NEWS

February 21, 2008

Generous $25,000 Gift Supports Eye Surgery

District A-1 Lion Peter Geene, Chair, Eyes Right; Lioness Sherry Wismer, Secretary, Eyes Right; Lion Michael Kresky, Strathroy Lions Club; and Lion Dick De Boer of the Strathroy Lions Club, presented a $25,000 cheque to Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation (SMGH) in support of eye surgery. The funds will be used to assist with the purchase of two stretchers for the cataract surgery program at SMGH.

Photo (left-right) Lion Dick De Boer, Strathroy Lions Club; Susan McLean, SMGH Foundation CEO, Lion Peter Geene, Chair Eyes Right Foundation; Sherry Wismer, Secretary, Eyes Right Foundation; andLion Michael Kresky, Strathroy Lions Club.

“These stretchers were needed to serve the increased number of patients who require cataract surgery during a surgical day,” said Dr. Rogelstad, Ophthamologist, Middlesex Hospital Alliance. “This creates a much better service and environment for our patients.”

The stretchers have allowed for the easy transport of patients from same-day care to the operating room, and patients no longer need to move from one bed to another with the convenience of the hospital's new versatile stretchers. Most importantly, the patient's head is positioned properly in the most comfortable position possible, allowing for improved access for the surgeon and medical team.

“The stretchers have assisted by providing the best possible patient care and comfort, and are greatly appreciated by patients, nurses and the surgeon,” said Mary Robertson, Director of Patient Care, SMGH.

“Thank-you for this donation and the improvements that this has provided in the clinical care of patients having cataract surgery.”

The Middlesex Hospital Alliance (MHA) has increased its capacity to accept more patients who require cataract surgery since the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care implemented a strategy to reduce cataract surgery wait times across the province. The MHA streamlined its practices and procedures during the patient admission process to create new efficiencies to best serve this increased demand.

Strathroy hospital is third in the province for having one of the shortest wait times for cataract surgery at 34 days. The provincial wait time currently sits at 138 days. The MHA Eye Care Program success can be attributed to investment in equipment and new efficiencies.

High patient satisfaction has also been reported. In December 2007, Mary Nelson of Sarnia received cataract surgery at Strathroy hospital, and was very happy with her results.

“I was so satisfied with everything, there was no pain, everyone was very nice, and I was very, very pleased to regain my vision,” said Nelson.

“The Lions of District A-1 are really helping cataract patients to see more clearly with their incredibly generous gift,” said Susan McLean, CEO, SMGH Foundation. “Their donation has allowed us to enhance the Eye Care Program which is a tremendous benefit to everyone across south-western Ontario.”

The Lions, Lioness and Leos of District A-1 truly live up to their motto “ We Serve, so others can see” as they have donated over $75,000 to Strathroy hospital in 8 years to purchase new equipment.

They have also donated over $470,000 to other area hospitals since the fall of 1990. District A-1 Lions raise the funds through a variety of fund raisers as they continually work to make a positive impact on the lives of people who are visually impaired. SMGH Foundation is grateful to the Eyes Right Sight Conservation Foundation for their generous support.