The Jim Pattison Children’s Radiothon has raised $63,706 after the first day. The radiothon runs until 5:00 pm.

The radiothon is on air on 25 radio stations across the province for its final day, raising funds for lifesaving equipment and critical programming at Saskatchewan’s only dedicated children’s hospital. 

For the past 20 years, the radiothon has been the signature fundraising event for the Jim Pattison Children’s hospital. 

This year, the radiothon has a matching sponsor. 

Gord and Barb Broda from Prince Albert are long-time philanthropists and they have dedicated themselves to match up to $150,000. 

Funds raised this year will go towards enhancing provincial pediatric trauma care, improving epilepsy services and increasing capacity in the neonatal intensive care unit. 

“These programs are absolutely vital to the medical staff that are taking care of our children at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, our families and children rely on this care at the facility,” said Kristina Konchak, Hospital Liaison & Community Engagement Manager for the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation 

Pediatric trauma care has mainly been based out of the children’s emergency at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital since it was established in 2020. The program is looking to expand education and competency to Regina, Prince Albert and rural centres that receive pediatric trauma to enhance pre-hospital care. 

The Province Pediatric Trauma Program gives medical teams the tools and training to provide patient care in high-stake, rare medical emergencies affecting children. 

“The funds will be used to support trauma care, so when a child actually is, unfortunately in an accident, whether it's on the farm or in an automobile accident, they'll be able to get amazing care right in the moment that they need it,” Konchak said. 

The funds will also go towards purchasing a new portable electroencephalogram, or EEG, machine for the epilepsy services at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. 

The EEG machine monitors brain activity using small metal discs attached to the scalp. 

The hospital has found that the demand for EEG equipment is increased over the last few years and a high percentage of children suffering neurological disorders are difficult to diagnose without EEG equipment. 

Currently, pediatric neurology is sharing equipment with adult patients and requests are outnumbering the available units. 

Last, but not least, the radiothon will be raising funds to increase the capacity of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  

The children’s hospital is looking to increase its capacity from 44 isolettes to 48. However, to increase the capacity additional equipment is needed including a BabyLeo Isolette, an infant warmer that provides the optimal environment for newborns. 

To donate to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, you can call 1-888-808-KIDS (5437) or visit pattisonchildren.ca (https://pattisonchildrens.ca/)