CORY HURLEY/THE WESTERN STAR
Dr. Stephen Croft, left, an orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Dennis Rashleigh, vice president of medical services with Western Health, listen during the launch of the Western Regional Hospital Foundation’s annual Case for Support Wednesday.
Wednesday, Croft, who has been with Western Health for less than a year, helped the Western Regional Hospital Foundation launch its annual project to enhance healthcare.
He has specific training in foot and ankle reconstruction, a specialty in which he will eventually be able to do more for patients locally. Part of the $553,000 Case for Support will see an investment of $228,000 in orthopedics equipment.
The new surgical technology will provide increased maneuverability and improved surgical outcomes.
In conjunction with that, one of the greatest benefits to people’s health and well being is it will allow orthopedic surgeons to perform procedures at Western Health rather than patients having to travel elsewhere in or out of the province.
“It gives me a good sense of satisfaction knowing that I am providing that ability to the patients,” Croft said. “Definitely, one of the things patients hate the most is having to travel significant ways for their health care.
“From my point of view, it is great. It keeps patients happy, it keeps me happy, and overall provides good care.”
The new foot and ankle instrumentation will benefit in areas of emergency and elective surgeries, according to the doctor.
The foundation also turned over its donation to Western Health from last year. It was its largest donation in history at $869,830.40. They were able to exceed last year’s Case for Support primarily because of two large donations, one from Terry Poole of $100,000 on behalf of his mother Ada Poole Burry and $250,000 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Building and Construction Trades Council.
2016-2017 Case for Support Equipment
— audiology equipment to determine the cause of dizziness, vertigo and balance problems
— improved imagery for diagnosing epilepsy, sleep disorders and brain malfunctions or diseases
— enhanced ability to detect neuromuscular abnormalities through measuring muscle response to stimulation
— blanket warmers to improve clinical outcomes and patient comfort in EEG and adult rehab departments
— a child crisis mannequin to provide life-saving CPR, IV and femoral access training
— new technology for orthopedic surgical services
— birthing beds to improve comfort and safety for mothers and caregivers
— departmental assessment for patients with cardiac issues to determine surgical readiness
— monitoring of the vascular system to determine risk indicators of coronary disease, heart attack, stroke or mini stroke.
Source: Western Regional Hospital Foundation
Cost breakdown
— EEG/EMG system: $105,000
— Orthopedics equipment: $228,000
— VNG with Calorics for audiology: $40,000
— Ultrasound probe (OR/anesthesia): $12,000
— Peripheral vascular testing system: $65,000
— Birthing beds (5): $90,000
— Blanket warmers (2): $8,000
— Child crisis mannequin: $5,000
Total equipment cost: $553,000
Source: Western Regional Hospital Foundation
