Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation just received a generous $64K donation from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation in support of neonatal care at the Yellowknife area hospital, which provides care to moms and babies across the North.
The donation will help provide the Paediatrics and Obstetrics unit with new medical equipment.
“In a region where distance and transport can delay access, this equipment helps ensure newborns and their families receive immediate, life-saving care close to home when every second matters,” said Darren McEwen, executive director of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
“This gift reflects the Sandra Schmirler Foundation’s commitment to babies born ‘too far’ from advanced care,” added McEwen.
Patty Olexin-Lang, who is the executive director at the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation, said the funds will go towards the purchase of two infant defibrillators for the Obstetrics Unit.
Olexin-Lang said that this is not the first time or the second time that the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has stepped up in support to Stanton.
It was the fourth time that the organization has showed their support and commitment to improving care for newborns in Northern and remote communities.
“For more than 20 years, the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has raised funds to support ‘babies born too soon, too small, or too sick,’ said Olexin-Lang.
“We are incredibly grateful to once again receive their support. In a region where distance and travel can impact access to care, investments like this help ensure infants can receive the critical support they require,” she added.
The hospital’s Obstetrics Unit functions as a maternity unit, supporting moms giving birth in different situations.
Kerry Galusha, Director, Sandra Schmirler Foundation receives a tour of the OBS Unit and labor and delivery room from Chelsea Donaldson, Manager. OBS (submitted photo)
The new LIFEPAK infant defibrillators will replace aging equipment nearing the end of its service. The new high tech pieces of medical equipment will go a long way to help new babies and moms.
Lorie-Anne Danielson, who is the chief operating officer at Stanton said the hospital is extremely grateful to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation and the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation for their support.
Danielson said specialized tools and resources like these are always needed respond effectively to emergencies and to provide safe, high quality care.
The unit provides health care to families across the N.W.T. and the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut.
“While many births at Stanton are low risk, our teams must always be prepared to respond when complications arise,” explained Danielson.
“Access to reliable, up-to-date equipment—such as infant defibrillators—is critical to ensuring timely and appropriate care in those moments, particularly in a northern and remote care environment,” added Danielson.
