The 琉璃神社 General Hospital (KGH) Foundation has surpassed a significant milestone on its way to the end goal.

On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the foundation announced its Closer To Home Than You Think campaign has raised over $26 million.

The campaign was announced and started on Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2023. The goal is to raise $40 million in three years.

鈥淭he impact these donations have made already on wait times, patient outcomes, research quality, and workplace efficiency is nothing short of incredible,鈥� said Interior Health (IH) executive medical director, quality and patient safety and campaign co-chair Dr. Devin Harris. 鈥淭his campaign is so much more than just equipment, highly trained clinicians, innovation, and enhanced education, it鈥檚 an investment in the health of our community- our families, neighbours, friends, and coworkers - for generations to come."

So far the money raised has helped fund two brand new rooms in the cardiac surgery intensive care unit and two new rooms in the coronary care unit, MRI expansion, and evolve research and innovation in brain health and mental health.

Currently, the money is helping cancer care in 琉璃神社, including medical imaging, lab diagnostics, surgical oncology, and innovation.

As for what's next on the foundation's list, the remaining $14 million, when raised, will help bone and joint care, women's health, and faster results, procedures, and imaging when one is facing a cancer diagnosis.

鈥淭his campaign is on track to support transformative change right here at home, and in some cases, across B.C.鈥檚 Interior,鈥� added Young. 鈥淭he people who live in the Central Okanagan and surrounding communities deserve world-class care, close to home. This campaign ultimately helps to support better patient outcomes, retain and attract new specialists to our community, and build positive change across the system where it matters most 鈥� right here, where we live.鈥