Modern medicine allows Langley’s doctors to perform life-changing – and life-saving – feats that just decades ago would be the stuff of dreams.
Advances in diagnostics, treatment and surgeries, for example, not only help our family, friends and neighbours live longer, but live better, too.
And it’s not only due to advances in medical science – advances in engineering, technology and communication all play a significant role in the work Langley Memorial Hospital’s medical teams do.
“I’ve done many emergency surgeries in my career, so I know how important it is that the right tools are available at the right time – at a time of health crisis,” reflects Dr. Jason Archambault, the hospital’s Head of Surgery. “When it comes to surgery – for you and your loved ones – having the most advanced tools provides fast, accurate procedures and eases the recovery time.”
However, because government funding doesn’t cover all the most advanced technologies, some tools the medical teams work with are decades old.
To support Langley’s medical teams and patients, the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation’s annual commitment to the hospital is underway, with the goal of funding this year’s most urgent equipment needs.
Among the items on this year’s wishlist:
- Scopes that aid in detection and treatment of tumours and polyps: $15,000 each
- Video scopes that help surgeons get a good picture of the area of concern, improving accurate diagnosis: $26,000
- Surgical tools like graspers and clamps, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 each
- A ceiling lift to help patients with limited mobility get on the surgical suite stretchers: $18,000.
In total, the campaign aims to fund more than $500,000 of surgical equipment needs this year, notes Terra Scheer, Communications and Stewardship for the Foundation.
Changing lives
Even the most minor surgeries can be life-changing, notes Dr. Archambault, who performs nearly 6,000 operations every year.
“A simple biopsy for us may mean an early cancer diagnosis for you; removal of a mole or a cyst means preventing future cancer; and even a simple cataract surgery is improving sight – all therefore improve quality of life,” he says. “The same goes for major surgery, too, like joint and hip operations, Caesarean sections, or emergency surgeries, where we save lives in a crisis.”
With five operating rooms in the main surgical unit, one in maternity and several in the hospital’s day surgery unit, surgical teams are busy every day, meaning vital, life-saving equipment also wears out quickly.
“When surgeons have tools we can rely on, our jobs are easier and we perform at our best, ensuring the best outcomes for you and your loved ones,” Dr. Archambault says. “Your donation will give our team of surgeons new and up-to-date tools that help us operate with efficiency and safety. When we have tools we can count on, we can keep surgery times short, and help every patient recover quickly at home with their families.”
To donate and support surgical equipment, visit lmhfoundation.com/donate