Meet the man whose job is to breathe for you, when you cannot.
We sat down with Marvin Nicklas a Registered Respiratory Therapist since 1988. Marvin has worked all over Western Canada and in the Middle East throughout his career and has been in Prince Albert for the past 15 years. He is one of 6 respiratory therapists at the Victoria Hospital.
Respiratory therapists are the unsung heroes of our hospitals. They work quietly behind the scenes and always have. You may be referred to one if you struggle with a chronic lung condition such as COPD, asthma or pneumonia. Or in the case of an acute emergency or trauma, you will need them to intervene to keep you breathing. From infants and children to adults, they work throughout the entire hospital in acute care and primary care settings. When it comes to chronic lung illnesses such as COPD, Marvin says there is no quick fix for anything, but respiratory therapists are there to work with each patient and help them understand the importance of their lung health.
Now, the question on everyone’s minds: ventilators and this terrible pandemic. We asked Marvin about this, “When a patient has been deprived of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level, they become hypoxic. An oxygen level below 80% is dangerous to our vital organs and intervention is required. Ventilating a patient is never our first choice and is almost always a sign that things are extremely serious.” Ventilation requires sedation to paralyze the patient in order to insert the equipment, and the goal is to have you on the ventilator for as short as time as possible. “But that isn’t always how it works out”, he said. What was scary to hear, is how many ICU survivors who come off the ventilator suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nearly one third of those patients show symptoms of PTSD for up to two years, sometimes even longer.
“That’s because being on a ventilator is a terrible experience for most people,” Marvin said. “And once on the ventilator, if things deteriorate, it can be heartbreaking for family and for the patient as there really is no way to say your goodbyes.”
During this pandemic, Marvin said his team has been run off their feet - particularly during the months November – January when hospitalizations and community cases were so high. Caring for up to 8 ventilated patients in our ICU, and managing many more on other floors with lung and breathing issues, keeps them extremely busy.
I asked Marvin if he was afraid of contracting the virus himself since he is working with COVID patients every day. He said, “Absolutely. I worry about it all the time. I’m 64 after all! But it doesn’t stop me from going to work, and I push it out of my mind the minute I walk in the hospital door.”
When asked about how COVID compares to the other respiratory diseases he has come across in his 33 years of practice, he said, “This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. This virus has no rules and it scares the hell out of me. We cannot predict its path - you think it’s going in one direction, and then all of a sudden it goes another. People think that only the elderly or those with comorbidities are at risk.” He went on to explain how untrue that is, and that he has even ventilated young, healthy adults.
Marvin worked through the last pandemic – when H1N1 was circulating and said, looking back, that pandemic was so much easier. With COVID, “our small hospital in Prince Albert has never seen so many ventilated patients at one time.” He explained how hard it is on the mental health of staff when they want a patient to get well so badly, and they are not. When he described their long days, it sounded like a war zone. The feeling of being emotionally drained and physically exhausted at the end of each day only to come in tomorrow to find more sick people needing help to breathe. It’s a battle each day, he says. Thankfully, mental health supports are available for the staff through the SHA, but as Marvin says, “Often you are so stretched for time you are simply in ‘survival mode.’” He says being able to handle stress and pressure is a vital skill for respiratory therapists and all front line staff since it is a regular occurrence on the best of days. And on the worst of days such as during this pandemic, it’s the only way to make it through.
Aside from Covid-19, we also learned how critical respiratory therapists are to our sick babies in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Pediatrics and neonatal care also require Marvin’s expertise and knowledge. Many fragile newborns born at the Victoria Hospital require a respiratory therapist by their side for the first hours and days of their life since the lungs are the last major organ to mature in newborn babies. In November of 2018, premature triplets were born at the Victoria Hospital and they survived only because of the amazing work of our nursing, pediatric, and respiratory therapist teams. This is what we mean when we say, “it takes a village.”
Marvin explained one of the hardest parts of his job is wanting to be at the bedside of each patient who needs him. Unfortunately, like everything else, respiratory therapists must prioritize and manage the crises as each one presents itself. Being pulled in different directions is one of the greatest challenges they face, so prioritizing becomes critical. Without being able to determine who needs their help most urgently, someone will most certainly face death.
What makes Marvin happy at work? Interacting with his colleagues, getting to know some of his patients and most of all seeing them survive and return home to their loved ones.
As a front line worker, Marvin recently received his first vaccination and is looking forward to his second shot. In the meantime, he will continue to be at the bedside of those who need the help only a respiratory therapist can provide.
On behalf of the Victoria Hospital Foundation and our entire community, we would like to thank and celebrate the ongoing skill and dedication of Marvin and all our respiratory therapists at the Victoria Hospital.
