THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay regional hospital’s charitable foundation has announced what it calls its largest-yet contribution to renewing hospital equipment and supporting other important projects.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation announced it has awarded roughly $7.3 million in grants to various hospital projects in 2023/24 on the strength of its fundraising.
The foundation cited the success of its monthly 50/50 draws as a major factor in the record-breaking total.
The funding is allocated via a grants system, with hospital departments submitting applications.
“Equipment that would have taken years to fundraise for is being funded now, allowing us to ‘Do More, Faster’ for the patients in Thunder Bay and the Northwest region,” said foundation board chair Parker Jones.
Jones said the $2-million replacement of the hospital’s oldest Cardiac Catheterization Lab would normally have taken years to fund, but now will be open and fully operational in early January.
The foundation will provide over $1 million in 2023/24 to complete the project, funding a C-arm, ultrasound machine, operating room lights, and more.
A $3-million redevelopment of the Emergency Department will also be accelerated.
Other funded projects include:
- Replacing operating room equipment for cataract and orthopaedic surgeries and imaging
- A new CT scanner for diagnostic imaging and replacement of the PET/CT scanner
- New ventilators for the ICU and NICU
- A new infant crib and fun centre with a Nintendo Switch gaming system in the pediatric ward
- Automated medication dispensing equipment and software
- Production of a prostate cancer-specific drug by the Cyclotron & Radiopharmacy Facility
The investments will also benefit the wider region the hospital serves, supporting chemotherapy equipment and training in Marathon, chemotherapy equipment in Terrace Bay, and cancer detection in Sioux Lookout.
The foundation says it’s contributed a total of over $21 million to the hospital over the past four years.
In a release, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre president Rhonda Crocker Ellacott expressed deep gratitude.
“The use of these contributions will allow us to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment that is vital to providing safe, quality care,” she said. “The funds will also allow us to upgrade our care areas and provide a better care experience that is patient and family-centred.”
