Donors fund special equipment needs

New Westminster, B.C. – {April 24, 2017} – More than half a million dollars in new equipment is coming to Royal Columbian Hospital thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors.

Following numerous general donations to the Foundation, extra funding became available for some of the hospital’s biggest needs, benefitting several medical departments.

These needs include surgical retractors, an instrument essential to operate on patients from throughout the health region who require complex liver and pancreas procedures, including cancer care. The equipment can also aid during other surgeries such as major abdominal trauma cases.

Health care providers from throughout the hospital will have opportunities to practice their lifesaving skills with use of a new simulation mannequin, which recreates medical emergencies and helps teams train together. During simulated exercises, the mannequin breathes, talks, blinks and responds as a patient would.

The emergency department will gain a new point of care ultrasound, allowing physicians to rapidly diagnose life-threatening conditions in critically ill patients. This will also assist in ultrasound training initiatives.

Funds will also purchase essential MRI breast imaging software to provide early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Hundreds of patients each year are offered diagnostic breast MRI exams at the hospital.

A vascular lab will be created for patients who suffer from, or are at risk of, significantly poor blood flow to the hands, legs and feet related to peripheral artery disease. Hundreds of patients each year are expected to benefit from resting and exercise arterial assessments performed in the lab.

To support the hospital's greatest needs, donate today!