Northern Cancer Fund helps remote hospital with new endoscope purchase

In the world of endoscopy, it is a good thing when you don't have to cancel an appointment at the last minute, especially when you've spent up to 24 hours getting ready for the procedure.

That's why they're pleased at Wilson Memorial General Hospital in Marathon with a $34,000 grant for new equipment. The money is to purchase a new Endoscopy Reprocessor, a device used to disinfect endoscopes quickly between procedures. The grant was provided through the generosity of the Northern Cancer Fund, said a news release from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.

At the Wilson hospital in Marathon, screening for colorectal cancer using colonoscopes has been available to residents since 2008. This is considered important in preventing colorectal cancers since early detection of pre-cancerous polyps means they can be removed before developing into cancer.

“Our current reprocessor is 11 years old and was starting to fail intermittently,” said Janet Gobeil, Chief Nursing Officer, Wilson Memorial General Hospital. 

“We do approximately 15 scopes a day, with two days set aside per month for the cancer screening program.”

Gobeil said surgeons travel from Thunder Bay to Marathon to perform the endoscopies. 

"If the reprocessor fails, it not only means that our patients can’t have their procedure completed, but it’s also a huge inconvenience to the surgeons. We’re very grateful that this grant was awarded to us and that we now have access to two reprocessors. Offering colorectal cancer screening close to home is essential as it removes the burden of travel for this important procedure.”

Northern Ontario is such a huge area and the access the local cancer care is a challenge according to Glenn Craig, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. 

“Donors to the Northern Cancer Fund provide support for exceptional cancer care in multiple cities across the region, keeping care as close to home as possible. Back in 2007, $115,000 was granted to start up the colorectal cancer screening program at Wilson Memorial General Hospital and we’re delighted to contribute to the ongoing success of the program, where hundreds of people are screened each year," said Craig.