A group of North Delta students is hosting a fundraiser to benefit to new cardiac catheterization labs set to come online at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
On Sunday (Dec. 17), youths from Seaquam Secondary under the banner of a new non-profit group called Hope4Hearts are hosting “Heartwarming Festival,” a cash-only holiday-themed event at the North Delta Recreation Centre from noon to 6 p.m.
The festival will raise money for Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s “Keep Hearts Beating Close to Home” campaign to build and equip two “cath labs” at Surrey Memorial Hospital — the facility’s first.
“With these new cath labs, Surrey Memorial Hospital’s interventional cardiologists will be able to diagnose and treat problems in heart and blood vessels before they cause larger issues, such as a heart attack or stroke. And in the case of a completely blocked coronary artery, urgent intervention in a cardiac cath lab could mean the difference between life and death,” according to the campaign page on the Surrey Hospitals Foundation website.
Eshaan Tirumala, a Grade 11 student at Seaquam and member of Hope4Hearts, said having a cath lab at Surrey Memorial would “greatly increase the accessibility of cardiac health care” in the area, noting the nearest one for Surrey/Delta residents is in New Westminster.
“Our organization is focusing on this cause because of the dire need for cardiac health care in our community,” he told the Reporter via email. “We have noticed the overwhelming amount of adults and elderly who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. This is why we decided to partner with Surrey Memorial Hospital to ensure this cath lab can be established as quickly as possible.”
Tirumala said attendees Sunday can expect to enjoy a variety of Christmas-themed activities at different stations, including do-it-yourself candle and ornament decorating and on-site gift-wrapping.
“You will also be able to write letters to Santa, get your face painted, take pictures at our photo booth and more,” he said. “By doing these activities, you can gain raffle tickets for the chance to win one of three prizes.”
There will be chicken and vegetarian hot dogs, chips, juice boxes and baked goods for sale, with all proceeds from food sales and the $5 entrance fee going to support the cath lab campaign. There will be an information booth at the event so guests can learn more about where their money is going.
The two new cardiac catheterization labs are among 30 “promised health care actions” announced by Health Minister Adrian Dix in June aimed at improving and expanding care at Surrey’s bustling and oft-embattled hospital.
Other actions include improving and increasing capacity for orientation and adaptation care, surgeries and clinical care; introducing an interdisciplinary team for child and youth mental health for emergency care and increased staffing for the pediatric emergency department; building out internal medicine teaching units to support recruitment; increasing capacity to discharge patients; funding for clinical associates, associate physicians and nurse practitioners; a refreshed clinical service plan for the Surrey-Delta region focusing on renal services within 18 months; adding a second radiology suite at the hospital; adding net new MRI/CT machines with cardiac capabilities and access to diagnostic services; completing renovations of operation rooms; and expanding outpatient, home health, clinical social work, physiotherapy and respiratory services.
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— with files from Anna Burns