Community spirit and donors powered the Victoria Hospital Foundation to reach a major milestone for its Imaging is Power campaign.
More than 5,900 donors offered support, with Canada Life's $75,000 helping push the campaign over the $10 million mark.
"We know the crucial role of medical imaging equipment in diagnosis and treatment. Canada Life is proud to support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation in their efforts to achieve better health outcomes and the highest-quality patient care possible for all British Columbians," Stephanie Halligan, director of community relations with Canada Life, said in a news release.
Six pieces of medical imaging equipment at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria and Victoria General Hospital in View Royal – including a new computed tomography (CT) scanner, a new single photon emission computed tomography scan (SPECT) CT scanner, and a new C-arm imaging device for the heart catheterization team, can be replaced. Three MRI machines will also be upgraded.
"I am proud of this project that we embarked on as a community," said Dr. Alan Andrew, radiologist and medical, Island Health Medical Imaging. "Seeing the MRI being refurbished using a first-in-Canada method is so gratifying – not a day will go by that I don't think of the donors that made this happen."
Imaging equipment is often tasked with running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is often seen as an essential component of patient care. Imaging is Power still needs to add a further $1 million to close out the campaign.
"This is our most innovative campaign to date. Our radiologists initiated it – highlighting both a critical need within our hospitals but also a cost-effective refurbishment solution that would revolutionize the next decade of scans in a smart and tactful way. Our care teams join us in celebrating this campaign milestone and the incredible impact of our community,” said Avery Brohman, CEO of Victoria Hospitals Foundation.