The opening of the new surgical program at the one-site hospital “will lead to vast improvements in patient care,” according to the hospital's CEO.
“We will now have access to technology that places us among the most modern institutions in this country,” Dr. Denis Roy said.
With the closure of the former Memorial Hospital on Jan. 31, surgery and recovery will begin in the new Surgical Service and Post-anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) at the one-site acute care hospital as of Feb. 1. The HRSRH’s remaining operating rooms at St. Joseph’s Health Centre will be moved on Mar. 28, 2010.
“I am very impressed with the new modern technology located in this new area that will allow for less invasive surgeries and quicker recovery for patients receiving care here in Sudbury,” Rick Bartolucci, Sudbury MPP, said in a press release.
The new Surgical Service will feature many technological advancements. These include operating rooms that will become the first in Canada to use the latest technology in surgical lights, as well as several surgical suites dedicated to minimally invasive surgery, using laparoscopic technology for procedures that in the past required more invasive techniques. The PACU will also feature two six-room units that can be isolated to increase intensive care capacity if required.
“We pride ourselves on the care we provide to our patients," Dr. Bish Bora, surgical service medical director, said. "With these technological advancements and enhancements to comfort for both patients and staff, our patients can have even greater confidence in the care they will receive.
"The HRSRH is poised to attract physicians and surgical specialists from around the world. This is the place where patients will want to have their surgery done, with the people they want them done by,” he continued.
The new Surgical Service will also further the HRSRH’s academic mission.
"Larger operating rooms mean more room for medical learners, and modern video systems and technology will now allow us to link to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to provide live feeds of surgeries,” Dr. Roy explained. “This is a longer term benefit, as we help to graduate the next generation of caregivers,” he noted.
