VGH Thrift Store spares surgical patients infections

Above photo: Lynn Paddon, patient services manager of the VGH Thoracics Unit, proudly displays the new bladder scanner bought with funds donated by the VGH Thrift Store.

Thanks to a $16,000 donation from the Vancouver General Hospital Thrift Store, surgical patients are less likely to acquire a urinary tract infection.

The VGH Thoracics Unit — home of the Vancouver Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplant Program — has purchased a new bladder scanner with funds donated by VCH-Vancouver’s one and only thrift store. The ultrasound device, representing the latest in mobile bladder-scanning technology, will benefit lung transplant, lung cancer and other thoracic patients after surgery.

“With the bladder scanner, nurses can ensure patients are catheterized after surgery only when necessary,” explains Lynn Paddon, patient services manager. “Preventing unnecessary catheterization reduces the likelihood for patients to acquire urinary tract infections.”

The VGH Thrift Store’s donation to the VGH Thoracics Unit is just one example of the store’s many recent donations. Total donations towards VCH-Vancouver acute and community services in 2017 exceeded $68,000.

VGH Thrift Store appreciates your support

Store donations benefitting VCH-Vancouver patients, clients and residents wouldn’t be possible without your support. The VGH Thrift Store welcomes your clothing, books and other household items for resale. Please drop off donations during store hours only.

Store hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Address: 2535 E. Hastings Street
Phone: (604) 876-3731