Closer to Home Than You Think Projects

Donations continue to equip KGH teams with advanced technology needed to deliver specialized care, reduce wait times, and match the capabilities of leading urban centres. Thanks to your generosity, KGH has a state-of-the-art 3T MRI, which has more than doubled imaging capacity, and a new central monitoring system (CMS) in the Emergency Department, that’s improving patient safety and team coordination. But we aren’t done yet. The Foundation continues to fundraise to bring robotic-assisted surgery to KGH.

The 3T MRI and Central Monitoring System have already elevated KGH to a new standard of care, and surgical robotics will raise the bar even higher yet. These investments greatly improve patient care but they also help attract and retain top surgical talent, ensuring KGH remains a centre of excellence for years to come.

“The 3T MRI, CMS, and surgical robotics all require a significant investment, but the return is undeniable: shorter wait times, earlier diagnoses, less patient travel, and better outcomes. I cannot stress how important these improvements are for our patients, they can mean a cancer caught earlier, a stroke treated faster, the list goes on and on. This technology continues to play a vital role in saving and improving lives, all thanks to donor generosity.” – Dr. Maurice Blitz, KGH Chief of Surgery, Thoracic and Foregut Surgeon

Clinical and Surgical Excellence Projects Funded To Date

• Emergency Department Central Monitoring System
• 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3T MRI)
• Robotic-assisted surgical system (Coming soon, not yet fully funded)

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Your support is driving bold new solutions that not only solve immediate problems but also focus on strengthening our health system for the future. Essential Innovation funding gives clinicians the time and resources they need to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world solutions, something rarely possible within the pressures of day-to-day care.

Because of you, parents of children with Type 1 Diabetes are connecting directly with care teams (Project IMPACT), physicians are training for high-risk emergencies in new ways (CASE: Body Donor Program), and rehabilitation is accessible in the community (YMCA Pulmonary Rehab Program). The opening of the Jim Pattison Centre for Health Systems Learning + Innovation also marked a pivotal step forward, uniting care teams, researchers, and community partners to accelerate practical, research-driven change.

These are just a few ways that donations to innovation are transforming care. Together we’re building a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable health system that puts people at the heart of every solution.

“Investing in innovation means investing in the people driving it. Buying our teams time to design better systems and processes is essential to build a more efficient, collaborative, and effective model of care. We’re fortunate to have incredibly talented professionals who, when empowered, consistently turn bold ideas into lasting impact.” – Dr. Cara Wall, Hospitalist, KGH Chief of Staff

Innovation Projects Funded To Date

• Jim Pattison Centre for Health System Learning + Innovation
• YMCA Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
• Cadaver & Simulation Education: Body Donor Program
• Project IMPACT: Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Texting Program
• Rutland Community Clinic Development Evaluation
• SonoReview Ultrasound Reporting Software Across IH
• D2Type App Development
• Physician Wellness Series – Grief & Burnout
• Hospital at Home Program & Equipment

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The We See You campaign funded urgent needs of local mental health care programs and resources for vulnerable populations, uplifting tens of thousands of individuals through counselling services, mobile clinic visits, suicide supports, immigrant programs and so much more.

But it’s also driving system change through Thrive Okanagan, a convening table that’s uniting and coordinating a system of community partners to collaboratively bridge health and social care. Together, we’re building a more connected, resilient, and proactive mental health care system.

“The mental health challenges we face are complex, but they also present an opportunity for collective action. There are many organizations and leaders working together through Thrive Okanagan to create innovative solutions that drive lasting change, both in our services, systems and communities. We have already seen how this proactive approach makes a meaningful and positive impact, and helps our community thrive.”  –  Shelagh Turner, Thrive Okanagan Lead Catalyst

Mental Health Projects Funded To Date

• Thrive Okanagan – Convening Workshops
  • Community Well-being Report Card
  • Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Research
  • Youth Dating Violence Review
  • Primary Care & Immigrant Services
  • Community Disaster Planning
• Integrated Health Outreach Team (IHOT) Mobile Clinic Van
• Regional Okanagan Youth Council
• Adult Psych (McNair) Music Therapy Program
• McNair Furniture and Courtyard Art Project
• Community Partner Grants
  • BGC Okanagan – Upstream Kelowna
  • CMHA Kelowna – Bright Mindz Youth Housing
  • Foundry Kelowna – Family & Natural Supports
  • This Space Belongs to You – Free Counseling Services
  • KCR – Counseling, Helpline Training, Immigrant Services
  • CYAC – Resilient Families Mental Health & Wellness

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Because of you, our Cancer touches all of us campaign has equipped KGH care teams with an array of cutting-edge medical imaging, pathology, and surgical oncology tools to deliver the highest level of care when patients need them most.

From advanced diagnostic tools like the IHC Stainer, to specialized equipment like Mammotome and the Endoscopic Ultrasound, these investments are enhancing precision, comfort, and outcomes for over 7,500 cancer patients cared for at KGH every year.

