Nicole Robson, President and CEO of Surrey Hospitals Foundation during the media announcement on July 3rd.
You may have seen the news in recent headlines or across social media: Surrey Hospitals Foundation has been officially designated as the health care foundation for the City of Surrey.
This recognition is more than a title—it’s a reflection of our community’s shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient health care system, together. And it’s a moment I want to mark with deep gratitude to our donors, partners, volunteers and everyone who has stood with us on this journey.
For decades, your support has allowed Surrey Hospitals Foundation to champion innovation, expand services and improve access to care in Surrey and for those South of the Fraser. This designation simply affirms what we’ve already been doing—with greater clarity, accountability and opportunity to serve.
Why this matters
Health care today isn’t about a single site or service—it’s about connection, coordination and continuity of care. And in a city as fast-growing, diverse and complex as Surrey, that integrated approach is not just important—it’s essential.
With this new designation, all of Surrey’s major health care facilities—Surrey Memorial Hospital, the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre, the new Surrey Hospital now under construction and our emerging centres of excellence—are united under one philanthropic partner: Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
That unity is powerful. It means we can work more closely with our health system partners, identify shared priorities and direct donor support more strategically. It gives us the ability to take a city-wide view of investment, ensuring that every dollar enhances care across the full patient journey—from prevention and early intervention to complex treatment and recovery.
Most importantly, it allows residents to support the full ecosystem of care through one trusted foundation—whether their personal connection is to one site or several. This alignment strengthens collaboration, eliminates duplication and ensures that philanthropy fuels the greatest possible impact across our health care network.
From left to right: Kirk Fisher, CEO, Lark Group; Nicole Robson, President and CEO, Surrey Hospitals Foundation; The Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, Government of British Columbia; Opreet Kang, Interim Board Chair, Fraser Health; Harp Dhillon, Chair of the Board, Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
The regional role we play
Surrey’s health care facilities are home to regional programs that serve communities well beyond our city’s borders. From specialized mental health and renal services to pediatric emergency care, our Children’s Health Centre and—soon—cardiac care and robotic-assisted surgery, these services are part of a broader system of care delivered in close partnership with Fraser Health.
As demands grow, we are stepping up to support our region’s evolving health care needs—investing in innovation, infrastructure and future-ready solutions for the entire South Fraser.
At the same time, Surrey’s rapid growth—faster than any other city in the province—is placing increasing pressure on our hospitals and care systems. We’re already home to the largest population of children and young families in B.C. and that number continues to rise. The need for targeted, strategic and long-term investment has never been more urgent.
We have a responsibility to plan for the unexpected. Climate change has increased the risk of wildfires, floods and other extreme weather events. As a connected, accessible and landlocked city south of the Fraser, Surrey must be equipped to act as a hub for critical health services—ensuring care remains within reach when it’s needed most.
Mockup of the new Surrey hospital in Cloverdale. (Fraser Health)
Looking ahead: Building together
Government and health authorities fund the core of our system—but it’s philanthropy that pushes health care forward.
At Surrey Hospitals Foundation, we work in close collaboration with Fraser Health, the Province and local partners to identify where donor support can have the greatest impact—whether it’s expanding clinical capacity, investing in technology, or advancing innovation that transforms patient care.
Our vision remains clear: to transform health care for everyone living south of the Fraser. This designation strengthens our ability to do just that. It gives our community a single, united path to support health care—one that is strategic, impactful and built on partnership.
This is a proud moment and it is just the beginning of what is to come.
Whether you’re supporting a child in crisis, a patient in surgery, or a researcher breaking new ground—you are part of the solution. Thank you for continuing to walk this path with us. We are here for you—through every milestone, every crisis and every moment in between.
We hope you’ll be here for us, too.
With gratitude,
Nicole Robson
President & CEO, Surrey Hospitals Foundation
