Money raised by the Victoria General Hospital Auxiliary has been put to use in buying important equipment for the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
Using $87,000 raised by the auxiliary, the hospital bought a cardiac ultrasound monitor and a blanket warmer.
“The cardiac ultrasound monitor helps put Victoria General Hospital in the forefront for this technology,” said Dr. Brian Sinclair, medical director for child, youth and family health. “We are so thankful to the auxiliary. It is extraordinary that a dedicated team of volunteers has funded this equipment.”
The Poinsettias 4 Patients campaign raised the $7,000 for the warmer, which heats receiving blankets that help maintain a newborn’s temperature, a critical component of care for premature babies.
The upgrades helped new mother Tiffany King care for her daughter, Madison, who was born at 32 weeks weighing just two and a half pounds.
“With my baby being so small, I did worry about her being cold,” King said in a press release. “The warm blankets were so comforting. It was some of the most beautiful time we had together, when her skin was next to mine.”
Madison is now home with her family after spending four weeks in the unit.
The Victoria General Hospital Auxiliary raises more than $200,000 annually for various needs at the hospital.
kwells@goldstreamgazette.com