Having both been born in southern Saskatchewan and having raised three boys in Regina, it was always important for Rob and Paula Duguid to give back to the place they call home. After meeting some of Regina’s incredible doctors and learning more about our hospitals’ needs, Rob and Paula knew how they wanted to help.
With 375 open heart surgeries performed each year, cardiac patients depend on the Heart-Lung Bypass Machine at Regina General Hospital to keep them alive during certain surgeries. Rob and Paula learned this equipment was nearing the end of its service life and a replacement would soon be needed. Realizing how many people depend on this technology to survive their surgery, they determined that this was the technology they wanted to support through their philanthropy. In 2019 they generously donated more than $350,000 towards the replacement of this crucial piece of medical technology.
“It has always been important for us to be able to give back to our community and home.” says Paula. “We think it’s essential that our medical professionals have the proper tools to do their job to the best of their ability.”
The Heart-Lung Bypass Machine assists during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), during which the machine temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs for the duration of surgical procedures such as coronary artery bypass, cardiac valve repair or replacement, and repair of certain congenital heart defects, to name a few. It maintains the circulation of blood, making sure that the tissues of the body get the oxygen they need during the cardiac procedure.
“Heart surgery without the heart-lung machine is impossible.” says Dr. Ahmad Moustapha, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Regina General Hospital. “It is used every day throughout the year to keep patients alive during both simple and complex heart surgeries. With this incredibly generous donation, the people of Saskatchewan have access to a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that is fundamental to our health care professionals.”
“The Foundation greatly appreciates Rob and Paula Duguid, and their support in improving health care in Regina’s hospitals,” says Dino Sophocleous, president and CEO, Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “Their generous gift in support of this essential piece of technology will allow our health care teams to continue to deliver the best care possible to the people of southern Saskatchewan, right here at home.”