Jennie & John Hik’s Story
John and Jennie Hik were high school sweethearts. Married for almost 61 years, they shared a deep affection for Royal Columbian Hospital and a decades-long commitment to supporting patient care.
Mindful of the future
Not one to rest on his laurels after a remarkable 50 years at Royal Columbian Hospital, Dr. Arun Garg is already anticipating the next big development in healthcare, and he wants the local community to be at the forefront of the change.
Champions of Philanthropy 2020
Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation is proud to recognize our 2020 Champions of Philanthropy. By demonstrating their philanthropic commitment and making […]
Royal Columbian remains tops in Canada for life-saving heart procedure
New Westminster, B.C. – {August 27, 2020} – Royal Columbian Hospital remains Canada’s busiest cardiac catheterization lab with among some […]
Spotlight on Auxiliary
Since 1902, countless patients and their families in every area of the hospital have been touched by the generous support and commitment of the Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary. An integral part of the hospital since the formation of the first Women’s Auxiliary just after the turn of the 20th century, the group’s mandate is to enhance patient care and comfort through the purchase of much-needed equipment. With such a long and proud history, the Auxiliary strengthens the hospital through volunteer activities and fundraising, primarily through book sales, Royal Columbian gift shop proceeds, and proceeds from the New To You thrift shop.
Brittany/Madylon’s Story
Brittany Lewins from Mackenzie and Madylon Christley from Kelowna were once complete strangers living at opposite ends of the province until their paths crossed at the Royal Columbian Hospital’s Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Both had babies born at 27 weeks gestation, just three days apart. They forged a forever friendship as they supported each other during their NICU journeys.
Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre
Comfort. Calming. Therapeutic. Those are among the aims of the new Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre, which is part of the first phase of Royal Columbian Hospital’s unprecedented redevelopment. The 75-bed facility has been under construction for the last three years, and the vision for the new centre has been developed over many years. It’s now ready to start providing inpatient and outpatient care, as well as educational and research opportunities.
A legacy of care
Born at Royal Columbian Hospital in 1928, Roy Brainerd grew up during the Depression. “They were hard times but we always had enough,” Roy remembers. The family home on Harwood Street in North Burnaby boasted abundant vegetable gardens, horses, and a chicken coop.
Vince Li’s Story
26-year-old Vince Li had been battling a fever for several days in March 2020 when he made his way to the hospital in Burnaby. The results of an X-ray and blood test revealed tell-tale signs of COVID-19. Doctors decided to immediately sedate, intubate, and send the young man to Royal Columbian Hospital, one of the province’s primary COVID-19 sites. There, he became the youngest COVID-positive patient to be mechanically ventilated in the hospital’s intensive care unit during the pandemic’s spring peak.
Olga Angus’s Story
In mid-April 2020, New Westminster resident Olga Angus turned a remarkable 108-years-old. It’s an anniversary that is one for the record books worldwide, because of a life-saving cardiac procedure seven years earlier at Royal Columbian Hospital.