Community to Support Local Hockey Team and Emergency Care
For a fourth consecutive year, the Victoria Royals have teamed up with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to present Hockey For Hospitals in support of emergency care in our local hospitals. On January 27, the Royals will face off against the Calgary Hitmen to raise funds towards a cardiac rhythm monitor for the Royal Jubilee Hospital Emergency Department. This year, proceeds from Hockey for Hospitals will support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s $3.2 million Campaign for Cardiac Care, In a Heartbeat: Everyday Miracles.
The equipment, which costs $33,000, allows clinicians to analyze a patient’s vital signs including pulse, respiration, electrocardiography rhythm, blood pressure and body temperature ― all crucial information for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac patients. Funds will be raised through a portion of ticket sales, 50/50 ticket sales on game night and the popular Chuck-a-Puck contest which takes place at intermission.
The Royals’ mascot, Marty the Marmot, met Dr. Chris Morrow, Royal Jubilee Hospital Site Chief of Emergency and Trauma, to learn more about the equipment that the game will fund. He was joined by Victoria Royals Senior VP of Sales & Marketing, Darren Parker, Victoria Royals President & General Manager, Cam Hope, Victoria Hospitals Foundation Board Chair, Bruce Dyck, and the Foundation’s President & CEO, Melanie Mahlman.
“I use the cardiac rhythm monitor every single day,” said Dr. Morrow. “With a growing number of patients needing emergency care, and especially for patients with cardiac issues who need immediate attention, having this equipment is incredibly important.”
“Cardiac care affects all of us,” said Hope. “We all know someone ― a family member, friend or neighbour, who has experienced cardiac issues. It’s so comforting to know that we have a cardiac centre of excellence right here at Royal Jubilee Hospital and that their Emergency Department is equipped with the best tools possible to diagnose cardiac patients. We are grateful for our local caregivers and are proud to support them and the patients they serve.”
Last year, the Emergency Department at Royal Jubilee Hospital treated over 57,000 cases ― 9,500 of which were cardiac emergencies. Since the first game in 2015, Hockey for Hospitals has raised more than $62,000 to fund leading-edge equipment.
Discounted tickets are available online at www.victoriahf.ca/tickets