“The support of our donors has enabled our hospital teams to detect cancers earlier, provide care closer to home, and employ less invasive treatment methods. These advancements are not merely clinical, they have a profound impact on individuals and families. When it is a loved one—a spouse, sibling, child or friend—who is able to return to daily life more quickly, the significance cannot be overstated. In cancer care, such victories are hard-won and deeply meaningful to patients, their families, and the clinicians who support them.” –  Dr. Joshua Wiesenthal, Head of Urology and Urologic Surgeon

Cancer Care Projects Funded To Date

• Immunohistochemistry Diagnostic Stainers (Lab)
• Cellient Cell Block System (Lab)
• 4B Inpatient Chemotherapy Room
• Tumour Debridement/Cryo Surgical Equipment
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (Ambulatory/GI)
• Wireless Breast Localization Trial & Technology (Mammotome)
• Care & Comfort Items for Cancer Patients
• Gynecologic Oncology Surgical Equipment

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Thanks to donor support, KGH is fast becoming a centre for brain health excellence, offering advanced neurological expertise, innovative equipment, and specialized training. From tools like the Neuro-stimulator and Mayfield Cranial Stabilization Device, to expanded services such as neuro-focused dietitian care and outpatient rehab, these advancements are improving patient experiences and outcomes, especially for our aging population and the growing number of those facing neurological challenges such as Parkinson’s.

“We’ve seen remarkable advances in neurological care at KGH. The impact of our new cutting-edge equipment, advanced treatments, and meaningful investments in innovation are undeniable. On behalf of our entire team, thank you for empowering us to help our patients with this level of care.” – Dr. Daryl Wile, Neurologist & Movement Disorder Specialist

Brain Health Projects Funded To Date

• Movement Disorders & Parkinson’s Care
  • Project Director for Program Development
  • Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing & Voice (FEEVS) Equipment & Training
  • Upper Limb Ergometer Training Research Project
  • Deep Brain Stimulation Outreach Program
• EVOLVE Awards in Brain Health
  • Jason Randhawa – Clinical Neurology at KGH
  • Daryl Wile – Brain Health & Movement Disorders
• Dietitian Services for Neurology & Stroke Patients
• Recruitment: Visiting Neurology Residents Support
• Neurology Team Planning Day & Program Development
• Cortical Stimulator for Neuro Surgery
• Neuromuscular Trainee Support
• Mayfield Cranial Stabilization Device for Surgery
• Outpatient Rehab Supplies
• Payton + Dillon Budd Brain Health Award

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Women’s health has long been underfunded and underserved, but thanks to donor support, advanced compassionate care for all genders is available at KGH. Donors funded the equipment needed for KGH’s new Gynecologic Oncology Program, ensuring more women can receive life-saving cancer treatment closer to home. Additional investments in woman-focused care such as innovative breast cancer technologies and improved maternity care are closing long-standing gaps and transforming outcomes for women in our region.

“Every woman deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported in her care. Thanks to donor support, we’re elevating women’s health, from the new gynecologic oncology program* bringing surgical care to KGH, to Wireless Localization technology that’s reducing pain and improving outcomes for breast cancer patients. Donors are reshaping women’s health care in our community.” –  Dr. Vanessa Carlson, Gynecologic Oncologist

Women’s Health Projects Funded To Date

• EVE Simulator Manikin
• Staff Lactation Pod
• Gynecology Services Clinic Revitalization
• KGH Maternity Clinic Revitalization and Equipment
• Gynecologic Oncology Surgical Equipment
• Wireless Breast Localization Trial & Technology
• MamaAnne Maternity Simulator
• Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Brain Injury Staff Training

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Donor support has firmly established KGH as a recognized leader in cardiac care, providing thousands of patients with access to life-saving treatment close to home. But excellence isn’t a finish line, it’s a continuous journey. Ongoing investment ensures our teams remain at the forefront, equipped with advanced surgical suites and cutting-edge tools help them respond with speed, precision, and heart. Beyond all the game changing equipment, donor funded innovation is also empowering our cardiac teams to explore new ideas, improve efficiency, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in patient-centred care.

“Every year, thousands of cardiac patients come to our hospital, and every day, I witness moments that wouldn’t have been possible without donor support. A mother surviving a heart attack or a grandfather given more time. Our cardiac teams are skilled, compassionate, and have access to world-class equipment because of donors like you.” –  Dr. Kathryn Brown, IHA Medical Director of Cardiology, KGH Cardiology Division Lead

Cardiac Care Projects Funded To Date

• Critical Care Unit & Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit Rooms
• Cardiac TEE Probes for ECHO Lab
• Intra-aortic Balloon Pump
• ECMO Machine for Cardiac Surgery
• Code Blue Resuscitations Quality Improvement Project
• Pulsed Field Ablation Program & Equipment for EP
• ECHO Machines (2) for Echocardiography
• ECG for KGH Pacemaker Clinic
• Heart Failure Clinic Education Videos
• Barrier-free Exam Tables
• Hemochron Elite
• Blanket Warming Cabinets for Cath Lab & Electrophysiology
• Cardiac Innovation Fund

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