The University of Hospital of Northern B.C. sees more than 1,150 babies annually.
Close to 20 per cent are residents outside the Prince George area. Of these 20 per cent are emergency C-Sections, with three times this many (60 per cent) considered high risk, premature, or multiple births.
Having a dedicated operating room for maternity patients provides a safer entry into the world for these little patients. It also provides peace of mind for parents and loved ones and provides less disruption to surgeries planned in the other operating room locations.
A year ago Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation was approached by Northern Health to fund a capital project that would see the addition of one operating room to the services currently provided. This room would be dedicated to maternity. Working with donors and supporters the room is now operational and available at a moment’s notice. The additional benefit is less chance of a scheduled surgery being cancelled or deferred due to an emergency birthing procedure.
Dr. Marijo Odulio, physician lead on this campaign, is passionate about the need for this designated space within the hospital.
“It is heartwarming to see Spirit of the North’s donors come together so quickly to respond to such a great need,” she said, in a news release. “Every contribution made a difference for children entering this world safely.”
This increase in capacity now makes for nine fully functioning operating rooms. A project value of roughly $300,000 was put together very quickly, but the benefits are far reaching.
“We are extremely grateful to many supporters and events that have supported this initiative,” said Judy Neiser, CEO Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. “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.”