HOW YOUR GIFT WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
Women’s health is interconnected with the well-being of families, children, and society as a whole. When women have access to high-quality health care services, they can better manage their health, prevent and detect diseases early, and make informed decisions for themselves and their families. Improving women’s health outcomes contributes to healthier communities, reduced health care disparities, and enhanced overall population health.
Together, we can help bridge the gap in women’s health care, creating a community that values and invests in comprehensive, high-quality health care for everyone.
WHY GIVE?
Women’s health care needs are distinct and multifaceted—from how female bodies respond to treatments and medications, to the prevalence of certain chronic conditions and types of cancer. Encompassing a broad range of medical disciplines, including obstetrics, gynecology, reproductive health, breast health, and menopause management, women’s health care requires specialized knowledge, skills, and services to provide comprehensive and effective care. While significant progress has been made in caring for women’s health in BC, gaps remain due to a lack of attention and resources. Correcting this imbalance is essential to improving women’s health here.
As part of our ‘Closer to home than you think’ campaign, the KGH Foundation is committed to raising $2.5 million to resource and advance Women’s Health Services at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). With a goal to ensure timely access to high-quality, compassionate care, we are focused on reducing wait times and elevating the overall patient experience. Several key initiatives and advancements have already been achieved through the generosity of donors. These tangible steps forward, including upgrades to clinical spaces and patient waiting areas, demonstrate our dedication to improving the quality of care for women in our community. This is our beginning.
patients on average receive care in the Gynecology Services Clinic at KGH each year
women who experience heart attacks have their symptoms go unrecognized, and they are less likely than men to receive the treatments and medications they need or get them in a timely way.
of national research funding is spent on research for women's health, despite women making up 50.2% of the population.
MADE POSSIBLE BY DONORS
Meaningful Advancements
Lactation Pod for Staff: A new lactation pod has been installed onsite at KGH for staff and physicians. The modern suite provides a dignified, comfortable space for working breastfeeding mothers to pump with ease and privacy.
Gynecology Services Clinic: Revitalizing the Gynecology Services Clinic was so important! Now the 1,400+ patients served annually enjoy a truly welcoming and inclusive environment. Renovations included modern furniture, local and Indigenous art, and inspiring wall decals to support patients’ well-being and care journey.
Eve Simulator Manikin: This new manikin is an ultra-realistic patient simulator with female anatomy. It is designed to meet the training needs of Point of Care Ultrasounds in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care scenarios.
Central Okanagan Maternity Clinic: KGH’s Central Okanagan Maternity Clinic opened in December 2023, providing comprehensive prenatal and obstetrical care for expectant families. The collaboration of family physicians, midwives, nurses, social workers and allied health professionals supports ~30 deliveries monthly. Donor support will be funding the essential equipment and aesthetic enhancements, including shelving, cabinets, desks, décor, adult and pediatric stethoscopes, a hand-held ultrasound machine, and a new obstetrical ultrasound unit, which is anticipated to improve the patient experience and increase ultrasound capacity at KGH by 2,000 scans annually.
THE ROAD AHEAD
As we look ahead, our vision is focused on expanding our impact and enhancing Women’s Health Services at KGH. This journey includes several exciting advancements in training, equipment, and programs that will pave the way for improved care on many fronts. These initiatives will continue to address the specific healthcare needs of women in our community while also ensuring that they will receive the highest standard of care close to home.
PEOPLE
Mama Anne (SimMom) Maternity Simulator: Mama Anne is a state-of-the-art obstetrical training manikin that sets a new standard in birthing simulation. It will be the first advanced maternal simulator in Canada. Providing realistic, hands-on experience for health care professionals, the simulator enables practitioners to perfect their skills in both routine and emergency situations, such as postpartum hemorrhages.
SOAR Training Sessions for ED Staff: The KGH Foundation will be partnering with Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research (SOAR). This collaboration aims to deepen our understanding of the treatment and management of brain injuries resulting from intimate partner violence. The six, one-day workshops are tailored for physicians, nurses, social workers, and mental health support workers in the KGH emergency department.
TECHNOLOGY
Equipment
Gynecology IntelliVue MX550 Patient Monitor: The IntelliVue MX550 Patient Monitor is crucial for the Gynecology Services Clinic at KGH, where the current patient care monitor is obsolete. A new monitor will enhance patient care quality and safety, positively impacting patient and family experiences.
Wireless Breast Localization Equipment: Donor support has enabled us to fund a Wireless Breast Localization trial to explore more precise and patient-centered tumor localization methods for breast cancer patients. Following a successful trial, funds will now be needed to acquire the cutting-edge technology that promises to improve surgical accuracy, enhance patient comfort, streamline surgical procedures, and minimize the need for additional surgeries.
Gynecological Oncology Surgical Equipment: Starting in September 2024, a brand new Gynecologic Oncology Surgical Program will start at KGH to address the critical need for timely gynecological cancer surgeries in BC’s interior. This program, which consists of 3 new gynecological surgeons at KGH will improve patient care by reducing wait times and decreasing travel stress for patients. Currently, only 25% of urgent patients in Interior Health receive surgery within the four-week benchmark. This program will significantly impact over 298 women annually, with demand projected to grow by 14% over the next five years. To fully realize this program, support is urgently needed to procure required equipment and instrumentation, including SPY PHI, a specialized surgical imaging technology.
Women experience up to 75% of adverse drug reactions.
of patients with "medically unexplained symptoms" are women.
Source: Women’s Health Collective Canada
shorter life expectancy for women in northern BC vs. Vancouver.
women did not feel like their needs are being met or treated effectively by the health care system.
of women said they felt a physician had diminished or overlooked their symptoms.
Source: BC Women’s Health Foundation
women reported challenges accessing the health care services they needed.
GIVING CHANGES EVERYTHING
Dr. Sita Ollek, Surgical Oncologist
BREAST CANCER:
WIRELESS BREAST LOCALIZATION
Thanks to the generosity of KGH Foundation donors, we have been able to trial innovative technologies for breast cancer patients, such as Wireless Breast Localization. This novel approach reduces patient discomfort and improves patient experience. It can also enhance surgical accuracy and may reduce the need for additional surgeries. The impact of embracing innovation in cancer care is multi-faceted.
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.
WOMEN'S HEALTH
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