News from our businesses and markets

Ensuring quality health care is one way De Beers in Canada is making a lasting impact in communities close to our operations.

Recently, De Beers, which operates Victor Mine in the James Bay lowlands of Northern Ontario, donated $7,000 to the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), formally the Moose Factory General Hospital.

“Supporting quality health care is one way we are working to help improve the quality of life in the communities in which we operate,” said Shannin Metatawabin, Aboriginal Affairs and Sustainability Manger for Victor Mine. “This donation will make a difference for both our employees and everyone who lives in the communities.”

The hospital provides health care to six communities along the James Bay Coast which are home to more than 400 people who work at Victor Mine. This 37-bed facility has a staff of 14 full-time physicians and delivers most health services to the regional residents.

Earlier this year, the health authority kicked off an $80,000 fundraising campaign In Taking Care of Life, We Deliver to help fund the purchase of new equipment.

De Beers’ donation funded the purchase of a variety of equipment needed in the Obstetrics Unit, including a Panda Warmer used for labour and delivery, a Bilisoft Phototherapy System used to treat jaundice in newborns, and a Fetal Health Surveillance machine used to monitor active labour.

“We would like to thank De Beers for their generous financial contribution to our work in managing obstetrical services in the James Bay region,” said Elaine Jeffries, Clinical Resource Nurse Specialist – Maternal Newborn Care. “De Beers’ support has played a key role in our success in delivering patient safety by updating our equipment.”