Helping to Equip Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit to meet the needs of our Growing Community

This is a series to celebrate the community and individual donors who are making the Critical Care Unit at NRGH possible.

A Legacy of Community Support and Partnership
Coastland Wood Industries has long been an essential part of Nanaimo’s community, providing stable employment and fostering partnerships with the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Under the leadership of Bob Shields, Coastland has supported the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation for decades, including over 13 years of involvement in the Foundation’s Golf for Life event. Their continued support ensures that NRGH can meet the evolving needs of the region’s healthcare system.

The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation is proud to recognize Coastland Wood Industries’ generous support in the development of the new Critical Care Unit (ICU) at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). The Shields Foundation gift became a combined effort. To deepen their impact, Coastland set up a matching initiative, where employee donations were matched dollar-for-dollar. This collective effort enabled the hospital to acquire state-of-the-art equipment, significantly enhancing its capacity to care for ICU patients. Partners like Coastland Wood Industries have led to a new, fully equipped, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit, benefiting patients and transforming critical care for residents in the Central and North Island communities.

Honouring Employees Through Philanthropy
The donation spearheaded by Bob Shields, owner of Coastland Wood Industries and founder of The Shields Foundation, was requested with a specific dedication to his employees at Coastland. This gesture acknowledges their hard work and commitment, emphasizing that Coastland is more than just a business—it’s a community of individuals who care deeply about giving back. Shields expressed the importance of a strong, well-equipped hospital as the cornerstone of a healthy community, stating, “At the heart of every healthy community is a strong, well-equipped hospital, and we are very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this project.” -R.L. (Bob) Shields.

Meeting the Critical Care Needs of a Growing Community
The new ICU is a vital upgrade from the original 8-bed unit built in 1970, which could no longer meet the needs of a growing and aging population. Thanks to donations like Coastland’s, the expansion to 12 patient rooms enables more residents to receive the care they urgently need. These patient rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring that every detail—from the layout to the medical equipment—supports the best possible outcomes for our most critically ill patients.

The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation is deeply grateful for Coastland Wood Industries’ unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare. Their generosity is helping to build a stronger, healthier future for everyone in the Central and North Island communities.