Whether emergency or elective, major or minor, a surgery is a significant and stressful event in anyone’s life. It can mean a nervous wait, a stay in the hospital, and sometimes a long road to recovery.

In 2021, 22,755 surgeries were performed in Regina’s hospitals, and demand will continue to grow. That’s why Hospitals of Regina Foundation has committed to making lives better for those who require surgery, as well for as those who perform it.

The Foundationhas raised and invested $3 million in support of upgrades to the surgical suites at Regina General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital - specifically, replacing the over 30-year-old surgical booms. The new surgical booms will allow for the safest use of medical gases such as anesthesia, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. In addition, new surgical booms will keep surgical monitors and other audio-visual devices, electrical power plugs and other equipment out of the way of the surgical team, while still easily accessible. This in turn reduces tripping hazards in the operating room, and centralizes surgical equipment to make the process safer (for patients and staff) and more efficient.

This is the second phase of surgical upgrades the Foundation has committed to. In 2014, the Foundation partnered with PotashCorp, now Nutrien, who generously matched donations dollar-for-dollar to help us raise an incredible $2.5 million. This investment replaced aging equipment, and purchased new technology that allowed surgeries to be completed more efficiently and safely. This successful campaign has helped countless people receive better and faster surgical care in Regina’s hospitals, and live better lives.

Click here to read Amanda Chase’s story. Amanda is a real life example of how investments in surgical equipment are helping people in our community live better lives.