A push to raise money for a new video gastroscope and other diagnostic gear at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody is now more than half-way to its goal.
The 18th annual Have a Heart campaign that started in mid-January and ends later this month has reached the $39,000 point - $28,000 shy of the target.
Charlene Giovannetti-King, executive director of the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, said the video gastroscope was picked as a priority as ERH doesn't have one.
The machine allows physicians to suction blood and blood clots as well as cauterize bleeding. "With this new scope, surgeons save time and lives," she said.
More than 2,000 patients received endoscopy procedures last year at ERH to look at causes of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, for example.
The campaign also aims to collecting funds for another colonoscope as there's a waitlist for colonoscopies in the Tri-Cities.
Last year's Have a Heart brought in $40,650 to buy two blanket warmers for ambulatory care; a steam table and soup kettle for the food and nutrition department were also purchased.
To donate to Have a Heart, call 604-469-3128 or visit online at erhf.ca.
@jwarrenTC
