Advancing Patient Care Through the ICU Liberation Quality Initiative (QI) Project
At Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH), we are dedicated to improving the care and outcomes of our most critically ill patients. Our ICU Liberation Quality Initiative (QI) Project exemplifies this commitment, driving meaningful change in delivering critical care.
Under the leadership of Dr. Angela Babuk and supported by a passionate interdisciplinary team of nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, healthcare assistants, and others, this project leverages evidence-based strategies to improve patient outcomes in critical care.
What is ICU Liberation?
The ICU Liberation QI Project is designed to ‘liberate’ patients from the challenges often associated with prolonged critical care. By focusing on reducing time spent in critical care units, minimizing the use of mechanical ventilation, preventing delirium, and lowering ICU readmissions, this initiative ensures patients experience better long-term health outcomes.
This innovative project would not be possible without the incredible generosity of donors to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. Their support has equipped our ICU with state-of-the-art facilities, enabling our healthcare teams to implement advanced care strategies.
Looking ahead, the opening of the High Acuity Unit (HAU) in late 2025 will further enhance our ability to provide exceptional care. These developments reflect a shared commitment to transforming healthcare for our community.
Thank you to everyone who supports NRGH and our efforts to deliver world-class care. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of patients and their families.
Donor Dollars at Work: Stretcher Success in the NICU
Exciting updates from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital! Thanks to your overwhelming generosity this past Giving Tuesday, the NICU has welcomed a new essential piece of equipment: a specialized transport stretcher.
This game-changing addition is already improving care. As Trina Knight, Manager of Child, Youth & Family at NRGH, shared:
“The staff are absolutely ecstatic as this new stretcher means no more heavy lifting and moving incubators from one stretcher to another. It is so nice the incubator can stay on this new stretcher, and it safely secures into BC ambulance cars for safe transport of babies.”
The stretcher ensures safer, smoother transfers for our tiniest patients while alleviating strain on our dedicated medical staff. It’s a powerful example of how donor dollars directly enhance patient care and staff well-being.
But the journey doesn’t stop here! Additional equipment funded through your contributions – such as advanced incubators – is on its way and is arriving this January.
From all of us at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, thank you for helping us deliver innovative healthcare. Your generosity is making an extraordinary difference in the lives of our community’s youngest and most vulnerable members. Together, we are shaping the future of care on Central and North Vancouver Island.