Perilous times often illuminate the heroes we never knew existed, and for that, we are all eternally grateful.
By Sherry Buckler|Victoria Hospital Foundation
The Victoria Hospital Foundation is thrilled to announce a major gift of $50,000 from the Northern Lights Community Development Corporation toward our NICU for the North campaign. The campaign gift brings our new fundraising total to $677,000.00 toward the 2.5M goal for new equipment and technology for the expanded NICU set to open this fall.
On behalf of the NLCDC and we are proud to invest in the health of our community and in particular, our most fragile newborns born at the Victoria Hospital. It is important to us to ensure that babies born in our communities, remain as close to home as possible, while receiving the highest standard of care. Our organization’s goal is to achieve healthy, prosperous and sustainable communities and we are proud to partner with the Victoria Hospital Foundation for such an investment in our future. Blake Charles, GM, NLCDC
The “Little Lives-Local Love” initiative was launched in the fall of 2020 kicking off a 2.5 million dollar, multi year campaign to raise money to equip and furnish the new NICU at the Victoria Hospital for every mother and newborn in the north.
The entire NICU project which includes the 2018 construction campaign and the current equipment campaign, is a total 5 million dollar investment into the healthcare of our newborns. The NICU for the North is 100% funded by the Victoria Hospital Foundation with the support of their local community.
“We are honoured and grateful to the Prince Albert Grand Council and the members of the NLCDC for their generous gift to our NICU. Keeping our most fragile babies and their families close to home, is a goal that unites us all and allows us to share a common vision for all families in the north—to ensure that our hospital can always deliver the best healthcare possible for our babies and children.” Sherry Buckler, CEO Victoria Hospital Foundation
Fundraising for the NICU continues. For more information or to donate to the campaign, please visit helpthevic.ca, call 306-765-6105, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As always, 100% of your donation to the Victoria Hospital Foundation stays in our community for the benefit of patients and families here at home.
Contact:
Sherry Buckler, CFRE
Victoria Hospital Foundation|CEO
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(306)940-6787 phone
Blake Charles, General Manager
Northern Lights Community Development Corporation
306-953-7259 phone
Local healthcare, for our children, right here at home.
The Victoria Hospital Foundation, the Car Guys @ Mann Northway GM, and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group are proud to announce the outstanding success of the 15th annual Give a Little Life Day Radiothon. The single-day, 12-hour radiothon was broadcast on three JPBG stations from 6 am—6 pm raising funds to equip the new NICU for the North at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. The final total as of 6 pm on Friday, was $592,563.00 with donations still coming in online.
The “Little Lives-Local Love” initiative was launched this fall kicking off a 2.5 million dollar, multi-year campaign to raise money to equip and furnish the new NICU at the Victoria Hospital for every mother and newborn in the north.
The entire NICU project which includes the 2018 construction campaign and the current equipment campaign, is a total 5 million dollar investment into the healthcare of our newborns. The NICU for the North is 100% funded by the Victoria Hospital Foundation with the support of their local community.
“If there’s anything this pandemic has taught us, it’s that quality community-focused healthcare is more critical now than ever. We are humbled and grateful to our community for supporting this year’s fundraising effort. Keeping our most fragile babies and their families close to home, is our highest priority and our Foundation is committed to ensuring that our hospital can always deliver the best healthcare possible for our babies and children.”
Sherry Buckler, CEO Victoria Hospital Foundation
The Foundation thanks their 2020 presenting sponsor The Car Guys - Mann Northway GMC who announced an incredible gift of $72,000 to the campaign. In addition, Mann Northway also gave up one of their two drive-thru bays for the entire 12-hour event to provide a safe and contactless donation station for anyone wishing to donate in person.
“What an amazing and rewarding experience for everyone involved! We are so proud to be part of such an amazing and important cause. A huge success and thank you to everyone who donated and made an effort for our community.”
Mark Ripley, Dealer Principal|Mann Northway Prince Albert
Fundraising for the NICU continues. For more information or to donate to the campaign, please visit helpthevic.ca, call 306-765-6105, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. As always, 100% of your donation to the Victoria Hospital Foundation stays in our community for the benefit of patients and families here at home.
