Greetings

A ne w look for the ne xt evolution

Royal Columbian Hospital’s story is one of many transformations since it first opened in 1862 with capacity for 30 patients. To help meet the needs of a growing region, the hospital has expanded numerous times.

Today, significant hospital redevelopment plans are taking shape, and Royal Columbian is on the cusp of its next major evolution. For Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, the time is right to take our next step forward too. With this edition of Your Health Matters, we are pleased to introduce a new look for the Foundation. From the colours we use, to the imagery we share and the logo that announces who we are, we wish to honour Royal Columbian Hospital’s role as a major critical care centre with a highly skilled team that is determined to save the lives of some of the province’s most seriously ill and injured patients. If you or a loved one has come through the doors of the hospital, you already know why a third of British Columbians rely on Royal Columbian for critical care. We are the only hospital in the province with trauma, cardiac, neurosciences, high-risk maternity and neonatal intensive care all on one site, with the expertise to deliver that care at its highest level.

As a charitable organization that was created to support the needs of the hospital, we take our responsibility seriously. Time and time again, we see the difference our donors make in helping give patients their greatest chance at life.

We are proud to unveil a new look for the Foundation, and we hope you will join us as hospital redevelopment takes shape.

EDITOR Jason Howe

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Jerald Walliser

LAYOUT & DESIGN Gary Slavin

COVER DESIGN Paula Heal

PUBLISHED BY New Westminster Record

CONTENTS VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 1

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We welcome your comments on Your Health Matters magazine. Please email info@rchfoundation.com or write to us c/o Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, 330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7.

Established in 1978, Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation raises millions of dollars annually to purchase medical equipment, fund innovative programs, and support training and research. To donate, please visit www.rchfoundation.com or call 604-520-4438.

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Greetings Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation Chair Doug Eveneshen and Foundation President and CEO Jeff Norris Inspired giving Behind-the-scenes briefs Cherished hearts If you’ve been given one of these pillows, you’ve earned membership to an exclusive club Patient-centred design Inside the thought process behind the new Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre Excellence and leadership Trauma care program recognized nationally 2 4 5 6 8

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Centre of the brain Neurosurgeon works to save young woman, with only minutes to spare Extreme intervention Royal Columbian’s hour-long effort to restore a Coquitlam principal’s heartbeat From apprehension to awe North Vancouver physicians praise Royal Columbian’s NICU after premature birth of daughter Abnormal protein Bright space, attentive staff help ease anxieties during cancer treatments Life support Unique Royal Columbian team travels to other hospitals in life-and-death moments 9 10 12 14 15