Three vital tools, which were used in 2,600 surgeries last year, are getting replaced at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH).
The upgrade comes thanks to a wave of generousity sparked by the VJH Foundation’s 39th annual Light A Bulb campaign.
The holiday appeal set out to fund urgently needed surgical equipment – and the community delivered.
“We’re always so touched by how our community rallies each holiday season to ensure we all have access to exceptional care,” said Kate McBrearty, executive director of VJH Foundation. “Because of this incredible support, we can equip our surgical teams with the priority tools they identified as essential to their work.”
The funds raised will replace three critical pieces of surgical equipment at VJH that had reached end of life:
• Thulium laser used to break up stones in the body, including kidney stones;
• CO2 laser that enables precise, minimally invasive removal of tumors, polyps and other growths in the throat, larynx and nose;
• ENT microscope used for complex procedures involving the delicate structures of the ear, nose and throat.
Last year alone, VJH surgical teams performed more than 2,600 operations using these tools. Lasers and microscopes are essential equipment that directly contribute to less invasive surgeries, faster recovery times and better patient outcomes.
“We use this specialized equipment to perform advanced ear surgeries for the whole region – from Prince George to Penticton and from Lillooet to Cranbrook,” said Dr. Jacek Szudek, VJH head of surgery. “We use the ENT microscope and the CO2 laser to put the prosthetic joint into the ear. Just like the Thulium laser used for urology procedures, these tools enhance precision, accuracy and patient safety. And without them, people would need to travel to Vancouver for these surgeries.”
The community responded to Light A Bulb through online gifts, phone and mail donations, and many came in person to the foundation’s office in an outpouring of generosity that resulted in more than $1 million raised.
One of the most exciting days of the campaign was GivingTuesday on Dec. 2, generating $600,000 in a single day. Long-time supporter Anita Finlay created momentum with a $200,000 matching gift, and an additional surprise donation tripled the impact of the first $30,000 raised.
“We are deeply grateful for every gift to Light A Bulb this year,” said McBrearty. “The impact is profound. We focus on the highest priorities for our medical teams, who think of patients first in their selections. Our community responds each and every year. We’re beyond grateful!”