Contact:
Sherry Buckler, CFRE
Victoria Hospital Foundation|CEO
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Prince Albert, SK
(306)940-6787 phone (306)765-6120 fax
Mark Ripley, Dealer Principal
Mann Northway Prince Albert
306-765-2200
Baby Benson Buckingham
On June 5, 2020 my husband Jerad & I excitedly drove to the Victoria Hospital to be induced to have our first baby. The induction went as planned and I began to endure a very long labor. Two days later around 4:30 am, with no further progress, we decided with the OBGYN on call, that we were going to have a C-Section – the baby’s head was tilted, and we knew that it was going to be a large baby. Our baby boy was born at 5:07 am, he let out a big scream and a pee, then he turned blue. The nurses whisked him away to the Nursery to begin working on him. We were told that Benson’s oxygen levels had depleted, so they had him hooked up to many machines under a heat lamp to monitor him. This was helping him with his breathing and reduce the “junk” in his lungs. I am very thankful for those nurses that day. We held his hand through the machines, IV lines and tubes that surrounded him. We spent as much time as we could in the Nursery but it was crowded, hot, and we had absolutely no privacy. At many points throughout our stay there was upwards of seven to nine babies having to use the Nursery. Every time we came in to visit Benson, it had been rearranged to accommodate more babies & more machines. The current space is made to accommodate four babies, which is being generous. I had to learn to nurse my baby in amongst many other families spending time with their babies. Many times, due to lack of privacy, and other mothers trying to nurse their babies, Jerad was unable to be in the Nursery with Benson. Thankfully, our stay in the Nursery/hospital only lasted 4 days. The doctors and nurses were second to none. Benson is now 5 months old, and he is thriving! When we found out that this years “Give A Little Life Day” was going towards machines for the new NICU for families that unfortunately have to use this service, Jerad and I both knew we had to do something to help. On Dec 4th, please donate for babies like Benson that need a little extra help.
An Opportunity to Change Neonatal Care In The North – Forever.
Listen LIVE Friday, December 4, 2020 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m on all three Jim Pattison Broadcast Group stations.
Head over to our Give A Little Life Day page to read all about this year's campaign to equip and furnish our new NICU
Click here to make your donation today!
Congratulations to Cory Durand, one of the recipients of the M.Z. Hussain Memorial Scholarship Grants. She's using her grant towards her tuition for the pharmacy technician diploma.
Thank you to PA Pharmacy and the Ali family for sponsoring these grants in memory of Dr. Hussain.
Stay tuned for details of the next granting cycle.
Who says we can’t golf during a pandemic? The need for strong local healthcare is as critical as ever and we are thrilled to announce the annual ELGC fundraising golf tournament is going ahead this year – with a twist!
When you register and golf between July 1 and September 1, 2020 (maximum 144 golfers) at Emma Lake Golf Course, you will be able to participate in raising money for the residents in Long Term Care at Herb Bassett Home and Pineview Terrace. Funds raised from this event help to keep our new resident van on the road!
Proudly presented by Schaan Home Healthcare and Emma Lake Golf Course, the 9th Annual ELGC Vic Hospital Foundation Charity Classic is $150 per golfer or $600 for a team of four. Your registration fee includes:
- Texas scramble format, 18 holes, carts included
- Complimentary meal at the clubhouse whenever is convenient during your game
- $100 charitable tax receipt
- Chance to win prizes
It’s Simple!
- Call (306)982-2054 to book your tee time
- Click here to register and pay online.
We hope you will join us at the lake this summer and golf to support our residents in Long Term Care. Thank you to Emma Lake Golf Course and Schaan Home Healthcare for making this event possible.
Sponsored by:





In light of the March 13th communication from the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Chief Medical Health Officer restricting gatherings of over 250 people, we have no choice but to postpone our Doctor’s Gala scheduled for April 18th. The new date is to be determined based upon the recommendations of the SHA and Public Health.
The health and safety of our guests is paramount, and given that this gala is meant to celebrate our medical professionals, we feel it is our duty to protect our physicians and guests by strictly following the protocol as outlined by our chief medical officer. We wish to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
We will be reaching out personally to each ticket purchaser, vendor, and sponsor in the coming days.
For more information:
Sherry Buckler|CEO
Victoria Hospital Foundation
(306)765-6105
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We are thrilled to hear from the Premier today, the exciting announcement of a new Victoria hospital in Prince Albert.
Our Foundation has enjoyed the trust of our community for the last 35 years. Since 1985, the Victoria Hospital Foundation has had no other mission but to fundraise and invest millions into local healthcare for the benefit of patients and families here at home.
Our Foundation has been expecting this announcement and as a result, we’ve been preparing internally for a major campaign. We recognize that a new healthcare facility will require a significant community contribution toward equipment and our Foundation is set to lead the effort. In that spirit, we’d like to announce a kick-off donation from our board and staff in the amount of $100,000.
In the meantime, we encourage our community to start thinking about how they would like to support and shape their new hospital and be part of a lasting legacy for their children and grandchildren. Soon, it will be time to truly “Help the Vic.”
Thank you to Premier Scott Moe and the Ministry of Health for recognizing and addressing the needs of our northern communities. It is a great day for healthcare in the north.
