Gaglardi Family with representatives from Vancouver Coastal Health and VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

Vancouver, BC – Phil Gaglardi was a minister and politician who was instrumental in building roads across the province. His wife Jennie dedicated her life to the church as a minister and Sunday school teacher. Almost two decades after their passing, the Gaglardis’ are leaving a legacy that will build the foundation for health care in the province for decades to come.

The VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is the grateful recipient of a $25 million donation from the children and grandchildren of the late Phil and Jennie Gaglardi. The Gaglardis’ gift will go to the Future of Surgery Campaign to expand surgical services at Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital.

“This gift will make a difference in the lives of our patients,” says Barbara Grantham, President and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “Phil and Jennie Gaglardi contributed a tremendous amount to public life and community leadership in British Columbia, and in recognition of their generous gift, we are naming the new surgical area at Vancouver General Hospital the Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Surgical Centre.”

The Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Surgical Centre will be located in the Jim Pattison Pavilion. The new surgical suite is part of a $102 million project that includes 16 new state-of-the-art operating rooms, a 40-bed hospital unit for care before and after surgery, new communication systems to manage activities for health professionals across two operating floors, and upgraded infrastructure.

“It is vital for our city and province to deliver progressive health care which is why we are investing in infrastructure at VGH, and the opportunity to help in this way really resonated with our family,” says Tom Gaglardi. “My grandparents were builders and ministers who derived their greatest joy from helping others. I can’t think of what could be more important than helping people from across BC in the new operating rooms at VGH.”

“The 16 new state-of-the-art operating rooms will ensure that VGH has the ability to meet the demand for surgical procedures from across BC for years to come,” says Dr. Marcel Dvorak, Vancouver Coastal Health Associate Senior Medical Director. “The ability to efficiently use these rooms will further our commitment to ensure our patients receive timely access for their emergency surgery, urgent procedures, and the scheduled surgery that is so connected to maintaining healthy and active lifestyles.”

As part of a broader strategy to improve patient access to surgery and reduce wait times, some surgeries that were traditionally done at VGH are shifting to UBC Hospital. A new eight-bed high acuity unit will support more complex cases. Inpatient units will be enhanced and expanded to improve patient care.

“We really wanted to cement my grandparents’ legacy in an important Vancouver institution like VGH,” says Gaglardi. “We’re very fortunate to be in a position to be able to do something like this.”

Vancouver Coastal Health

Vancouver Coastal Health is responsible for the delivery of $3.3 billion in community, hospital and residential care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. VCH also provides highly specialized care and services for people throughout BC and is the province’s hub of health care education and research.

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation 

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health’s primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health services and research for all British Columbians. The Foundation partners with donors to drive innovation and sustainable health care at VGH & UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Vancouver Community Health Services.

CONTACT:

Carrie Stefanson
Public Affairs Leader
Vancouver Coastal Health
Office: 604.708.5338
Cell: 604.312.1148
Email