The Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) Health Foundation announced on Monday the successful completion of its Orthopedic Enhancement Project, exceeding its initial $750,000 fundraising goal to achieve an impressive $1.2 million.
This milestone represents a groundbreaking step forward in orthopedic care for the Kootenay Boundary region, the foundation highlighted.
A cornerstone of this achievement was the extraordinary generosity of the community, bolstered by an inspiring $250,000 matching donation from B.C. philanthropist Jim Pattison.
With contributions from donors across the region and Pattison’s match, the "Light-Up Hospitals!" campaign raised $500,000, propelling the project to completion.
“The response from our community has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Lisa Pasin, KBRH Health Foundation executive director.
“The incredible generosity shown by individuals, businesses, and organizations, coupled with the transformative support from Jim Pattison, ensures that KBRH’s operating rooms are equipped with cutting-edge tools that will have a lasting impact on patient care.”
Some of the new equipment is already in use, enabling KBRH’s orthopedic surgeons to deliver groundbreaking results.
To date, 80 per cent of patients undergoing hip replacements with the new equipment, including the Hana Table, have been discharged the same day — a notable improvement in recovery times and outcomes.
(The Hana Table is a specialized surgical table designed specifically for orthopedic procedures, particularly anterior approach hip replacements and other lower-limb surgeries. Its innovative design allows for precise patient positioning, which is critical for minimally invasive techniques.)
The project’s success has also facilitated the purchase of additional equipment, further elevating the orthopedic program beyond its initial scope.
Beside the Hana Table, the upgraded suite of tools includes multiple retractors, micro power drills, Pi drivers, and positioners, among others.
These innovations enhance patient positioning and stabilization, improve surgical field access, and increase the number of surgeries performed each day.
“This project is about more than just new equipment, it’s about transforming lives, creating accessible care, and building a healthier future for our community,” Pasin added. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this vision a reality.”
The $1.2 million raised will support advanced orthopedic surgeries, recruit specialists, and enable new procedures, such as foot and ankle surgeries and innovative approaches to hip replacements.
Less invasive hip techniques will shorten recovery times, allowing patients to return home and resume normal activities more quickly.
This ensures residents of the Kootenay Boundary have access to cutting-edge care close to home for years to come.
The KBRH Health Foundation expressed heartfelt gratitude to every donor who contributed to this extraordinary success, as well as the orthopedic team for their dedication to enhancing patient care.
To celebrate this achievement, the foundation will create an Orthopedic Enhancement Project Donor Wall to honour the support of its donors.
As the foundation marks this collective triumph, it looks forward to continuing its mission of advancing healthcare in the Kootenay Boundary region with its next campaign, set to launch in February 2025.
“Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare in our region.”