London, ON (June 7, 2006) – St. Joseph’s celebrated the official opening today of the new Diagnostic Imaging Centre and G.A. Huot Surgical Centre at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Guests had the opportunity to tour the new imaging centre and learn about the integrated capabilities in the 10 new state-of-the-art operating rooms.
The new centres offer patients and their families a more welcoming and accessible environment. They also provide physicians, staff, students and volunteers a better environment in which to contribute and learn, and in doing so, help to attract new professionals to St. Joseph’s and the London hospital system.
“This new building will enhance the highly specialized care provided at St. Joseph’s Hospital,” says Cliff Nordal, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Care, London. “It will make each patient experience more coordinated, efficient and less stressful.”
The new surgical centre features integrated operating suites that include electrical systems and environmental controls to enable the use of the most advanced surgical tools and equipment available. There is also a lithotripsy suite, expanded admitting and recovery areas, and central processing to maintain a sterile OR environment.
“Hands-down, these are the most technologically advanced, integrated operating rooms in Canada, and probably North America,” said Dr. John Denstedt, city-wide chair/chief of surgery.
The diagnostic imaging centre includes CT, mammography, general imaging, ultrasound, and gastric imaging. New digital x-ray rooms provide clearer images, and faster, more accurate diagnoses.
“The delivery of health care is mostly about the people involved, their expertise, their ability to function well as a team, and their passion to strive for excellence, all in a spirit of compassion and care,” said Dr. Donald Taves, chief, diagnostic radiology. “This new facility, which many of us have given so much energy towards, provides the structure that promotes the quality of care I have just described.”
In addition, the new building houses a staff library, gift shop and retail space. Constructed at a cost of $34.3 million, this new building is the result of a joint funding initiative between the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, with a significant portion of the cost also being derived from community support through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.
Paul Caplan, chair of the St. Joseph’s Health Care board of directors, noted, “Leaders, staff, physicians and volunteers are taking a vision and making a reality, creating a vibrant, effective ambulatory care role at St. Joseph’s Hospital.”
Contact:
Linda Whitmore
Communication & Public Affairs
Tel: (519) 646-6100 ext 65294
