Manitoba creating program for adult epilepsy surgery
Manitoba creating program for adult epilepsy surgery

The Manitoba government is establishing a program that will offer life-changing surgery for adults living with epilepsy.
Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced the program at a news conference on Monday, noting the program and surgeries will run out of the Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg.
“[Today’s announcement] reflects Manitoba’s ongoing efforts to strengthen neurology services,” Gordon said.
The minister said an annual investment of more than $2.5 million in operating funds will help in the establishment of the adult epilepsy program, as well as the expansion of the pediatric program.
She added that once the programs are fully operational, about 50 epilepsy surgeries will be completed each year in the province, including 20 adult surgeries and 30 pediatric.
Dr. Shawn Young, chief operating officer at HSC, said surgery can significantly help improve the lives of those living with epilepsy, and also reduce their ongoing health-care needs.
“The establishment of a comprehensive epilepsy program will advance the level of care available in our province, making it easier for many of these patients to overcome what can be a debilitating condition,” he said.
He added the new program will help the province’s health-care system, as it would mean fewer patient visits to emergency departments and admissions to hospital, as well as less demand for diagnostic scans and a reduced need to send Manitobans out of the province for care.
The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is also contributing $1.2 million to the epilepsy program for the purchase of a robotic stereotactic assistance guidance system, known as ROSA.
“The purchase of the ROSA marks an important step forward for safer and less invasive surgery for epilepsy for over 30 children per year,” said Stefano Grande, president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
The adult epilepsy program is expected to start next spring. However, the province still needs to recruit a neurosurgeon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Back to school: A look at the COVID-19 rules in place across provinces, territories
As students across Canada gear up to enter what will be their fourth academic year in the pandemic, CTVNews.ca takes a look at what measures will be in place in schools, by province and territory.

Canada's interim import ban on handguns takes effect today
As of today, individuals and businesses are no longer able to import restricted handguns into Canada, with limited exceptions. The move announced earlier this month is aimed at expediting a key pillar of the federal effort to cap the number of handguns in the country.
Transport minister set to testify at committee today on airport delays, flight cancellations
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra is set to testify before the House of Commons transport committee this afternoon about ongoing airport delays and flight cancellations.
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Survival 'the only concern' as Canadian tenants struggle to pay rent
As rent prices rise, CTVNews.ca heard from a number of Canadians struggling to afford their homes. The surge in rent prices over the last few months has forced many to cut back on spending, with some having to relocate or move in with their parents.
Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.
North Korea dismisses South Korea's aid offer as 'foolish' repeat
The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said her country will never accept South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's 'foolish' offer of economic benefits in exchange for denuclearization steps, accusing Seoul of recycling proposals Pyongyang already rejected.
Canadian veterans in France to mark 80th anniversary of disastrous Dieppe Raid
Canadian flags hang alongside French and British on the streets of Dieppe, France, each August as the city marks the anniversary of an important and disastrous day during the Second World War.