Spotlight on Auxiliary

Since 1902, countless patients and their families in every area of the hospital have been touched by the generous support and commitment of the Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary. An integral part of the hospital since the formation of the first Women's Auxiliary just after the turn of the 20th century, the group's mandate is to enhance patient care and comfort through the purchase of much-needed equipment. With such a long and proud history, the Auxiliary strengthens the hospital through volunteer activities and fundraising, primarily through book sales, Royal Columbian gift shop proceeds, and proceeds from the New To You thrift shop.

Over the years, their support has helped fund items both large and small, including an interventional suite for treating life-threatening aneurysms and strokes, sleeping chairs for patients receiving dialysis, and a second digital breast imaging machine to help reduce wait times for breast cancer diagnoses.

Whenever the need is most critical, we have always been able to count on the Auxiliary to be ready to step up to the challenge. With our frontline healthcare workers facing the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, the Auxiliary once again demonstrated their leadership and commitment. They funded urgently-needed equipment to ensure Royal Columbian was equipped with what was required to fight the pandemic.

This included daily-used equipment such as stretchers, mattresses, and positioning slings to safely and comfortably transport patients. Their support also enabled the purchase of two Masimo Root Monitors, a portable physiological monitor for the Emergency Department. While it has many uses in the ER, it is vital to assess oxygen reserves and help prepare clinicians for difficult intubations, which can be critical for COVID-19 patients.

Additionally, they purchased a Monnal Transport Ventilator for the Respiratory Therapy Department, vital in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Transporting patients for x-rays and scans is normally a routine and uncomplicated process. However, for critically ill patients such as COVID-19 patients coming from ICU or the ER on a ventilator, this process can become much more challenging. This special ventilator allows those patients to be transported for essential and life-saving diagnostic tests such as CT scans and MRI.

The Royal Columbian Hospital Auxiliary has been one of the longest and most loyal supporters of the hospital and the Foundation. Their example of unwavering compassion, leadership, and commitment has extended through two world wars, the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression and numerous other challenges, including the current COVID-19 pandemic. Join us in saluting their incredible contributions to the health, care, and comfort of all British Columbians.

Hospital Team