A local philanthropist will be matching all donations up to $1 million for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation's It’s Time for Surgical Innovation campaign aimed at buying new technologies for medical practitioners at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals.
"There has been nothing like it and I am proud to be investing in a suite of equipment that is innovative, transformative, and best in class,” Craig Mearns said in a news release. “Health care is the most vital and deserving cause we can support in our community. Every contribution counts toward change and raising the bar in our community and for our community.”
The It’s Time for Surgical Innovation campaign launched in October with the goal of raising $17 million to bring "best-in-class" equipment to the operating rooms at both hospitals and introduce new minimally invasive surgical procedures to Vancouver Island.
To date, the campaign reached the $11-million milestone, and in January, RJH staff unveiled the new Da Vinci surgical robot – which successfully completed 10 surgeries in its first week – purchased thanks to the campaign.
“There is a great sense of pride for the work we are leading to redefine the surgical landscape here in Victoria, and this tremendous gift is a testament to a community that works together to achieve what is possible for local health care,” said Avery Brohman, Victoria Hospitals Foundation CEO.
In addition to robotics, the campaign is also introducing a suite of over 50 innovative equipment and technology pieces across five surgical specialties including general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology and urology, further advancing minimally invasive local surgical procedures.
Contributions to the campaign can be made at victoriahf.ca by calling 250-519-1750, or by visiting the foundation's office on the Jubilee campus at 1952 Bay St. in the Wilson Block.
