There is a chance to create a new reality in Northwest BC for women like Emily...Emily's baby isn't due for another 5 weeks but suddenly the birth is imminent.  She rushes to the hospital but they tell her they don't have the facilities to support her pre-term birth at 34 weeks so they plan for a medical evacuation.  They put her in an ambulance and whisk her to the airport.  Everyone hopes the weather clears so the plane can take off, otherwise it's a 90 minute ambulance ride (without cell service) to the next airport.  

Her family has no choice but to watch her leave them, her community and her support system behind at one of the most stressful times in her life!  If only there was a neonatal intensive care unit CLOSER TO HOME!

If we are lucky, once in a lifetime a project arrives that can benefit generations to come.  Beyond the scope of the new replacement hospital coming in 2 short years, there is the opportunity to add a Tier 3 Neonatal ICU- Special Care Nursery.  This will feature 4 private rooms for the newborn and parents and will allow the hospital to advance from supporting deliveries at 37 weeks to 34 weeks and 32 weeks in emergencies.  

Mills Memorial hospital is the site for 40% of all births in the region.  A NICU will offer transformative care by keeping mothers and newborns closer to home!