South Okanagan Regional Hospital Campaign  Kit

Community Campaign Launched for South Okanagan General Hospital

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2025

Oliver, B.C. — The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation has officially launched a $2 million campaign to strengthen healthcare at South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH). This project will bring modern diagnostic tools to Oliver and provide housing to help keep the emergency room open and staffed.

The campaign includes 3 priorities:

    • NEW Digital X-ray Machine ($825 K):
      The X-ray machine at SOGH is one of the oldest in Interior Health. The new digital X-ray technology will deliver faster images and more accurate diagnoses, helping patients get the care they need without delay, closer to home.
    • NEW Ultrasound Services ($875 K):
      For the first time ever, patients will have access to local ultrasound at SOGH. This will prevent thousands of unnecessary trips to Penticton each year and allow for more than 2,500 scans annually, including emergency and outpatient care.
    • Workforce Housing ($300 K):
      Emergency room closures at SOGH are happening more often because there isn’t enough short-term housing for visiting doctors and nurses. By building new staff housing, we can give healthcare professionals a place to stay and help keep emergency care open when our community needs it most.

“This campaign is dedicated entirely to South Okanagan General Hospital,” said Ian Lindsay, CEO of the SOS Medical Foundation. “Every single donation will stay at SOGH, supporting the care that families in our region rely on. We need the community’s help to make this vision a reality.”

“The South Okanagan General Hospital is a cornerstone of health care for families across this region,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Investments in modern diagnostic tools and new workforce housing will strengthen care and ensure people can continue to access emergency services close to home. I applaud the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation and all the community members whose dedication is helping make this vision a reality.”

The Foundation is inviting individuals, families, service clubs, and local businesses to contribute. Donations of every size will make a tangible difference in bringing modern care closer to home for Oliver, Osoyoos, OK Falls, and Keremeos.

The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation raises funds to support healthcare across the region. Working closely with Interior Health, the Foundation helps provide equipment, facilities, and resources needed to strengthen patient care in local communities. For more than 40 years, community donations have played a vital role in ensuring that care is available close to home. Learn more at
www.sosmedicalfoundation.com.

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For more information, please contact:
Ian Lindsay, CEO, SOS Medical Foundation
250-492-9027
ian.lindsay@sosmedicalfoundation.com

Our Plan:

This campaign is dedicated entirely to South Okanagan General Hospital. Every single donation will stay at the hospital, funding projects that reduce wait times, strengthen emergency care, and give healthcare professionals the tools and housing they need to care for our communities.

Reducing Wait Times

NEW Ultrasound: $825,000

The X-ray machine at SOGH is one of the oldest in Interior Health. Outdated technology slows down care, delays diagnoses, and creates extra strain for both patients and staff.

A new digital radiography system will:

  • Deliver faster, higher-quality images
  • Provide safer, more accurate diagnoses
  • Keep technologists with patients instead of leaving to process images
  • Improve workflow and response time in emergencies.

    Advanced Technologies

    NEW Digital X-Ray Machine: $875,000

    SOGH has never had ultrasound capability. Every year, more than 3,600 patients travel to Penticton for scans, including urgent emergency transfers. In 2023 alone, ultrasound transfers from Oliver to Penticton increased by more than 40 percent.

    The addition of on-site ultrasound will:

    • Provide over 2,500 scans annually, Monday to Friday
    • Include obstetric, breast, abdominal, thyroid, and musculoskeletal imaging
    • Reduce unnecessary patient transfers
    • Relieve pressure on Penticton Regional Hospital
    • Enhance recruitment of medical professionals

      Keeping the ER Open

      NEW Staff Housing: $300,000

      To keep the Emergency Room open and staffed, the hospital needs to attract temporary doctors, nurses, and allied health staff. The SOS Medical Foundation has partnered with the Town of Oliver to fund two modular homes dedicated to visiting healthcare professionals.

      These homes will:

      • Provide temporary housing for Emergency Room locums and staff
      • Reduce Emergency Room closures caused by staffing shortages
      • Support a stable rotating workforce for long-term sustainability

        Key Messages

        • Every dollar raised will stay local in support of South Okanagan General Hospital.
        • This campaign is about ensuring families across Oliver, Osoyoos, OK Falls, and Keremeos have access to care closer to home.
        • Donor support will fund a new digital X-ray system, ultrasound services, workforce housing, and essential infrastructure upgrades.
        • Together, these improvements will enhance staff recruitment, reduce patient transfers, improve emergency services, and strengthen healthcare sustainability in the South Okanagan.

        Quotes from Ian Lindsay, CEO, SOS Medical Foundation

        • “This campaign is dedicated entirely to South Okanagan General Hospital. Every single donation will stay at the hospital, supporting the care that families in our region rely on.”
        • “For the first time, South Okanagan General Hospital will have ultrasound services, preventing thousands of patient transfers to Penticton each year.”
        • “Our communities deserve access to modern diagnostic tools and emergency services close to home.”
        • “Donations of every size will make a difference in keeping care local.”
        • “With the community’s support, we can build a stronger future for healthcare in Oliver, Osoyoos, and the South Okanagan. Together we will reduce wait times, end unnecessary transfers, and ensure doctors and nurses have the tools and housing they need to deliver exceptional care close to home.”

        About the SOS Medical Foundation

        The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation raises funds to support healthcare across the region. Working closely with Interior Health, the Foundation helps provide the equipment, facilities, and resources needed to strengthen patient care in local communities. For more than forty years, community donations have played a vital role in ensuring that care is available close to home. Visit sosmedicalfoundation.com to learn more.

        How You Can Help

        No matter who you are, there’s a way to help strengthen healthcare at South Okanagan General Hospital.

        Every contribution, whether from individuals, groups, or businesses,  will stay local and make a lasting impact on care in our communities.

        Individuals and Families

        Healthcare touches us all

        Whether it’s an emergency, a diagnosis, or peace of mind knowing care is available, your donation makes a direct difference at South Okanagan General Hospital.

        Every dollar stays in Oliver, improving care for our region.

        You can help by:

        • Making a one-time gift that supports immediate needs
        • Becoming a monthly donor and providing steady, reliable funding
        • Giving in memory or in honour of someone you love
        • Encouraging friends and neighbours to join you in supporting SOGH

        Service Clubs & Groups

        Local service clubs, faith organizations, and community groups have always been champions for healthcare.

        By coming together, your members can make a lasting impact on the future of care in Oliver, Osoyoos, OK Falls, and Keremeos.

        Your group can get involved by:

        • Hosting a fundraising event in support of the campaign
        • Making a club pledge or collective donation
        • Partnering with the Foundation to sponsor part of the project
        • Sharing the campaign message with your networks to inspire others
        • We are happy to come speak to your group or organization. Contact us to set a date and learn more.

        Businesses & Employers

        Healthy communities mean healthy businesses.

        By supporting this campaign, your company demonstrates leadership and commitment to the well-being of employees, customers, and the region you serve. Your investment will leave a lasting legacy at South Okanagan General Hospital.

        Ways your business can help:

        • Make a corporate donation toward the campaign goal
        • Sponsor vital equipment or contribute to workforce housing
        • Match employee gifts or create a workplace giving program
        • Promote your company’s support to inspire others to give