With the help of a ribbon-cutting ceremony, an operating room dedicated solely to delivering complicated births was opened at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia is home to a new operating room.
More than 1,150 babies are born at UNHBC each year and about 20 per cent of their births are through emergency Caesarian sections while 60 per cent are high risk, premature, or multiple births.
It was with those numbers in mind, that Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation set out to raise $300,000 to convert a storage room in the maternity ward into a full-fledged OR.
"We are extremely grateful to many supporters and events that have supported this initiative," said Foundation CEO Judy Neiser.
"Contributors, such as The Copper Project, 2019 Duck Drop, PG Firefighters Harley Raffle, Punjabi Seniors Society, Costco Campaign for Kids, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign, Enbridge, and many individual donors and supporters are really to be commended on how quickly this capital campaign was put together.
"We are truly humbled by the support received."
It raises the number of operating rooms at UHNBC to nine. It also means an OR is available at a moment's notice for expectant mothers who need help and so, prevent cancellations and deferments of other surgeries due to an emergency birthing procedure.
"It is heartwarming to see Spirit of the North's donors come together so quickly to respond to such a great need," said Dr. Marijo Odulio, who was the physician lead on the campaign.
"Every contribution made a difference for children entering this world safely."
