Campaign Launches to Equip Oceanside Health Centre with Vital Signs Monitors to Meet Growing Community Demands

NANAIMO, BC – March 13, 2025, The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) has launched a targeted fundraising campaign to purchase 34 vital signs monitors to replace aging and irreparable monitors for Oceanside Health Centre.

Oceanside Urgent Care Centre was designed 12 years ago to accommodate 60-80 patients per day. But it’s busier than ever. The Centre now serves over 136 patients per day—nearly double the original capacity.

Each vital signs monitor costs $7,000, and the total campaign goal is to raise the necessary funds for 34 monitors to ensure the healthcare workers have the tools they need to provide timely, life-saving assessments. These monitors measure heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, allowing medical staff to quickly detect critical health issues and provide immediate care.

“When someone visits us, the first step in their care is simple but essential – checking their vital signs, but our aging equipment can’t keep up with demand,” said Dr. Drew Digney of the Oceanside Health Centre. “They are critical. And because our Centre is now more than a decade old and our population is growing, we urgently need to buy more of them. Without them, our existing machines will soon break down, slowing service and limiting our ability to provide the best care when you need it most.”

NDHF CEO Barney Ellis-Perry emphasized that every dollar raised will stay in the Parksville-Qualicum region and directly support healthcare services at the Oceanside Health Centre.

“Every donation to this campaign directly benefits local patients and healthcare providers right here in the Oceanside community,” said Ellis-Perry. “This is about ensuring that when you or your loved ones walk through the doors of the health centre, the tools and technology are in place to provide the best possible care.”

The campaign builds on The Foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare in the Oceanside region, having already supported vital equipment upgrades such as a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine and a new X-ray suite thanks to the support of a major donor. In addition, Oceanside welcomed two new family doctors to the region from another recent NDHF campaign focused on recruiting family doctors to meet demand.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a personal thank you to our patients. Not only for your prior generous donations but also the kindness and thanks you show us every day as we do our best under sometimes trying times. It does not go unnoticed!” added Dr. Digney.

Community members are encouraged to contribute to the campaign today. Donations can be made online at www.nanaimohospitalfoundation.com or by calling 250-755-7690.

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