Local doctor helps hospital foundation reach campaign goal

The sound of applause echoed through the main floor corridors of Victoria Hospital Thursday morning following the announcement that the Victoria Hospital Foundation had reached its $2.2 million goal for a new neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU).

The final donation, which helped wrap up the campaign, came in the form of an $800,000 contribution from the Malhotra family, who have been a big part of health care in the community for over four decades. Dr. Lalita Malhotra fought back tears as she thanked staff at the hospital for their work.

“The staff has been my family all my life. You would not believe after my husband passed away, how much support I received from the hospital staff. They are family for me,” she said.

An emotional moment during the press conference. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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After arriving in Prince Albert in 1975, Dr. Malhotra and her late husband Tilak, became the first maternal care and pediatric physician team in the north. Over the course of her career, Dr. Malhotra has helped deliver more than 10,000 babies, many of whom would grow up to become doctors and nurses themselves. Malhotra said her greatest accomplishment has always been watching babies grow up and be successful.

“To me that is a very big thing and I feel the NICU will give another push to it,” she said.

Dr. Malhotra said her late husband would be very proud to see the work being done by staff at Victoria Hospital. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The campaign to raise $2.2 million dollars started only six months ago. The Give A Little Life Day radiothon had its biggest year ever in 2018, raising over $1 million. By mid-January, with continued support from the community, the total had jumped to $1.4 million.

Sherry Buckler, CEO of the Victoria Hospital Foundation, said they never imagined when they first started that they would reach their goal in such a short time.

“I think what that speaks to is the tenacity and might of such a small community in the north, that has always pulled together when they needed to,” she said.

The end goal is to expand the current unit’s size from 350 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. Buckler said the next step is to begin discussions with the Saskatchewan Health Authority regarding project approval and construction timelines.

“Those discussions are going to be taking place very quickly, because obviously this is an urgent need,” she said.

Among the dignitaries on hand for the announcement Thursday was former Prince Albert Grand Chief Ron Michel, who thanked Dr. Malhotra for her work and dedication to the northern communities.

Ron Michel brought remarks on behalf of Prince Albert Grand Council. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell