The Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH) Foundation is seeking funds for panda warmers, an essential piece of equipment in the hospital's pediatric department.

Panda warmers provide immediate warmth to stabilize tiny newborn bodies while healthcare workers perform a vital initial assessment and monitor each baby鈥檚 health.

The foundation's annual spring fundraising campaign, launched on April 15, will seek to purchase two panda warmers.

鈥淭his equipment helps staff feel confident that they are providing the highest standard of care,鈥� said Dr. Jody Snook, head of VJH Pediatrics department. 鈥淚f necessary, the basic tools for critical interventions are all available. But perhaps most importantly, panda warmers give mom and dad peace of mind because they keep their baby right there beside them.鈥�

Danika Wells is an ICU nurse at the VJH. Both of her children, Maeva and Sullivan had struggled to breathe upon birth, because of mucus in the lungs. They were both promptly whisked across the room to a waiting panda warmer before being stabilized. 

鈥淚 certainly never expected both of my babies to need it," said Wells, remarking that both Maeva and Sullivan are thriving. "But I鈥檓 so grateful it was there because it meant they got the excellent care they needed at VJH.鈥�

The VJH is the third busiest hospital in Interior Health with almost 900 babies born yearly. Having essential labour and delivery equipment means newborns get the best possible care close to home.

鈥淲hen we heard that our hospital鈥檚 fleet of panda warmers is aging, it was a no-brainer to focus our appeal this year to replace these machines," said Kate McBrearty, executive director at the VJH Foundation. "We know how important it is to have cutting-edge technology to offer the best care locally."

The VJH Foundation will be joining forces again with Tim Hortons' smile cookies campaign from April 28 to May 4. All proceeds from the $2 cookies sold in Lumby and Vernon Tim Hortons will be donated to the foundation.

On May 28, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the 22nd annual Have a Heart Radiothon will take place, with all funds raised going towards the VJH Foundation.

For more information, and to donate, visit . Additionally, every gift donated will be doubled by Grizzly Curb and Concrete up to $20,000.