Every day, Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) serves as BC’s safety net.
As the province’s leading adult trauma centre and largest surgical site, VGH cares for patients facing some of the most complex and life-threatening conditions. Around 60% of patients treated at VGH come from outside Vancouver, travelling from communities across BC to access specialized care available nowhere else.
Supporting many of these life-saving interventions is an essential team that often flies under the radar: vascular surgery. And they just got a major boost.
A grateful patient has made an anonymous $1.2 million donation to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, establishing a new Endovascular Innovation Fund at VGH. It is the largest philanthropic gift ever dedicated to vascular surgery at the hospital.
“VGH is home to the largest and busiest vascular surgery program in BC,” said Dr. Keith Baxter, Chief of Surgery and Endovascular Surgeon at VGH. “This gift will help us push the boundaries of what’s possible in vascular care, bringing the latest advances to patients who need them most. We are extremely grateful to the donor for this extraordinary act of generosity.”
On call for BC
Vascular surgeons are dedicated to the treatment of conditions affecting blood vessels, like complex aneurysms, limb-threatening arterial blockages, and strokes. They support countless specialized surgical programs at VGH – from trauma and transplant surgery to complex surgical oncology and spine surgery.
In many cases, VGH is the only hospital in BC able to perform these complex procedures. Vascular surgery helps make them possible.
They’re on call for everyone in BC.
24 hours a day. 7 days a week.
“At VGH, we are uniquely positioned to treat the sickest patients in BC thanks to our specialized facilities, tools, and programs,” Dr. Baxter said. “But we can’t stand still. The health care system is facing unprecedented demand and increasingly complex patient needs. The need for innovation has never been greater.”
The Endovascular Innovation Fund will accelerate innovation in vascular care by supporting research into emerging techniques and devices, advanced training opportunities for surgeons, residents and fellows, the acquisition of specialized equipment, and the recruitment of world-class vascular surgery experts.
“It truly will save lives for generations to come,” Dr. Baxter said.
A grateful patient gives back
The donor, who has been under the care of Dr. Baxter (pictured) for nearly two decades, has undergone multiple procedures, including two bypass surgeries. Over the years, they witnessed firsthand how innovation has transformed vascular care.
Procedures that once required large incisions and lengthy recoveries can now often be performed through minimally invasive techniques, helping patients return home sooner while reducing strain on families and the entire health care system.
Throughout their journey, the donor developed a deep appreciation for the expertise, compassion and dedication of Dr. Baxter and the entire vascular surgery team.
“This gift is our way of saying thank you,” they said, adding that they hope it will inspire others to support the people and programs that make this level of care possible.
“Most people never think about vascular surgery until they need it. But when that moment comes, having world-class expertise close to home can make all the difference. That’s exactly what we have here at VGH. If others are able to give, we hope they’ll consider supporting this important work.”
Support BC’s Hospital
Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) cares for the most complex patient needs across BC, with more than half of all patients coming from outside Vancouver for specialized care they can’t get anywhere else. Donations to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation support VGH, UBC Hospital, G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Vancouver Community Health Services. This is the power of VGH+ You.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation partners with donors to fuel groundbreaking research, world-class health care teams, and life-saving treatments benefitting everyone in BC. To donate, visit vghfoundation.ca/ways-to-give.
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