The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation has launched a $10.5 million fundraising campaign to bring advanced surgical technology to New Brunswick.
The campaign, called Working Wonders, will support the creation of Atlantic Canada’s first cardiac-enabled Hybrid Operating Room(OR) and one of Canada’s first spinal robotics programs.
Both initiatives are planned for the Saint John Regional Hospital, with the Hybrid OR expected to open by 2027. The timeline for the spinal robotics program will depend on the completion of fundraising.
“These two major investments have been identified as top priorities not just in our region, but in many jurisdictions,” Shannon Hunter, president and CEO of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation, said.
“With continued donor support, we will welcome one of the first spinal programs in Canada and open the doors to New Brunswick’s first cardiac-enabled Hybrid OR.”
Around $5.8 million has already been raised towards the campaign goal.
That includes major gifts of $1.5 million from Andrew K. McCain, $1.5 million from The McCain Foundation, and $1 million from the Sir James Dunn Foundation.
The Hybrid OR will allow cardiac and vascular procedures to be performed in a single space with real-time imaging, which Horizon Health Network says will improve safety and efficiency.
Dr. Jean-François Légaré, who leads Horizon’s cardiac care program, said the Hybrid Operating Room will allow heart and vascular procedures to be done in one space, with real-time imaging.
The spinal robotics program is expected to improve outcomes for patients with complex spinal conditions.
Dr. Najmedden Attabib, head of clinical neurosciences, said spinal robotics will improve surgical precision and recovery.
Attabib added that the technology will mean shorter recovery times, fewer complications and a higher standard of care overall.
The Saint John Regional Hospital is New Brunswick’s largest surgical hospital and home to the New Brunswick Heart Centre.
It serves nearly one million people across the province and Atlantic Canada. The hospital performs more than 14,800 surgeries each year, including nearly 4,800 cardiac procedures and 380 spinal surgeries.
Margaret Melanson, president and CEO of Horizon Health Network, said the Saint John Regional Hospital is well-positioned to host the new technology.
She said the upgrades will help meet patient needs, improve outcomes and support recruitment efforts.
Jim Mowbray, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, said the campaign reflects a shared commitment to improving health care in New Brunswick.
The Foundation says both projects will support broader efforts to modernize health care delivery in the province and address growing surgical wait times.
