Government supports hybrid operating room at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital NB

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is supporting a hybrid operating room at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton.

A hybrid operating room combines a traditional operating room with advanced medical imaging devices, allowing physicians to diagnose and perform complex, minimally invasive surgical procedures in one setting.

“We’re proud to collaborate with the Chalmers Foundation to make this long-awaited hybrid operating room a reality to help provide better care for patients in the region,“ said Premier Susan Holt. “A huge thank you to the foundation, Horizon Health Network, the health-care professionals and the Fredericton community for bringing this next phase to life.”

The Chalmers Foundation is raising money to pay for new equipment. It expects to raise $4.3 million.

The government is committing funding to help with preparations for the new room. The ongoing operational costs are estimated at $3.3 million a year.

“The foundation is delighted to get the green light to raise funds for a hybrid operating room, something that our board, the local community and our medical staff have long advocated for,” said Charles A. Diab, CEO of the Chalmers Foundation. “For patients, this will significantly improve wait times for care and important surgeries. Also, it is really going to help us in recruitment and retention efforts for specialists and surgeons who want the tools and equipment to do what they’re trained to do. We’ll have that now at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.”

“I am encouraged by the foundation’s enthusiasm,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “I know there was widespread community and public support for this initiative, and I am optimistic that will translate into support from donors for the foundation’s fundraising.”

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