By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Underscoring what it describes as the “generosity and shared commitment” of local communities, the South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Medical Foundation says more than $560,000 has been raised toward its $2 million campaign goal to support critical upgrades at South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH).
Ian Lindsay, CEO of the SOS Medical Foundation said the early momentum demonstrates what is possible when a community rallies behind local healthcare.
“The support has been overwhelming in the best possible way. The people of Oliver and Osoyoos are proving that when a community believes in better healthcare, there’s nothing they can’t accomplish. Together, they are changing healthcare at home.”
Fundraising will continue until the full $2 million goal is reached and efforts are expected to get a boost from the upcoming Oliver and Osoyoos Rotary Gala, presented by Canadian Tire.
“This campaign is about pride, possibility, and people,” added Lindsay. “Every dollar raised represents someone who believes in our hospital, our healthcare workers, and our community. We are deeply grateful, and we’re just getting started.”
The $2 million SOGH Campaign is focused on three priorities that will directly improve patient care and support frontline healthcare teams at South Okanagan General Hospital:
- Keeping the Emergency Department open by providing temporary housing for locum physicians and healthcare staff;
- Investing in advanced technology through the purchase of a new digital X-ray system, delivering faster and more accurate diagnoses while improving workflow and emergency response times;
- New Services with a new ultrasound machine that will provide approximately 2,500 scans each year, reduce unnecessary patient transfers to Penticton, and support healthcare and physician recruitment.
For more information about the SOGH Campaign or to get involved, visit:
sosmedicalfoundation.com/sogh
