CMH Surgical Program to Transform into a “Centre of Excellence for Diagnostic Scopes”
Recognizing that the strength of the hospital’s current surgical program is in diagnostic investigations such as endoscopy and colonoscopy, the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has approved a recommendation to develop a “Centre of Excellence for Diagnostic Scopes”.
Following a temporary closure of the operating rooms in July of this year to investigate electrical, mechanical and other equipment issues, CMH set up a temporary scope procedures room in the recovery area of the surgical suite to minimize the impact on patients.
A report from the hospital’s engineers was received at the end of August. It identified the remedial measures and associated costs to transform the operating rooms into procedure rooms where scopes and minor surgical procedures could be safely performed to current standards.
In support of this transformation, Dr. Bruce Bain, Chief of Staff at Campbellford Memorial Hospital stated that “this transformation will enable the Hospital to focus on the majority of the types of procedures we currently provide in the operating rooms, which are diagnostic scopes and minor surgical procedures”. He added that “this greater focus on what we currently do well enhances excellence and a focus on diagnostic scopes increases the probability of earlier detection of gastro-intestinal issues. Increasing minor surgical procedures will enable our surgeons to better diagnose and improve the quality of lives for our patients. Through this transformation we will better serve the residents of Trent Hills and area communities”.
Paul Nichols, Chair of the Hospital’s Board of Directors stated “this decision to transform the surgical program to one focusing on diagnostic investigations is also consistent with the long-term redevelopment plans for Campbellford Memorial Hospital.”
Hospital staff in the surgical program have been advised of the change in focus and transformation of the surgical program and others affected including the CMH surgeons, anesthetists and patients will also be notified of the upcoming changes. Work will begin immediately to address the recommended electrical and facility repairs to meet current codes and standards and to convert the operating rooms to procedure rooms with program changes taking place over the next several months