ACUTE CARE

Our hospital is the cornerstone for great care.

With over 39,000 emergency room visits, more than 8,000 surgeries, thousands of treatment sessions through the out-patient cancer clinic, 467 babies born, and nearly 7,000 people being admitted for care each year, our local hospital is one of our most important community assets.

Informing diagnoses and treatment, the hospital lab runs approximately 1.9 million tests annually and the medical imaging department provides over 105,000 scans and x-rays. The Comox Valley Hospital is vital to the health of our community.

  • 39,720
    ER VISITS

  • 8,136
    SURGERIES

  • 4,430
    CANCER CARE TREATMENTS

  • 467
    BABIES BORN

  • 6,989
    IN-PATIENTS

  • 1,896,569
    LAB TESTS

  • 105,905
    SCANS & X-RAYS

  • 79,745
    POPULATION SERVED

*Island Health data from 2024-25.

Our hospital serves a population of over 79,000 people living in and around the Comox Valley.

Many departments in the hospital also provide specialty services for people from surrounding communities. As a popular winter and summer recreation destination, our hospital serves
out-of-town visitors, too.

Regardless of where we are from, we often arrive at the hospital in a vulnerable state – scared, confused, worried about what will happen next. In those moments, our loved ones and surrounding family should feel assured that care providers have the top resources available to provide what is required.

We will all need hospital services at some point in our lifetime. Whether it is an urgent need, specialized treatment, diagnostic services, or day-to-day assistance, we all want to know we are going to receive the best possible care.

Over the last decade, the Comox Valley has seen significant population growth. In addition to an expanding number of residents, our demography indicates an aging population: the proportion of seniors here is higher than the provincial, or even the Island, average. This puts significant pressure on our hospital resources.

While government funding accounts for a tremendous amount, it cannot cover everything nor advance projects as rapidly as when we unite toward the common goal of giving great care. Your donations enable state-of-the-art programs, training, research, and equipment so our medical teams at the hospital can continue doing what they do best.

The Foundation works with Island Health leadership to identify priority projects for our community to support. We aim to summarize the areas of greatest need through our campaigns and communication channels. We welcome your interest in discussing projects within specific departments or healthcare areas that are close to your heart.

Priorities for the Hospital

  • Our Emergency Department (ED) supports over 39,000 visits annually. This extremely busy department provides vital care for our community and surrounding area. The department was originally designed to support 65 patients a day, however ED staff see over 100 patients on average per day at this time.

    The Foundation is working with hospital leadership and a staff working group to enhance the Emergency Department focusing on safety, mental health support, patient comfort, improved privacy, and better communication systems.

    This project is in the early stages with a phased approach anticipated.

  • ►$67,312

    Ensures safe transport of critically ill patients requiring breathing support between ICU, Emergency, and Diagnostic Imaging.

    Supports the safe transport of critically ill patients during medical emergencies.

  • ►$95,043

    The current ultrasound machine in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has failed and is beyond repair. Temporary access to a machine from another unit is not sustainable.

    A new ultrasound is urgently needed to support timely diagnosis and critical care decision-making in the ICU.

  • ► $166,062

    Electrocardiogram Carts (7 units) – Essential tools used throughout the hospital to diagnose heart attacks and other cardiac emergencies.

    Supports rapid cardiac diagnosis and heart function monitoring during medical emergencies and other healthcare procedures.

  • ►$787,750

    Replacement of the outdated x-ray machine originally from the old hospital is needed plus room upgrades to accommodate the new technology. This is a top priority for Medical Imaging and ensures continued access to reliable diagnostic imaging for patients across the region.

  • ►$4,715

    The Intellivue monitor will make newborn cardiac monitoring in the operating room possible. When a cardiac monitor is required during newborn resuscitation, every second counts and many decisions are made based on the information provided through this special monitoring. This tool will help give better care to infants born in the operating room.

Our priority lists are dynamic given the urgency of needs and pace of fulfilment. Please check back regularly as new items may be added to the list.

  • Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy System (RT300) – A specialized stationary bicycle that supports recovery for patients with stroke, spinal cord injury, MS, and brain injury.
    Investment: $104,000 ♥ FUNDED

    BlazePods – Interactive light-based training tools used for physical and cognitive rehabilitation. They improve reaction time, coordination, and engagement, helping patients stay motivated while supporting therapists in delivering effective, measurable care.
    Investment: $2,310 ♥ FUNDED

    Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Swallowing Rehabilitation – A non-invasive biofeedback device that provides real-time visual and auditory feedback on swallowing muscle activity. It improves patient engagement and outcomes in dysphagia therapy, supporting recovery from stroke, brain injury, and other neurological or medical conditions.
    Investment: $7,360 ♥ FUNDED

    Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Equipment – Includes devices that support communication for patients with impaired speech or motor function. Commonly used in acute care, they enable patients to express needs beyond basic yes/no responses, improving care and patient experience.
    Investment: $700 ♥ FUNDED

    Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Chin Tuck Against Resistance CTAR Balls – A simple tool used to strengthen muscles involved in swallowing. It helps improve laryngeal elevation and reduces the risk of aspiration in patients with swallowing difficulties.
    Investment: $120 ♥ FUNDED

  • ►$87,000
    *Total cost is $174,000, however we are working in partnership with Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare to fund the remainder.

    The current ophthalmology laser has reached end of life and is no longer supported for service. Located in the Outpatient Clinic within the Wellness Centre, this essential equipment has long served the North Vancouver Island community.

    It is used to treat a wide range of eye conditions, including urgent retinal issues (holes, tears, and small detachments), diabetic and vascular retinal disease, post-glaucoma care, and secondary cataracts. It is also critical for managing elevated eye pressure, including vision-threatening emergencies such as acute angle-closure glaucoma. These services help prevent unnecessary patient travel by enabling care close to home.

    Replacing this laser will ensure continued access to timely, vision-saving treatment while reducing delays and travel for patients across the region.

  • ►$27,000

    Enhances efficiency of the newly acquired Atellica Chemistry Analyzer by powering a de-capper module, reducing manual handling and improving processing time.

    This is vital infrastructure to support high-volume outpatient testing which strengthens the lab’s role as the North Island’s central diagnostic hub.

  • ►$25,000

    The Vision2 Vein Viewer is an investment that will directly benefit approximately 4,500 cancer patients who receive care through the Comox Valley Hospital Wellness Centre. Many of these patients require frequent intravenous access for chemotherapy, medications, hydration, and bloodwork leaving veins fragile and difficult to access. This non-invasive vein viewing system allows clinicians to see veins up to 14 mm beneath the skin, improving first-attempt success and reducing pain, anxiety, and bruising for patients. By supporting safer, more compassionate care and minimizing delays in treatment, the Vision2 Vein Viewer will make a meaningful difference for both patients and care teams in our hospital.

  • Provides clothing, personal hygiene products, and other necessities to vulnerable hospital patients. This fund also contributes to enriching patients’ stay by having books, toys and art supplies within the Pediatrics Departments and helps grow our stuffed animal collection to provide to children receiving care at the hospital as a means to reduce stress and offer them comfort during treatment and procedures. Growing this fund also allows us to offer activity supplies and other items that bring simple pleasure and joy to long-stay patients, mostly seniors, in the Transitional Care Unit.