Ocean Beach Hospital Foundation was excited to receive a $30,000 donation from Oman & Son via the Joanne Oman Memorial Foundation towards the Light Up the O.R.! campaign. Left to right Jason Jacobs, Sondra Nash-Eaton, Phil Allen, Sally Macy, Stevie Oman, Nancy Miller and Troy Ramsey

Ocean Beach Hospital Foundation (OBHF) has announced the successful completion of its “Light Up the OR!” campaign.

“Just a year ago the foundation committed to raising $60,000 toward needed improvements in lighting of the Ocean Beach Hospital operating suite,” OBHF President Sally Macy said. “Thanks to generous donations from the community, that goal was met and exceeded within a year. We couldn’t be more excited!”

Improved lighting is a key part of a $900,000 upgrade to the surgical suite. New operating room lights and booms, which get equipment and wiring trip hazards off the floor, will cost about $270,000. The balance will be used to install new fire sprinklers and air handler units, upgrade the decontamination zone, perform general updates like painting and floors and enhance staff and patient flow. The OR refresh is scheduled to start by early 2025 and will take about a year to complete.

The impact of the new operating suite was outlined by OBH surgeon Dr. Gerald Weaver. “During my 35-year career, I’ve worked in many different environments,” Weaver said. “The atmosphere and visibility in a surgical suite are critical factors. Ocean Beach Hospital and staff work hard to optimize operating standards with limited space and means. Our ability to adapt for various types of surgical services will be a common denominator.

“As OBH aims to attract a new generation of surgeons or add ophthalmology and orthopedic services, updating and improving our operating suite lighting is essential. The community’s support for these improvements is greatly appreciated and an investment now will lead to returns we all will be able to appreciate.”

Over the past year, businesses, individuals and the community have generously supported this campaign.

Local businesses have stepped up in a major way, led by a $30,000 donation from Oman and Son Builders Supply — in conjunction with the Joanne Oman Memorial Foundation. Other major business donors include Bank of the Pacific ($1,000), Great Northwest FCU ($500), Wipfli ($500), Integrate Architecture & Planning, Harbor Pacific, and Fireside Inn and Saloon.

Community groups and individuals have also risen to the challenge, including a $10,000 gift in memory of Gene Itzen and donations from the Ocean Beach Hospital Auxiliary ($500) and VFW Post No. 3721.

The most recent foundation auction raised $7,900 thanks to many local businesses and individuals. Two raffles with prizes donated by Marie Powell, Don Nisbett, Blaine Gunkel, and Mike and Joan Porter raised almost $2,000.

The foundation will continue to accept gifts designated for the operating room lights.