More than $600K raised for much-needed equipment at Port Moody hospital

More much-needed medical equipment will soon be purchased for Port Moody's Eagle Ridge Hospital.

This after more than $600,000 was collected in one night during an annual fundraiser — and still counting, according to its organizers.

The Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation (ERHF) hosted a sold-out crowd of nearly 350 people at the Vancouver Convention Centre for its Evening of Caring Gala last Saturday (May 13).

The 30th-anniversary milestone event garnered enough funds for the nonprofit to purchase, among other items, two new mobile digital X-ray machines.

The money was donated from those in attendance, as well as through a silent auction that was open online to the public.

And, it also completed the ERHF's $2.1-million medical imaging capital campaign.

"I feel so grateful that we not only reached, but exceeded our goal," said Judy Zhu, ERHF executive director.

"As we celebrate the success of this medical imaging campaign, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who contributed to this tremendous achievement," added foundation chair Tom Morton.

"It is through your philanthropic spirit and dedication that we have been able to raise the funds necessary to enhance the medical imaging capabilities of Eagle Ridge Hospital."

The new mobile X-ray machines will provide more efficient instant images and results for doctors.

The ERHF explains the new equipment will also lower current patient wait times by as little as 10 minutes, allowing them to stay in the Tri-Cities instead of being potentially directed to other hospitals.

The $2.1-million campaign also enabled the foundation to purchase:

• Two (2) portable ultrasound machines
• General procedure radiographic X-ray machine
• Mini C-Arm – an x-ray attachment for surgical suite
• Portable ultrasound for PICC lines
• Cardiac echo ultrasound

In July 2022, Eagle Ridge Hospital opened its $37.5-million upgraded emergency room 3.5 years after it broke ground, expanding the facility to 23,745 sq. ft.

That's three times larger than its former department, and now houses 39 new treatment spaces — an increase of 20 rooms from before — to serve up to 50,000 patients a year.

For more information, you can visit the ERHF's website.

Prizes from Saturday's silent auction included personal training sessions, jewelry, trips to Whistler, private golf lessons and gift cards to local businesses.