Thanks to a "generous" gift, donations to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation will be matched for greater impact at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals.
According to a news release, Terry and Leslie Farmer will match up to $250,000 in donations made to the It's Time for Surgical Innovation campaign between Dec. 3 and 20.
Both have "deep roots" in the community, with Leslie graduating from the RJH School of Nursing in 1962 and spending much of her nursing career working at RJH, while Terry was described as an "innovative leader and supporter of local tourism."
“Over the years I have received truly exceptional care at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals. I always say, motion is lotion, and an active life has served me well but at some point we all need the care of our hospitals. The Victoria Hospitals Foundation is just the best. Leslie and I were so inspired by the It’s Time for Surgical Innovation campaign and what it will mean for Island patients. We hope our passion for exceptional health care inspires others to consider giving – it truly takes all of us to bring surgical innovation to Vancouver Island,” said Terry in the release.
The campaign was launched in late October with a goal of raising $17 million to bring new minimally invasive surgical procedures to the Island, starting with robotics. So far, the foundation has reached its $6 million milestone.
It’s Time for Surgical Innovation is introducing surgical robotics to Vancouver Island, and RJH will be one of the first community hospitals with a Da Vinci robot. Robotics are expected to enhance the proficiency of surgeons through improved accuracy, dexterity, and control during complex procedures.
The campaign will also introduce a suite of over 50 pieces of innovative equipment and technology across five surgical specialties including general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology and urology.
“It's Time for Surgical Innovation will undeniably support cancer care here in Victoria for all islanders. This new technology being funded through the campaign is a game-changer: less painful procedures, more precise and sophisticated care, and overall better outcomes for our patients,” noted Dr. Cailan MacPherson, division head of general surgery, in the release.
During the Canada Post strike, Maximum Express is offering complimentary courier service for donation cheque pickups. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoriahf.ca/match, call 250-519-1750, or visit the foundation office on the RJH campus at 1952 Bay St.