A new procedure room opens at Walkerton Hospital and has already diverted 40 patients from operating rooms. Photo courtesy of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre.A new procedure room opens at Walkerton Hospital and has already diverted 40 patients from operating rooms. Photo courtesy of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre.
Midwestern

New procedure room in Walkerton Hospital diverts patients from operating rooms

A new procedure room is open at the Walkerton Hospital.

In a statement released Wednesday, officials said it will offer minor surgeries for people needing treatment of things like skin cancer.

South Bruce Grey Health Centre partnered with general surgeon Dr. John Stirrat to renovate and open the procedure room in his office.

“The new procedure space is going to be an outstanding addition to our hospital and family health team resources,” said Dr. Stirrat. “This will enable more efficient access to care for patients with skin cancers, and other skin lesions.”

The hospital said it will allow more timely access to care for cases that do no need to be performed in an operating room.

It's already seen 40 patients in just its first week.

“Dr. Stirrat has been a wonderful addition to the SBGHC physician team and is always working closely with the hospital to provide high quality care and experience for the patients we serve,” said Michael Barrett, SBGHC President and CEO. “The new room will ensure greater access to these important procedures and ensure that our operating room resources are dedicated to those surgical cases requiring an operating room.”

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