In 2019 the first ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) knee surgeries were performed by orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Outerbridge, at Queen Victoria Hospital. The Health Foundation contributed towards the larger purchase of surgical equipment required for the ACL knee surgery.
2019 was another successful year for Radiothon as $25,778 was raised towards the purchase of a Philips FM 40/50 compact fetal monitor. The machine provides wireless heart monitoring of the expectant mother and fetal heart with up to triplet capacity.
In 2018 an anonymous donor made a $200,000 donation towards the purchase, maintenance and operational expenses of a bus for Mount Cartier Court. The bus would be used for transporting residents to community events, out of facility dining, sightseeing and other social gatherings. The bus has made a huge positive impact on the quality of life for the residents.
In 2018, the Health Foundation also purchased a Bipap (bilevel positive airway pressure) machine for use at Mount Cartier Court at cost of $3489. The Bipap is used to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea.
Photo: Josh McLafferty (L) and Cyril Marcil (R) – Revelstoke Masonic Holding Society | Cheryl Fry (C) – Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary
The 2018 Radiothon was the most successful ever with $30,934 raised. This total was bolstered with a $16,000 donation from the Revelstoke Masonic Holding Society and $5,000 from the Hospital Auxiliary. The selected purchase for the hospital this year was a fully equipped dental cart to allow dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons to perform surgery on patients requiring general anaesthesia. The new equipment will allow patients to be treated locally and not have to travel out of town. Total price for the dental cart and surgical instruments was over $45,000.
In spring 2017 the Buckstein family initiated a fundraising campaign. Samuel Buckstein, a young man from Ontario, had travelled to Revelstoke with his family on a winter holiday and became unwell. He was attended to by medical staff at Queen Victoria Hospital. He was subsequently diagnosed with testicular cancer. Upon returning to his home in Ontario, Samuel had surgery and then started a course of chemotherapy. As gesture of appreciation the Buckstein family initiated a fundraising campaign to benefit some of the hospitals and treatment centres who helped Samuel along his road to recovery. Queen Victoria Hospital was chosen as one of the recipients. Over $12,000 was donated to the hospital. These monies were used to purchase an extra set of laparoscopic equipment for use at the hospital ‘s operating room. The Foundation is very appreciative of the Buckstein family, their family and friends for the generous donations. Most importantly we wish Samuel success in his treatment and future health.
The 2017 Radiothon netted just over $14,000 and benefitted the hospital’s maternity ward. A NeoBlue LED phototherapy machine and accompanying accessories was purchased. The light unit emits a blue light and is to help treat new babies suffering from neonatal jaundice. The blue light therapy causes less skin damage and because there is less heat emitted here is less risk of fluid loss and dehydration.
In 2016, $16,000 was raised at the annual Radiothon. Monies raised were used to purchase three pieces of equipment for Queen Victoria Hospital:
– An epidural positioning system. Helps to position a patient securely and safely during an epidural procedure. Used in the operating room and labor room.
– Digital pediatric scale for use in the maternity ward.
– The IVnow-6 fluid warmer. The warmer quickly warms up to 6 bags of intravenous, irrigation and injection solutions prior to use.
The Serenity Room at Queen Victoria Hospital is maintained by the Revelstoke Hospice Society. A microwave, television and DVD player was purchased by the Health Foundation in 2015 to help create some home comforts.
Radiothon monies, $11,000, from 2015 was used to purchase the Hamilton T1 Transport Ventilator provides health personnel the capability to provide optimal ventilation during transport of a patient, neonate or adult, without having access to compressed air. The compact design and 9 hour battery life allows it to accompany the patient during transport whether it is by ambulance, plane or helicopter.