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
BREAKING Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.