16th June 2026
16th June 2026
Friends of SAk donate ten new BiPAP ventilators to Akureyri Hospital
The Friends of Akureyri Hospital have donated ten new BiPAP ventilators to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and Medical Ward. The equipment will significantly strengthen SAk’s capacity to provide essential respiratory support to patients with respiratory failure.
Jóhann Rúnar Sigurðsson, Hermann Haraldsson, Jóhannes Gunnar Bjarnason, Erla Björnsdóttir, Rebekka Héðinsdóttir, Brynja Dröfn Tryggvadóttir, Kristín Sigfúsdóttir, Bjarni Jónasson, Guðjón Hauksson
According to Brynja Drafna Tryggvadóttir, Head of the Intensive Care Unit, the new ventilators make it possible to offer a wide range of treatments for people with various respiratory conditions.
“These ventilators provide non-invasive respiratory support and can be used for a broad spectrum of treatments, ranging from high-flow oxygen therapy to pressure-supported ventilation that helps patients breathe. They can also serve as backup ventilators for critically ill patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation while sedated. This ensures that we always have enough equipment available to provide the necessary support,” says Brynja.
She notes that the donation marks an important milestone for SAk. The hospital previously had five BiPAP ventilators, which had been heavily used over the years and had become both outdated and worn.
“We did not have enough of them, and there were occasions when we had to prioritise their use. The new ventilators are better able to adapt to the needs of individual patients and reflect the latest developments in this field,” she says.
Brynja emphasises the importance of the support provided by the Friends of SAk.
“It is invaluable for us as an institution to receive donations and grants such as those provided by the Friends of SAk. It is important for us to feel the community’s support for the hospital’s work. Above all, however, this is invaluable for our patients, because this equipment enables us to provide them with the best possible care.”
Donations made possible by members’ support
Jóhannes G. Bjarnason, Chair of the Board of the Friends of SAk, says the donation is the result of the support of the many individuals who stand behind the organisation’s work.
“Without our members, we would not be able to undertake projects like this. Around 2,300 individuals have paid the annual membership fee this year, and we are deeply grateful for that support.”
Jóhannes also encourages more people to join the Friends of SAk:
“There is always room for more Friends. By paying the annual membership fee or becoming a member, people take a direct part in strengthening the services provided by Akureyri Hospital and helping to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and facilities.”
You can become a Friend of the Hospital by registering here: Become a Friend of the Hospital
The annual membership and support fee is ISK 6,000.