A gift from an area foundation has enabled Abbotsford Regional Hospital to acquire a new ventilator for its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). According to a news release from the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, funding from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation will pay for a ventilator that helps premature babies breathe better in the event that their lungs are not working well enough.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Abbotsford Regional Hospital

Generous donation funds new NICU ventilator at Abbotsford Regional Hospital

Jun 18, 2024 | 9:13 AM

ABBOTSFORD — A gift from an area foundation has enabled Abbotsford Regional Hospital to acquire a new ventilator for its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

According to a news release from the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation, a generous donation from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation will fund a ventilator that helps babies breathe better in the event that their lungs are not working well enough.

“Each day our Fraser Health team provide lifesaving care for humans, even the tiniest ones,” the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation wrote in a news release. “And to achieve the best outcome for high-risk babies our local hospitals require the latest medical equipment.”

In some cases, premature babies require the support of a ventilator (bedside machine) to help them receive good air, namely oxygen, to the lungs. Thanks to the generosity of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, ARH can now provide neonatal patients with life saving equipment to help protect their vital organs. “

“We want all babies born too soon, too small or too sick to have the chance to grow up and be champions”, said Darren McEwen, executive director of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. “By continuing to recognize and celebrate Sandra Schmirler’s love of family, we are grateful that we can make a difference in Abbotsford and in hospitals all across Canada.”

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State-of-the-art medical equipment helps Fraser Valley health care team save lives. If you would like to support the foundation’s continued effort in funding life-saving equipment, please contact Dr. Lakhbir Jassal at Lakhbir.Jassal@fraserhealth.ca, or visit fvhcf.ca for further information.

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation raises funds for vital equipment and programs funded or endorsed by the Fraser Health Authority. They serve the communities of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Generous donation funds new NICU ventilator at Abbotsford Regional Hospital

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