“With excitement and renewed hope, our Foundation looks forward to working with all of our donors, surrounding communities, the Ministry of Health, and the Health Authority to achieve what will be a significant leap for northern healthcare.”
Sherry Buckler, CEO, Victoria Hospital Foundation
“The Victoria Hospital Foundation is poised to lead a new hospital fundraising campaign with passion and confidence. Thank you to the Premier and the Health Ministry for this outstanding news which will result in expanded health care services across Northern Saskatchewan.”
Lyle Karasiuk, Board Chair,
Victoria Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
Congratulations to Shelby Bonik from Home Care. She's the winner of the VHF Staff 50/50. Her winnings this pay period are $8850!
Current staff of the former health region can enter the draw by clicking here!
Congratulations to Emily Frost, the latest Staff 50/50 winner. She's won $8822.50!!
Current staff of the former PAPHR can enter here.
The Victoria Hospital Foundation is excited to announce a special donation to the kids at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert! The Car Guys at Mann Northway GMC unveiled two brand new mini battery operated trucks dedicated to the pediatric patients of the hospital.
The Victoria Hospital sees hundreds of children each year, through our pediatric, day surgery and mental health/family treatment units. The little trucks will provide our children with an opportunity to ‘drive’ to the operating room, play with them outside in the playground or enjoy a much-needed distraction while in the hospital receiving care and treatment. Enhancing the often-sterile medical environment in which children receive treatment when visiting the hospital is critical to helping them be less afraid of doctors and procedures as they grow up.
"Going to the hospital can be a scary experience for most of us. And for children, first impressions are often lasting impressions. We are so appreciative to the Car Guys @ Mann Northway for this clever and heartwarming donation to the children at the Victoria Hospital."
Sherry Buckler, VHF CEO
“This is such a rewarding experience to be involved in for all. The Car Guys understand that families go through tough challenges everyday and are just trying to put a few smiles on some young faces!”
Mark Ripley, GM Mann Northway GMC
Congratulations to Wilma Munar, the latest VHF Staff 50/50 winner! She won $8780.00
Staff can sign up to be in the draw here.
Congratulations to Audrey Rasmussen, the winner of the Staff 50/50 lottery draw for December 13th, 2019.
She's won $8682.50!
Former PAPHR staff can sign up for the lottery by clicking here
Congratulations to Helen Donald from Big River, the winner of the Staff 50/50 lottery draw for November 29th, 2019.
She's won $8737.50!
Former PAPHR staff can sign up for the lottery by clicking here
The Victoria Hospital Foundation and the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group are proud to announce that as of 6 pm, a final total of $303,105.27 was raised in only 12 hours in the main lobby of the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert.
The donations will purchase a portable DR X-ray that can be taken to the patient’s bedside for faster diagnosis, telemetry units that monitor a patient’s heart during rehabilitation exercises, and echo ultrasound beds to assist sonographers to get the best picture of the heart. This equipment means better outcomes for cardiac patients both before and after heart surgery.
“Once again, our community told us how important their local hospital is to them. Their incredible generosity for cardiac diagnosis and rehabilitation equipment will now enable our Foundation to invest in the most critical equipment here at home and we are deeply grateful.” Sherry Buckler, CEO, VH Foundation
Our community’s most beloved event, the Give a Little Life Day campaign has raised over 7 million dollars for patients of the Victoria Hospital over the last 13 years.
Congratulations to Onnalee Stuckel, our latest Staff 50/50 winner! She's taking home a cheque for $8437.50!
For details on how to enter click here
Congratulations to Kristina Sander from Pineview Terrace. She's the latest winner of the VHF Staff 50/50 and is taking home $8432.50!!
Find out more about entering here
Congratulations to Kerri Charbonneau from Canwood, the winner of the VHF Staff 50/50 for September 6th, 2019.
She took home a cheque for $8300!!
Staff on payroll with the former PAPHR can Enter today!
Congratulations to Tanya Zimmerman from the PIHC in Shellbrook, the winner of our VHF Staff 50/50 Lottery draw on August 9th, 2019
She took home a cheque for $8107.50!
Read more ...
Investing in Local Healthcare
Your generous donations will support the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s work, providing funds for specialized equipment, innovative patient care services and upgrading of facilities and replacement of out-dated equipment.
Our Mission
The Victoria Hospital Foundation has as its mission to build awareness of and inspire investment in local health care and the well-being of the people of Prince Albert (SK) and surrounding communities.
Learn More
Contact Us
Victoria Hospital Foundation
Box 3000 - 1200 24th Street W, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5T4 Canada
Phone: 1-855-816-LIFE or (306)765-6105
Fax: (306)765-6120
E-mail: info@helpthevic.ca