The Sudbury hospital is declaring February as Cardiac Care Month with an eye on fundraising for the purchase of two new cardiovascular ultrasound systems (ECHOs).
Like all public hospitals in Ontario, the money to run Health Sciences North (HSN) is provided by the Ministry of Health. But the money for capital spending on new equipment, innovation and research comes from community and corporate fundraising.
HSN said with the funds raised during February through Cardiac Care Month, the Health Sciences North Foundations hope to fund the purchase of two new ECHOs that will be used to diagnose, plan treatments, monitor, and provide follow-up to cardiac patients across all areas of HSN, including pediatric and oncology.
Having new equipment is important for the simple reason that there is such a significant demand for service, said Dr. Mohammed Shurrab, HSN Foundation Research Chair of Cardiovascular Health.
“Residents in Northeastern Ontario are at a higher risk of heart disease, and HSN sees approximately 27,000 cardiac visits annually,” said Shurrab.
“These patients travel to HSN to receive specialized care from as far as Parry Sound to the James Bay Coast, and from Wawa to Mattawa.”
With the funds raised this February through Cardiac Care Month, the Health Sciences North Foundation hopes to fund the purchase of two new ECHOs that will be used to diagnose, plan treatments, monitor, and provide follow-up to cardiac patients across all areas of HSN, including pediatric and oncology.
Life-saving care starts with an accurate diagnosis of a patient’s condition. Last year, approximately 10,000 patients have relied on ECHOs at HSN for timely diagnosis and to assist with treatment plans.
New technology ensures that patients will not need to travel elsewhere for diagnostic care, which can cause potential delays in their treatment, said HSN.
Anthony Keating, HSN Foundations President and Chief Development Officer, said having the best medical equipment available is essential.
“With so many residents across Northeastern Ontario relying on HSN for specialized cardiac care, it is vital that patients and staff have access to the latest technology,” said Keating.
“Ensuring we have the best equipment to treat our families, friends and neighbours year-after-year is our goal, but we need your help to keep our communities’ hearts strong.”
The Foundations at Health Sciences North are encouraging people to get involved by donating directly to the Cardiac Care Month campaign online at hsnfoundation.com/CardiacCare, purchasing HSN 50/50 tickets in the February draw, or by making a credit card donation either over the phone at 705-523-7130 or in-person.
