Since 1982, the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation (ERHF) has dedicated itself to raising funds through donations to Eagle Ridge Hospital (ERH). It has diligently worked to ensure it has the most up-to-date equipment, technology and programs to provide the best patient-centred care to residents across the Tri-Cities.
"One of our most recent successes was the completion of our $5M capital campaign to expand the emergency department," says Judy Zhu, executive director, ERHF.
"When Eagle Ridge Hospital opened in 1984, the hospital's emergency department saw roughly 20,000 patients annually. That number has more than doubled to approximately 50,000 patients per year."
For patients admitted to the emergency department, an estimated 80% will require medical imaging during the course of their diagnosis and treatment.
Medical imaging has become an essential component of the health-care system, and at Eagle Ridge Hospital, the demand is already at capacity. From broken bones to COVID-19 to surgical accuracy, physicians rely on quality images with the latest technology to provide immediate, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
"Right now, our main priority is fundraising for a GP (general purpose) radiographic X-ray machine," reveals Zhu. "Our current machine, a computerized GP upgrade, is more than 20 years old and does not provide instant imaging. The GP radiographic X-ray will reduce a patient's wait time to approximately 15 minutes per session, as well as, dispense lower radiation levels."
This new equipment brings the latest and most reliable technology to Eagle Ridge Hospital, making procedures safer, more efficient and more effective.
"Patient care is a top priority for me and my colleagues at Eagle Ridge Hospital. The quality of care we are known for is something that makes us all proud," says Dr. Amit Ahuja, local department head, medical imaging, ERH.
"We want to ensure our team of doctors and staff have the most updated and reliable tools to reach your diagnosis quickly and save lives."
Nobody knows for sure if or when you might have to count on a piece of medical equipment to save your life. However, Randi Jones knows.
A grateful ERH patient
Randi Jones began her day on November 15, 2019, at her office, like any other.
That was until—without warning—she began experiencing "a stabbing migraine pain," in her words, followed by nausea. Although the headaches persisted throughout the afternoon, she persevered and left work at the end of the day.
That evening, she took her son to hockey practice. While sitting in the arena, watching his drills, the sudden stabbing pain in her head returned and wasn't subsiding, to the point she chose to admit herself to the emergency department at ERH, her community hospital.
The doctors and nurses were concerned it was serious since Jones admitted she never experienced headaches—at least with such severity. They took her immediately for a head CT scan, which quickly revealed she had an eight-centimetre tumour growing from the bone in her skull, pushing on her brain, causing the symptoms she was suffering.
Fortunately for her, the tumour was benign, and she was able to receive the medical treatment she required to make a full recovery.
"Randi's story is quite remarkable, and the ability to get a CT scan quickly helped us diagnose her so she could receive timely and effective treatment," says Dr. Ahuja.
"Whether it's a CT scan, X-ray or an ultrasound, it's vital for my team to have the most up-to-date medical imaging resources so that when patients like Randi come into the emergency department at ERH, we are able to provide them with the best level of patient care."
"With your gift, you can help us reach our goal to fund a new GP radiographic X-ray and make an impact throughout the community."
Zhu notes, "To date, we've raised $1.3M towards our $2.1M goal. All of our fundraising campaigns, and in particular, our annual gala, which takes place Saturday, May 13, 2023, are directed towards upgrading medical imaging technology at ERH."
"We are incredibly grateful to our donors in the community," Zhu continues. "Eagle Ridge Hospital's history has always been advocated by the community, and we're very fortunate to be supported so generously by everybody."
For more information or to donate today, visit erhf.ca.
