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Whether you are a longtime supporter of Southlake, or someone considering a donation or an observer of healthcare in this region, it is difficult not to be impressed by the vision and generosity of a community that has helped transform Southlake to a Canadian healthcare leader at a time when many other hospitals have been struggling just to balance budgets.
With the help of our very generous community, Southlake was able to continue on its path of making the best in healthcare available to the residents of our region.
Advances in Cancer Care
Over 5,000 cancer patients have received treatment since the opening of the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre in March 2010. Among the exciting advances introduced last year with the help of our generous donors was the Active Breathing Coordinator System to reduce the risk of damage to the heart when radiation is required for breast cancer. Southlake is one of only a few hospitals in Southern Ontario to offer this innovative treatment. Another important development was the introduction of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) to deliver a precise radiation dose and cut the treatment time by almost two-thirds.
Other new additions to the Regional Cancer Program, made possible by generous donors, included the purchase of state-of-the-art reclining chemotherapy chairs; creation and care of a rooftop terrace garden for patients and families; and support for an informative Cancer Education series to help cancer patients, their families and the broader community to better understand treatment alternatives.
Pioneering Cardiac Care
Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Care Program continued on its trajectory of pioneering advanced cardiac care last year, with several groundbreaking developments. Among them, the introduction of an advanced procedure, a life-saving alternative to open-heart surgery, for patients who meet the criteria and are suffering with severe aortic stenosis. And in another revolutionary initiative and a North American first, Southlake’s cardiac electrophysiologists were the first to use a new
technology to improve the treatment of severe rhythm disorders. These life-saving innovations are possible because of the support of our generous Southlake community of donors.
No doubt many lives were saved by some of the new equipment made possible by donors who share our vision for the best in cardiac care. Among the additions were a new Telemetry System which allows cardiac patients to be monitored continuously, and portable ECG equipment for Southlake’s Emergency Department – an essential tool in diagnosing heart abnormalities especially when quick response is required.
Caring for our Youngest Patients
Excellent quality healthcare is a privilege we enjoy as Canadians. But never does the availability or quality of healthcare become more important than when it involves a child – any child.
With the support of our community, we were able to fund several new initiatives for Southlake’s Maternal Child Program. Among the developments – the Paediatric Asthma Clinic was equipped and furnished, and an educational program was hosted by Southlake to raise awareness about childhood cancer and its impact on children and their families. And, again only because of the support of our community, life-saving equipment like fetal and paediatric monitors were purchased which ensures quality healthcare and comfort for our small patients and their families.
The detailed audited financial statements are available upon request. Please contact the Southlake Foundation at 905.836.7333 or foundation@southlakeregional.org.
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