File photo Dr. Lorena Jenks and Dr. Melanie Halverson check a baby in a warming centre purchased in 2015

Riverside Foundation for Health Care is helping to raise funds for a piece of equipment used in LaVerendrye Hospital’s obstetrics department.

It’s using its upcoming gala to help purchase a panda warmer.

It is used to keep newborns warm while medical staff perform a variety of tests and checks.

Foundation Director Allison Cox says it has been on Dr. Lorena Jenks’ wish list for some time.

“There’s already one in the obstetrics ward, but we’ve got two obstetrics rooms, and she thinks it’s very important to have consistent equipment across both of the rooms,” says Cox.

Cox says revenue from the upcoming fall gala will go toward its purchase.

It will also likely be a part of their Christmas campaign.

The unit now being used by hospital staff was also acquired with help from the annual gala.

This year’s event will take place on October 25.