Together, we brought essential neonatal equipment to VJH
Giraffes are essential neonatal equipment – state-of-the-art incubators that mimic the womb and support premature babies as they grow stronger.
Our tiniest patients now have the best start possible
A few weeks ago, a pregnant mom rushed to VJH, nowhere near full term, and in active labour.
When her tiny baby was born, she was terrified. His lungs weren’t fully developed and he didn’t yet have the ability to feed. His delicate, almost-translucent skin couldn’t keep out the cold.
Without missing a beat, the medical team whisked him across the room to a waiting Giraffe, a state-of-the-art incubator that mimics the womb and helps premature babies grow stronger.
And that tiny baby boy? He was stabilized quickly in a Giraffe – the microenvironment allowed him to conserve every ounce of energy for developing and growing.
Community gives $135,000 to bring Giraffe to VJH
For our tiniest, most critically ill patients, the Giraffe delivers immediate warmth to stabilize body temperature and provides all essential infant‑sized resuscitation tools.
Giraffes are important because Vernon Jubilee Hospital is the third-busiest hospital in Interior Health, with almost 800 babies born here last year, including 10 sets of twins.
Thanks to our community’s remarkable generosity, VJH’s Women’s and Children’s department will now have two Giraffes.
Thank you to Grizzly Curb & Concrete, The Ranch 105.7 and Tim Hortons Smile Cookies for supporting our community fundraising.
