“Our region’s first angioplasty patients
were effectively treated,” announced Lori Marshall,
Vice President Medicine, Cardiology, Mental Health and
Maternal/Child earlier today. On Wednesday, October
10, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
became the first Northwestern Ontario hospital to offer
angioplasty, a medical procedure where a balloon is
used to open a blockage in a coronary (heart) artery
narrowed by plaque.
Six Northwestern Ontario patients underwent the procedure on the program’s first day.
“I feel wonderful!”
says patient Denny Verdenik, a 64-year-old resident
of Thunder Bay. As a patient who previously underwent
the procedure in another community, Verdenik values
the practicality and effectiveness of service in his
own community. “It couldn’t have been
any better,” he says.
Melvin Bushby had also received angioplasty prior
to his procedure at TBRHSC. His glowing review praises
the level of professionalism demonstrated by the
healthcare providers involved with his procedure.
“I was overwhelmed by the competency and professionalism,”
he comments. “Any patient facing angioplasty
here should feel comfortable and confident.”
The caliber of skill and
experience of the Health Sciences Centre’s cardiology
team made possible these results. “The implementation
of an angioplasty program is a substantial undertaking,”
says Dr. Frank Nigro, TBRHSC cardiologist. “Our
extensive and successful history in cardiac care enabled
the introduction of the life-saving angioplasty procedure.”
The Health Sciences Centre will perform 250 angioplasty
procedures in the first year of the program.
Through a partnership with the University of Ottawa Heart
Institute, the premier deliverer of cardiac services in Canada,
the TBRHSC team will receive mentorship and on-site support
until the program is fully staffed. Dr. Marino Labinaz, Cardiologist,
Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, University of
Ottawa Heart Institute, Professor of Medicine, University
of Ottawa Heart Institute, performed Wednesday’s procedures.
“The level of commitment and professionalism demonstrated
by the Thunder Bay team is directly reflected in the success
of the initial six procedures,” says Dr. Labinaz. “The
proficiency of the specialists and the dedication to patients,
combined with a remarkable facility, will only result in many
more patients treated with world-class care at Thunder Bay
Regional Health Sciences Centre.”
“We have again raised
the standard of care for patients in Northwestern
Ontario,” remarks Ron Nelson, Chair of the TBRHSC
Board of Directors. “The introduction of angioplasty
service establishes the Health Sciences Centre as
the regional interventional cardiac centre.”
Prior to Wednesday, Northwestern Ontario patients
in need of angioplasty were required to travel to
other centres for the procedure.
Keith Jobbitt appreciates
the benefits of receiving care close to home. A few
years ago, the Thunder Bay resident received angioplasty
service outside of the community. “Travel adds
stress to an already traumatic situation,” he
explains. “It is inexpressibly difficult to
be away from your home, your family and your friends
when you are sick.” Jobbitt became the Chair
of “Save a Heart”, an initiative of the
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation to
raise funds for the cardiac catheterization lab in
which the angioplasty procedures occurred. The $1.6
million donated by members of our community helped
purchase the equipment required to introduce an angioplasty
program. “The realization of an angioplasty
program in Northwestern Ontario proves that determination
and generosity combine to produce life saving results,”
says Jobbitt.
The Health Sciences Foundation is turning to the community
again to help the Health Sciences Centre realize the full
potential of the angioplasty program. To expand the program
to serve over 500 patients each year, a second cardiac catheterization
lab is needed. The Health Sciences Foundation has committed
to raising an additional $1.5 million to make the full expansion
possible, enabling TBRHSC to:
Provide emergency treatment to heart attack patients
within hours of the onset of symptoms, “the gold standard
of treatment”
Further reduce the need for patients to travel extreme
distances for service
Enhance the ability to recruit more cardiologists
to our Health Sciences Centre
Already, a significant donation has been made in support
of the second cardiac catheterization lab. With the commitment
to provide the best to the community they serve, TBayTel was
quick to appreciate the life-saving benefits of an expanded
angioplasty program in Northwestern Ontario.
“TBayTel shares with
the Health Sciences Centre a vision for the consistent
delivery and availability of high quality service,”
says Peter Diedrich, President & CEO. “To
that end, we are pleased to provide a $150,000 contribution
towards a second cardiac catheterization lab, and
encourage others to join us in supporting this vital
endeavor.”
“The introduction of angioplasty at Thunder Bay
Regional Health Sciences Centre is an important milestone,”
says Ron Saddington, President & CEO of TBRHSC. “We
can celebrate this success and look forward to our expanded
ability to save the lives and reduce the symptoms for more
of our friends, family and neighbours in Northwestern Ontario.”
Four of the first patients to have
an Angioplasty procedure at Thunder Bay Regional Health
Sciences Centre.
