History
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH)
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) had its beginnings in the late 19th century in improvised accommodation on Chapel Street: two miners' cabins, each 15 feet by 40 feet. Between 1877 and 1881 a second building, located at the corner of Prideaux and Fitzwilliam Streets, also served as a hospital. The Nanaimo Hospital Society was incorporated in 1881. A third location was opened on Franklyn Street that year with the original miners' cabins continuing to supplement over-crowded accommodation at the other sites. In 1883, a fourth hospital was erected on Kennedy Street, serving until 1928, when a new structure was opened which, with only one major addition, served the growing community for the next 35 years. The sixth and present structure on Dufferin Crescent opened in 1963. In 1974, this facility was expanded to include the Rehabilitation Wing. In 1987, a new 150-bed Extended Care Unit, Dufferin Place Extended Care Facility, was opened adjacent to the hospital.
Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation
Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation was established in 1977 as a means through which grateful patients and loved ones could "give back" to NRGH. The Foundation began actively fundraising in 1991 in response to the rising cost of delivering quality healthcare on Central Vancouver Island. Since then, we have raised nearly $28 million for NRGH and our residential healthcare facilities Dufferin Place Extended Care Facility (Nanaimo), Eagle Park Health Care Facility (Qualicum Beach), and Trillium Lodge (Parksville). Read more about the Foundation.
Highlights Through the Years
1977
- Established as a non-profit foundation to provide funding for NRGH. Was run by the Nanaimo General Hospital Board until 1990.
1990 -1991
- Foundation opens office in the NRGH lobby.
- Equip For Life Capital Campaign raises $2 million for Phase I building project (Emergency, Lab, Medical Imaging, shelled in space for ORs).
1992 - 1994
- Foundation becomes independent, changes Constitution and Bylaws, launches first annual campaign raising $600,000.
- June 1993 - first Golf For Life Charity Classic at Fairwinds Golf & Country Club.
- February 1994 - first Lotto for Life sells out within 3 days of final draw.
1996
- Eagle Park Health Care Facility, in Qualicum Beach, joins the Foundation family.
1998
- Foundation reaches $1 million annual fundraising mark.
- Nanaimo Lifeline Program comes under the Foundation umbrella.
- First annual Financial Institutions Campaign.
2000
- Code Brew Coffee Kiosk opens in the NRGH lobby.
2002
- Foundation raises $2 million in annual campaign.
2003
- Foundation opens Beaufort Centre office.
- First Run for Life 5K Fun Run/Walk at Bowen Park.
- Successful $1.1 million campaign for Picture Archiving Computer system (PACs).
2004
- Foundation raises $3 million in annual campaign.
2005-2006
- Successful $4 million Capital Campaign to equip the new NRGH Surgical, Maternal & Infant Care wings.
2007
- Trillium Lodge, in Parksville, joins the Foundation family.
2008
- The renovated Palliative Care Unit opens in November.
2009
- The new Paediatric Ambulatory Health Clinic opens in April.
- The Government of British Columbia announces funding for a new Renal Unit and Emergency Department Expansion.
- 5,600 donors gave nearly $3.8 million in 2008/09 - the greatest
fundraising achievement in the Foundation’s history; $3.3 million cheque was presented to NRGH in June 2009.
Today