The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Kelowna General Hospital recently received another Servo-n Neonatal Ventilator to provide premature newborns with tailored respiratory support to protect their vital organs.
The latest life-saving technology arrived thanks in part to the generosity of TB Vets donors, who made it possible for TB Vets to give a grant for $55,640 to fund an additional Servo-n Neonatal Ventilator for the KGH neonatal unit. The timing couldn’t be better as the additional ventilator is needed to ensure the best possible care for the KGH NICU’s most critically ill babies.
Consistency is critical, as change is often difficult for infants to adapt to. The ventilators have proven to be an effective support and in some cases, have eradicated the need for intubation as the babies have responded so favourably.
Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) is the largest full-service, single-site hospital in British Columbia and the preeminent healthcare centre in the BC Interior.
KGH’s NICU is currently equipped with four identical ventilators that provide critically ill neonates with much-needed respiratory support to optimize their physical and mental development. Having more ventilators accessible to the NICU enables a premature newborn to stay on the same ventilator, merely moving between different modes and settings. One of these ventilators was funded by TB Vets donors in 2020.
The innovative technology and adaptability of the new ventilators quickly became evident when a premature baby was not faring well on a non-invasive oxygen support CPAP machine. However, before moving to intubation, the NICU team decided to try the baby on the new Servo-n Pediatric Ventilator and he immediately responded well.
“Although life is slowly getting back to normal, hospitals are still having to treat many COVID-19 patients, putting great pressure on the healthcare system,” says TB Vets CEO, Kandys Merola.
“It is essential that we help hospitals buy new equipment that will support our province’s medical frontline heroes during the pandemic and beyond. Last year’s record $1.1-million in grants has been made possible because of the generosity of TB Vets donors who contribute to our Key Tag Program. We also have a growing number of donors who have included TB Vets in their Wills, ensuring that respiratory care in BC continues to improve and grow for years to come.”
