Four new incubators for infants at the NRGH neonatal unit are the goal for this year's Giving Tuesday campaign (NDHF)

By Ian Holmes

Important cause

Nanaimo hospital foundation raises money for neonatal unit incubators

Dec 1, 2024 | 6:19 AM

NANAIMO — Combined with the strength of anonymous donors, a goal of $150,000 is set to help purchase four new state-of-the-art incubators for Nanaimo hospital’s youngest patients.

This year’s Giving Tuesday campaign happening on Dec. 3 aims to purchase four incubators to care for infants born prematurely before 36 weeks.

Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) CEO Barney Ellis-Perry said ongoing upgrades is seeing older units phased out for new ones.

“In the new incubators the child never has to be moved and they’re in a fully enclosed environment, it’s a lot less stress on the baby and that really means they’re going to have a lot healthier outcome.”

The NDHF noted an average of six premature births occur weekly at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

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Ellis-Perry said the new incubators have advanced temperature control settings and are enclosed, which replicate the environment of the womb.

“In the new incubators the child never has to be moved and they’re in a fully enclosed environment, it’s a lot less stress on the baby and that really means they’re going to have a lot healthier outcome.”

Every dollar donated during Giving Tuesday to a total of $150,000 will be matched by anonymous donors.

“This year has been the most successful year for equipment in the foundation’s history. We’ve raised over $2 million dollars for equipment that’s going throughout the hospital.”

Donations for Giving Tuesday can be made in advance of Dec. 3 online, by calling 250-755-7690, or in-person at the NDHF office near the front entrance NRGH entrance on Dufferin Cres.

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes