More than a chance to win a luxury vacation, a chance to make a difference

Photo (left to right): Avry Janes, Co-Executive Director of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation (CVHF); Sarah Palmer, Manager of the Comox Valley Emergency Department; Shari Mckenzie-Ramsay, Registered Nurse & Forensic Nurse Examiner Comox Valley Emergency Department; and Rhonda Stevens, Co-Executive Director CVHF.

Nearly 10 years after welcoming its first patients, the Comox Valley Hospital Emergency Department continues to evolve alongside the community it serves. As demand for emergency care has grown, there is an opportunity to enhance the space, tools and systems that support both patients and the dedicated teams who care for them. Building on the strong foundation of high-quality, patient-centred care already in place, these enhancements will help ensure the Emergency Department continues to be well equipped to meet the needs of our community.

‍Looking ahead: Enhancing care for today and tomorrow

‍One of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation’s significant next investments will support an enhancement project for the Emergency Department.

‍Working closely with hospital leadership and a staff advisory committee, the initiative is exploring enhancements focused on patient comfort, safety, mental health support, increased privacy and upgraded communication systems.

‍"We're excited to work with the Foundation and their community of donors to continue to meet the complex health care needs of our growing community,” says Sarah Palmer, Manager of the Comox Valley Emergency Department. “At the same time, we’re being mindful of working within the existing Emergency Department space.”

‍A phased approach is anticipated, with early efforts focused on the triage and ambulatory care areas.

“We’re also learning from other hospitals and drawing on their experiences to guide our planning,” Palmer adds.

‍This work builds on the generosity of the community. Donations have already helped equip the Emergency Department with essential tools and resources that support safe, timely care.

‍"The Foundation has been supporting equipment in the Emergency Department for many years. Most recently, their donors have funded a Panda Warmer for newborn care, several portable ultrasounds machines, a new GlideScope to quickly secure airways during critical situations, and pocket talkers to help communicate with our hearing-impaired patients,” Palmer says.

‍These contributions make a meaningful difference everyday —a newborn kept warm, a critically ill patient treated more quickly, a conversation made possible when it matters most. They are powerful examples of how community support directly strengthens patient-centred care.

Funding has also supported education and training initiatives, helping to strengthen the hospital’s emergency response. Examples like the North Island Emergency Medicine Conference and Mock Code Blue Training Program, both sponsored by the Foundation, ensure teams continue to learn, practice and prepare – so they are ready when every second coun

"We are deeply grateful for the support we receive through the Healthcare Foundation and look forward to partnering on this next project,” says Palmer.

Shine On Healthcare Raffle: Tickets available today!

‍To support ongoing enhancements to the Comox Valley Hospital’s Emergency Department, the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation is hosting its Shine On Healthcare Raffle and inviting the community to participate.

‍One lucky winner will enjoy a Sparkling Hill Resort getaway, generously donated by Helga, a valued friend and supporter of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation. The prize includes a fully customizable Okanagan retreat valued at $5,000, with $2,500 to spend at Sparkling Hill Resort and $2,500 in cash to create a truly unforgettable experience.

‍Every ticket purchased is more than a chance to win—it is a contribution to great care, close to home.

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