The hospital foundation committed to raising $5 million for equipment in the ICU, and the Foundation says thanks to the community they were able to raise over an additional $5 million for a state-of-the-art ICU which opened last year.
Phase two of the critical care unit, including the high acuity unit, is expected to be complete in spring of next year.
