“Supporting people and innovation leads to results. We have seen major advances in the scope and quality of neurological care at our site by attracting and supporting people who build & innovate. Support from the community allows us to go beyond what we need today, and drive care further.”
Dr. Daryl Wile, Neurologist (Clinical Lead)
WHY GIVE?
The brain is the most complex organ in our bodies. It is the headquarters of intelligence, interpreter of the senses, initiator of body movement, and conductor of behaviour. Diseases, disorders, and injuries of the brain have a profound influence on a person’s quality of life, independence, self-worth and physical well-being.
The single most reliable risk factor for all neurodegenerative brain disease is age. We can’t change that (yet) so as the region’s population continues to grow and age, so too does the need for excellence in brain health care.
The Interior Health region, with Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) as its primary hub for neurology patients, has a large referral base. Neurology outpatient wait times for general referrals are 6-18 months. Delays in access to advanced neurological care are increasing. Patients requiring advanced neuro-surgical procedures not currently available at KGH are additionally burdened by the cost and inconvenience of treatment and recovery in Vancouver, hundreds of kilometres away from home. Developing a sustainable system of neurological care while expanding access to advanced neurological expertise and services is a critical priority.
HOW WILL MY GIFT HAVE AN IMPACT
The KGH Foundation is dedicated to raising funds to advance brain health care excellence at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), bringing research closer to regional patients and providing them with access to the best possible treatments and lifesaving care, close to home.
people affected by neurological conditions in the Interior Health region (2020/21)
projected increase in incidence rates for dementia and Parkinson disease by 2031
Canadians are not represented in research trials
People worldwide are affected by brain disease
UPSTREAM SOLUTIONS
The EVOLVE (Encouraging and Valuing Ongoing Leadership, Vision, and Engagement) Awards in Brain Health, established in large part, to the 2022 Heart of Gold Gala and its many generous supporters, will complement other funds raised through the campaign (i.e. for equipment, Parkinson’s Care). They will focus specifically on supporting our Neurology physicians in expanding the program and ultimately improving patient care.
Four key areas include:
(1) Brain Health Program Building & Development – Provide the opportunity for all Division of Neurology physicians to define their place in program building. This includes support for convening, strategic planning, and capacity building.
(2) Recruitment & Retention – Set up new recruits up for success by providing better integration and onboarding, in addition to recognizing the work of current physician contributions that aren’t otherwise funded.
(3) Education & Knowledge Transfer Activities – Enable cross departmental training, education, and knowledge transfer activities.
(4) Seed Grants – Acts as a catalyst for innovation, helping to launch good ideas and test them for feasibility and potential impact. Seed grants invest in the resources necessary for brain health teams to drive systemic change.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
Your gift to brain health will also enhance patient care at KGH through the acquisition of state-of-the-art surgical equipment, the integration of cutting-edge technology, and the provision of essential training and staff support. These investments are vital in ensuring that patients facing neurological challenges receive the highest standard of care possible. Here are some examples of the equipment and training initiatives that your support for brain health have and will support:
Dietitian Services for Neuro/Stroke Patients: Patients affected by neurological conditions, such as stroke, are often at risk of malnutrition, making specialized dietitian intervention critical. By individualizing nutrition care plans – which may include tube feeding, intravenous feeding, and supplementation – recovery rates can be significantly improved. A dedicated position to support this vital service will help improve patient outcomes by ensuring they have the energy and muscle mass needed for an effective rehabilitation process, leading to a shorter hospital stay.
Neuromuscular Trainee: With the recent departure of a Neuromuscular Neurologist from our region, there’s a gap in services for patients of the Kelowna Neuromuscular and ALS Clinic. Funding for a Neuromuscular Fellow Trainee to undertake a 2-4 week rotation at KGH is critical. This will ensure that the approximately 100 patients across the health region continue to receive the care they need without the burden of traveling to Vancouver for treatment. Moreover, this program offers a unique recruitment opportunity, experiencing neuromuscular neurology outside a large urban center and encouraging the growth of our program.
Neuro Microscope: Enhances the precision of brain cancer surgeries. By incorporating innovative technology, the Neuro Microscope ensures unparalleled accuracy during complex brain and spinal procedures. The addition of second microscope at KGH is vital for the neurosurgery department to support its expanded care.
Neurology Team Planning Day: This event is focused on enhancing the neurological care system through discussions on sustainable structures and encouraging regional participation. It aims to refine the process for urgent consultations for stroke and other neurological conditions, ensuring an effective and reliable system for physician-to-physician consultation and mentoring. The Neurology Team Planning Day is about more than just improving care; it’s about building a community of practice that can lead to better patient outcomes.
GIVING CHANGES EVERYTHING
Tailoring Upper Limb Ergometer Training: This study explored the effects of interval exercise using a hand cycling ergometer on upper limb function in Parkinson’s patients, potentially aiding those with early to moderate disease. Funding supported the study equipment acquisition and the involvement of a Physical Therapist in the study procedures.
“What this funding will mean for those who choose to live in the vast and diverse communities across the interior of B.C., and similarly expansive health jurisdictions across Canada and around the world is, literally, life-changing.”
Dr. Aleksander Tkach, KGH Neurologist
COMMUNITY MINDED
Payton & Dillon Budd Brain Health Medical Fund
Local philanthropist, Tom Budd, established a $1 million legacy gift in honour of his sons, Payton and Dillon Budd. This endowment will provide awards and grants enabling neurologists to engage in projects and studies that aim to provide a greater understanding of how the brain works to advance the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disorders of the brain.
Humphreys Family Support of Parkinson’s Care
Inspired by Barry Humphreys’ Parkinson’s diagnosis, his family made a generous $1 million commitment to advance regional Parkinson’s care. Their gift will grow the capacity of KGH’s Movement Disorder Clinic, aiding in specialist recruitment and funding projects that advance Parkinson’s care, integrating comprehensive team-based supports across the region.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
A gift to support innovation offers the benefit of unlocking a matching contribution from the Jim Pattison Foundation to support the Centre for Health System Learning & Innovation which will hold an important role in advancing this work.
Help us bring innovative solutions to health care in the Southern Interior and double your impact today.
This Centre, in partnership with Interior Health and the KGH Foundation, promises to revolutionize the landscape of health care innovation in BC’s interior.
It is the first of its kind with a unique focus on rural, remote, Indigenous, and community health care. It aims to be a virtual network connecting innovators, clinical teams, researchers, patients and families, and community partners. Together, we will create research-based solutions that tackle the diverse and complex health care challenges facing our communities.
BRAIN HEALTH
Latest Stories
Plates for Parkinson’s
The KGH Foundation’s Plates for Parkinson’s raised an incredible $56,094 for brain health, right here at Kelowna General Hospital.
Collaborative care for Parkinson’s patients
The team with the Movement Disorders Clinic at KGH keep their patients and their families ‘moving’ in more ways than one.
Q&A with Meghan Chana
Meet Meghan Chana, Registered Speech-Language Pathologist with the Okanagan Movement Disorders Clinic at KGH.
