DRHC successfully adds Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery to our Surgical Services Program

August 27, 2020

DRHC providing leading practice in hip replacement surgery

DRYDEN, Ontario - No matter the current challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dryden Regional Health Centre's commitment to providing safe, quality care to the community of Dryden and surrounding areas remains consistent. Working closely together with the Regional Orthopedics Program from Thunder Bay and the Dryden Health Services Foundation, the Dryden Regional Health Centre (DRHC) provided its first anterior hip replacement this week at the facility.

"It is impressive that health care partners in a northern rural region of the province can collaborate to bring the leading care practices to the communities they serve," says Dr. David Puskas, Orthopedic Surgeon with the Thunder Bay Regional Orthopedics Program and visiting specialist to the DRHC. "The anterior hip replacement approach, though more technical a procedure, delivers excellent outcomes for patients by offering a less invasive procedure that enhances pain management and reduced recovery time."

DRHC President and Chief Executive Office, Doreen Armstrong-Ross, acknowledges the team work required to bring the Anterior Hip Replacement procedure to DRHC. "I'm particularly proud of and grateful to the staff, medical staff, our Foundation, and our regional partners for their commitment to Care That Works. Introducing a new surgical procedure has required thoughtful research, procurement, planning, training, skill, and collaboration from a great deal of people. While we've been very focused on the safe and careful re-introduction of all services, much of the planning for this new procedure was done during the spring and summer while in the pandemic, which is even more remarkable. The successful introduction of anterior hip replacements has been a true team effort that will benefit many people in our communities."

"The Dryden Area Health Services Foundation is very proud to support the advancement of technologies and procedures at the DRHC," says Brad Coles, Chair of the Foundation. "We were excited to learn of the opportunity earlier this year and were unanimous in our decision to support the organization through the purchase of the C-arm X-ray machine necessary for the procedures. Purchasing the new equipment is perfectly aligned with our goal to keep quality health care close to home."

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors for the DRHC, Chair Judi Green recognizes the challenges that the organization has successfully faced over the last several months. "The successful re-introduction of services following the recent COVID-19 suspension of services has been carefully implemented," states Green. "Then to be able to offer a needed new service during unprecedented times is inspiring. The Board of Directors tremendously respects the work put forth by the DRHC teams on a daily basis. We have an organization truly devoted to making life better for those who need care."

By end of week, the DRHC will have completed 8 anterior hip replacement procedures and will continue to provide services on an ongoing basis through its visiting specialist programming.

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For further information, please contact:

Doreen Armstrong-Ross
Chief Executive Officer
Dryden Regional Health Centre
Box 3003, Dryden, Ontario P8N 2Z6
Telephone: (807) 223-8201 Extension 2260

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