Dr. Michel Hjelkrem and his son, Michel Kristen, have generously donated $5,000 to the Orthopaedic Enhancement Project, the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) Health Foundation announced.
“Dr. Hjelkrem, an orthopaedic surgeon at KBRH, actively utilizes the advanced equipment funded by this project and is deeply grateful for the community’s support in making these advancements possible,” the foundation shared.
“Because of your generosity, both patients and medical staff are experiencing significant improvements in care and outcomes.”
The foundation highlighted the remarkable impact of the new equipment, noting that 80 per cent of hip replacement patients at KBRH are now able to return home the same day — a testament to the equipment’s efficacy.
“This is just one example of how your support is transforming care for patients and enhancing outcomes right here in our community,” the foundation added.
“Thank you, Hjelkrem family, for your outstanding generosity and commitment to advancing healthcare in the Kootenay Boundary.”
Michel Kristen, currently in his second year of medical school, joined his father in presenting the donation to Lisa Pasin, executive director of the KBRH Health Foundation.
Dr. Seth Bitting, another orthopaedic surgeon at KBRH, also made a generous $5,000 donation to the Orthopaedic Enhancement Project.
His contribution arrived just in time to be matched by Jim Pattison, effectively doubling its impact.
These donations will support the acquisition of advanced equipment that has already transformed orthopaedic care at KBRH.
Dr. Bitting expressed his gratitude for the community’s ongoing support of the project, stating, “The generosity of this community has been instrumental in improving the care we can provide. Your donations will help us deliver even better orthopaedic care to patients at KBRH.”
