The South Okanagan Medical Foundation recently marked a major milestone with $20 million in medical equipment purchased over the last five years through fundraising and donations.
The foundation marked the milestone and recognized the support and generosity that made it possible on March 19, with thanks to the community.
The organization has been helping to raise funds for local hospitals, including the Penticton Regional Hospital and South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, since it was established in 1981.
Over the last five years, the foundation has raised millions towards further upgrades to the Penticton Regional Hospital.
One of their recent fundraising successes was the purchase of a second CT scanner for PRH, which began operation in November of 2023. That new scanner was the first of its kind in Canada and has been averaging about 60 patients a day since it began operation.
READ MORE: New CT Scan machine at Penticton hospital first of its kind in Canada
The milestone announcement also noted the many other pieces fundraising has been key to getting for the region, with a short list including ultrasound machines dedicated to women’s health, ophthalmology microscopes in Summerland, portable x-rays in Princeton, and rehab room renovations that elevate the standard of care for all who walk through our doors.
“And let’s not forget the little touches that make a big difference — new beds to bring comfort and joy, shock pulse systems to safeguard renal health, and stuffed animals to soothe our youngest patients during challenging times,” reads the foundation’s press release. “These gestures of kindness embody the heart and soul of the South Okanagan Similkameen community, reminding us that compassion knows no bounds.”
The foundation also helped support emergency care, with renovations in Oliver’s Emergency Department, and the introduction of the LUCAS Chest CPR System.
The SOS Medical Foundation is currently hard at work raising funds towards a $10 million goal to expand the PRH oncology department, which will provide access to cancer care for residents in the South Okanagan and Similkameen that would otherwise require trips to Kelowna or Vancouver.
