Westman Business | 2025

THE BRANDON SUN • WESTMAN BUSINESS • OCTOBER 25, 2025

Critical Care building requires a Foundation of support

Above: An artist’s rendering of the new Critical Care building at Brandon Regional Health Centre. Below: Jessica Saler, Communications and Development Coordinator, Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation. (Submitted)

That’s the goal for the Brandon Re- gional Health Centre Foundation’s capital campaign called “A Foundation for Care.” “When we launched in June of 2024, the goal was $2,000,000 and this past spring we increased that goal to $4,000,000. So where we were at 50 per cent of the way, we’re now at 25 per cent of the way,” said Jessica Saler, communications and devel- opment coordinator at the Brandon Re- gional Health Centre Foundation. The amount to be fundraised is deter- mined from what is called a “community contribution.” “When there’s a large project and the government is funding the majority of it - in this case it’s the hospital expan- sion - there’s a certain amount of money required to come from the community,” she said. Funds from the campaign will go to- ward construction of the Critical Care building and equipment. Plans include a new and expanded ICU unit increas- ing from 10 beds to 16 beds. The current ICU is a shared space with only a few feet between each of the beds. The new unit will provide private rooms for every single ICU patient. “Patients will have their own individual rooms with space for visitors and medical equipment and family members won’t have to leave during rounds due to pri- vacy concerns,” she said.

Another part of the Critical Care building project is an outdoor court- yard for patients and their families. The outdoor space will provide some respite from the stress of being in hospital, and enhance the overall patient experience as they recover. A key benefit of the new building is the drastic reduction in patient transfers to other facilities. “This reduces the burden of trav- el to receive critical care and it keeps patients near their families and their support networks,” Saler said. “And we know studies have shown this improves patient outcomes.” Staff will also benefit. The new set- ting will allow them to dedicate their time and attention to the direct care of patients rather than administration of patient transfer. “We’re reducing those challenges. And the new facility will have a long term im- pact on staffing, helping to improve both retention and recruitment initiatives.” To help showcase these endeavours, the BRHC Foundation has completed an im- portant communications project with the launch of a video on both their homepage and the capital campaign page. “It illustrates what the old ICU looks like and what the new ICU unit is going to look like,” Saler said. “You’ll also hear from the physicians and the ICU manager about why this is so important. It really helps people to learn more and to get that visual to see and un- derstand why we need this new space.” A visit to the website will provide basic information to donors. Donors are also welcome to come to the office in person to ask questions and obtain details. It is possible to donate over the phone and through the website directly. “We also have naming rights oppor- tunities for those who want to make a

larger donation. There are great ways to leave a meaningful legacy within this new space and to show your support and commitment. “You can be confident in knowing where your money is going.” Annual fundraising events hosted by the BRHC Foundation like the Annual Gala Dinner, the Under the Tree of Life Campaign, and the Annual Holiday Pan- cake Breakfast all help to move the cam- paign towards its goal. Information about events are on the website as well as in the regular newsletter. But Saler says even bigger news is coming up. “I think people have been waiting a re- ally long time to see this and we’re really excited to be able to bring it now as we’re going to do a region wide, public 50/50 with the proceeds going to the capital campaign,” Saler said. Tickets go on sale on Oct. 14 with the first draw on Jan. 9, 2026. “Tickets are a great Christmas gift, es- pecially when the pot starts at $2000 right off the bat!” she said. With so many ways to contribute, there’s an opportunity for everyone to become a donor and help to make a meaningful dif- ference to the community. “You never know what the day is going to bring for you or a loved one. And if your day brings you to critical care, you want to know you have the best space and equip- ment available so our staff can provide the best care possible,” Saler said. “At the Brandon Regional Health Cen- tre Foundation, we need and welcome all the help we can get to bring that dream to life.” Reach out to the Brandon Region- al Health Centre Foundation office at info@brhcfoundation.ca or call: 204-578-4227. 

BY WENDY KING C apacity for care in a hospital setting is often referred to as the “number of beds.” But capacity for care is more than a bed. It’s about ensuring that each patient receives the individualized medical care they need in a dignified, comfortable setting.

The second floor will provide 30 higher-acuity medical beds which will include showers and washrooms. Modern state-of-the-art equipment and technology will en- hance treatment. “High-acuity patients still need specialized critical care.

The new rooms will be better equipped to manage those complex cases that require really close monitoring,” she said.