Every year, Squamish General Hospital's maternity ward is filled with the fresh cries of approximately 250 newborns.
"For a small hospital it seems fairly busy," said Tamsyn Jenkins, Squamish Hospital Foundation spokesperson.
Keeping up with the deliveries costs cash. There's equipment to maintain and new technology that makes the hospital's wish list every year. The facility annually hands the province its top priorities. Whatever doesn't make the cut falls in the foundation's lap.
The foundation has initiated a bright idea that will lighten up the maternity ward, while beefing up equipment to monitor babies. At the end of the month, the foundation is unveiling its baby wall - a mural that incorporates the names of children born at the hospital for a donation.
"It's a chance to say thanks to the hospital where the babies are born," Jenkins said.
The hospital has two private maternity rooms and two semi-private rooms. Funding will go toward items such as Bili lights, phototherapy tools that treat jaundice, an illness that can cause brain damage in newborns. Currently, newborns with jaundice have to go to Vancouver, Jenkins said.
In March 2011, Jenkins had her baby, Katie, at Squamish General Hospital. She added a "Thank You" card to a makeshift clipboard of baby photos in the hallway. The baby wall is a step up, depicting the forest and wildlife of Squamish and, for $25, allowing for children's names and dates of birth to be inscribed on leaves.
Larger donations will be rewarded with painted animals. Parents will get a chance to honour their new arrival with a Spirit Bear, which will be auctioned off on the foundation's Facebook page.
The existing bulletin board will be removed. Parents who would like to collect their baby's photo are asked to call (604) 898-4101.
For more information on the baby wall contact the foundation at 604-892-6090 or email [email protected] or visit www.squamishhospital.com/ways-to-give/squamish-baby-wall-program.
