When 91原创 Memorial Hospital opened its doors in 1948, it served a much different, rural community. While the current Emergency Department was built to accommodate just 68 patients a day, today, the medical team can treat close to twice that.

Recognizing the need for both staff and patients, the launched its $15-million Emergency Response Campaign. Not only will it fund a new emergency department, but also a new MRI suite for 91原创, Metro Vancouver鈥檚 fastest-growing municipality between 2011 and 2016.

鈥淚n addition to a fast-growing population overall, 91原创 also has the fastest-growing senior population in Metro Vancouver, and both are placing huge pressures on our hospital and medical team,鈥� says Vivian Smith, the Foundation鈥檚 Executive Director. 鈥淭hrough this campaign, our amazing staff will have the tools they need to continue delivering the quality of care the community deserves.鈥�

The Challenge

While nearly one-quarter of patients arrive by ambulance, 91原创 Memorial does not have a dedicated ambulance lane. Wait times are over 10 hours for at least two-thirds of patients and people are lined up waiting for a bed.

In addition to cramped ER quarters, 91原创 is also one of the few Fraser Health communities without an MRI suite, meaning all patients must travel to Abbotsford or Surrey for MRI scans, which provide physicians the best tool to help diagnose diseases and medical conditions. 91原创 residents currently wait 18 months or more for semi-urgent and non-urgent scans, meaning delays in timely diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.

The Solution

91原创 Memorial鈥檚 Emergency Response Campaign will double the ER鈥檚 current footprint, ensuring 91原创鈥檚 growing population will continue to have access to emergency care, in a space built to meet their needs.

Kicking off the campaign in May with news of two significant donations, the Foundation also announced it will raise $4 million to partner with Fraser Health for an MRI. Set to welcome its first patients in 2019, some 7,500 exams are expected within the first 12 months!

Response from all involved has been inspiring, Smith says. 鈥淥ur team is already recognized for its exceptional patient care, but the campaign has brought a rising sense of pride and excitement among our medical staff, Foundation, volunteers and community at what this will mean for the hospital environment, and our ability to do even more for patients,鈥� Smith says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 uplifting.鈥�

How you can help:

鈥淲e are ensuring there鈥檚 an opportunity for everyone to contribute,鈥� Smith emphasizes, noting donations are welcome online at .

鈥淢aybe they鈥檇 like to give in honour of an ER caregiver who provided exceptional care for themselves or someone they love, or even host their own community fundraiser and rally more support!鈥�

For details, call the Foundation at 604-533-6422 or email info@lmhfoundation.com