Kelowna fundraiser targets emergency department bottlenecks

Kelowna General Hospital’s biggest fundraiser of the year is marking a milestone.

The KGH Foundation’s Day of Giving returns May 13 for its 10th year, with a $2.5-million goal to support upgrades to the hospital’s Emergency Department, one of the busiest in British Columbia.

Last year, the department saw nearly 102,000 patient visits, second only to Surrey Memorial Hospital. Since opening in 2012, volumes have climbed 84 per cent, placing growing pressure on staff, equipment and space.

Foundation CEO Allison Young says the demand has outpaced the current layout.

“Our emergency teams are doing incredible work under immense pressure, but the space can no longer keep pace with the volume of patients coming through our doors,” she said.

Funds raised will go toward upgrades aimed at improving patient flow, safety and wait times, including redesigned triage and registration areas and new equipment.

Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $550,000 through contributions from local families.

The one-day campaign has raised more than $6.7 million over the past nine years, supporting projects including cancer care, cardiac services and mental health programs.