Donate to Light A Bulb and help bring vital surgical equipment to Vernon Jubilee Hospital
New equipment means faster recovery times, improved quality and safety, and better outcomes for patients in our community
VERNON, BC — Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation is delighted to announce the launch of its 39th annual Light A Bulb holiday appeal, a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit of giving in our community. This year, the campaign focuses on raising funds to bring urgently needed surgical equipment to VJH.
“It’s always so special to see how our North Okanagan community comes together every holiday season to ensure we all have access to the best care possible, close to home,” says Kate McBrearty, executive director of the VJH Foundation. “This year, we’re focussed on supporting our surgical teams with priority tools they told us were essential to their work.”
VJH needs three critical pieces of surgical equipment. In the urology department: a Thulium laser for breaking up stones in the body (such as kidney stones). The ENT department requires a CO2 laser for precise, minimally invasive removal of tumors, polyps and other growths in the throat, larynx and nose. This same department also needs an ENT microscope for complex surgical procedures in the highly intricate structures of the ear, nose and throat.
All three pieces of equipment have reached their end of life and must be urgently replaced. Without this essential equipment, patients from the North Okanagan would need to travel to Kamloops or possibly further for these procedures.
Used for 6-8 surgeries a week, the Thulium laser is one of the pieces of surgical equipment that must be urgently replaced. New, modern equipment means less invasive surgeries, shorter recovery times and better patient outcomes.
“It also drove home for me that we need to have state-of-the-art equipment to keep our top-notch people that we have here, at home in our community.”
Carol Lippert knows all too well the importance of having the right surgical tools at VJH. After waking up in excruciating pain, Carol went to emergency and was told that she needed an operation to remove her kidney stones. Her first thought was that she would have to travel to Vancouver for the operation because that’s what happened 15 years ago with her now 40-year-old daughter Brittany.
“It was the exact same procedure. But this time, I had day surgery at VJH – it was very quick!” says Carol. “Dr. Troy Shultz and his team were great, which didn’t surprise me as anytime I’ve been to VJH I’ve always been treated with nothing but respect and compassion. It also drove home for me that we need to have state-of-the-art equipment to keep our top-notch people that we have here, at home in our community.”
“Over 2,600 operations are performed annually on these three pieces of equipment alone,” says Kate. “Lasers and microscopes are essential equipment that directly contribute to less invasive surgeries, shorter recovery times and better patient outcomes.”
“When you light a bulb this holiday season, you’re lighting the way to better healthcare for our community. Together, let’s ensure everyone has access to the best care possible, right here at home.”