Tami Leidl from Variety – The Children’s Charity dropped by the Campbell River Hospital maternity ward to present a cheque for $29,200 to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation.
The funds went towards the purchase of an infant monitor and a stabilette, which allow doctors and nurses to measure the health of babies and their mothers during and after delivery.
“We have a pretty busy maternity ward,” says Stacey Marsh, executive director of the foundation. “Over 400 babies are born here every year, and many of the women who deliver are first time moms. Having this equipment is essential as it allows us to monitor a baby’s vital signs in utero, which gives us a better idea of how the labour is progressing.
“The stabilette assesses the newborn baby’s vital signs and we can adjust the temperature and oxygen levels if needed.”
The new equipment also works with wireless technology, giving staff and patients the freedom to move around the ward. Variety has given many grants to families and organizations in the community – more than $100,000 in the last 12 months.
“Our recent Radiothon, hosted by The Eagle 97.3, brought in over $28,000,” says Tami Leidl, director, Heart of Variety Fund. “All of those funds will stay in the community.”
“It’s really heart-warming,” agrees Marsh. “The people of this area are so incredibly generous. And it’s important because the community has a stake in what happens at the hospital.”