Redeveloped Interventional Radiology Suites to Improve Access to Critical Services

The New IR Suites were Made Possible by $5 Million in Past Donor Support

One of the most innovative areas at Lakeridge Health has a new, state-of-the-art home at the Oshawa Hospital. The redeveloped Interventional Radiology (IR) suites offer Durham Region residents an improved patient experience and increased access to life-saving interventions and treatments.
 
IR is a sub-speciality of radiology that uses minimally invasive techniques and image guidance to treat a number of diseases and health conditions, such as cancer, kidney disease, women’s health issues, and cardiovascular conditions.
 
Using small instruments, such as catheters and scopes, interventional radiologists can conduct several minimally invasive procedures, including the burning away of tumours and elimination of blood clots. They are also able to insert port-a-caths (ports) for chemotherapy patients or fistulas for those receiving dialysis, which provide easy and painless access to a patient’s veins for intravenous medications and treatments. All procedures are done within minutes through small pinholes in the skin, enabling patients to go home the same day.
 
The former IR space, which was located in the Diagnostic Imaging area of the Oshawa Hospital, did not have a dedicated pre- and post-procedure area for consultations, preparation, and recovery. It also housed older equipment in some of the smallest rooms of their kind in the country.
 
“The opening of the redeveloped and relocated IR space at the Oshawa Hospital marks an important milestone for the Durham Region and will provide greater peace of mind for our patients,” says Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “As the regional provider of care for IR, the new IR suites will help to foster healthier communities and bring increased access to state-of-the-art technology closer to home. We are grateful for the support of the Lakeridge Health Foundation and our generous donors in making these important upgrades a reality.”
 
The extensive redevelopment project, funded by $5 million in donor support between 2015 and 2017, brings with it more than two times the space, increased safety for staff, technologically advanced imaging equipment, and the ability to provide much more complex procedures.
 
The new pre- and post-procedure area adjacent to the new IR suites holds 10 beds and a centralized nursing station. This area, which provides a private and comfortable space for patients to prepare and recover from their procedures, also includes a dedicated room for minor procedures, such as ultrasound-guided biopsies or paracentesis bedside treatment for removing fluid from the abdomen.
 
Technology in the new space includes advanced CT capabilities, including 3D imaging, which provides the IR team with the ability to offer these services independently. This will free up resources in the dedicated CT area in the Diagnostic Imaging program, enabling more patients to access these services.
 
“The new IR redesign is a remarkable investment that will advance the Diagnostic Imaging program at Lakeridge Health and our goal to provide high-quality, safe, efficient, and effective patient care,” says Ron Burke, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Lakeridge Health. “Our team is thrilled to work in this newly renovated and relocated space.”
 
By moving out of the former Diagnostic Imaging area, the IR renovation has made room for a complete revitalization of the Ultrasound department in the Oshawa Hospital that will ultimately include seven private rooms and upgraded space for staff to offer consults and review scans. 
 
Between 2015-2017, the Lakeridge Health Foundation embarked on the $5 million iSupport campaign to fund and outfit the new IR suites. Donor support also played an important role in constructing a new family waiting area for those accompanying IR patients. The room features a donor wall recognizing all supporters who gave $10,000 or more to the iSupport campaign.
  
“We are excited to see the completion of the new IR suites,” says Yves Gadler, CEO, Lakeridge Health Foundation. “With the support of many generous donors, including $1 million commitments from both the Auxiliary of Lakeridge Health Oshawa and the collective car dealerships throughout Durham Region, our hospital can now better serve our community and continue to provide exceptional care to patients in many different departments.”