The Purpose

Thank you for digging deep for Maritime patients and families who rely on the IWK for specialized and life-saving care. Funds raised at the 2023 Kent Great Big Dig will help purchase equipment required for the integration of one of the pediatric operating rooms at the IWK.

In the context of an operating room, “integration” is the connection of all the components and tools. The pediatric operating rooms currently have several pieces of equipment that are past their lifespan and can no longer integrate reliably. The current equipment is also no longer available to integrate with the OR conference room to allow for education, teaching and remote observation.

The pieces of equipment requiring upgrades include surgical booms, lights, monitors, endoscopy equipment (to view hollow organs) and insufflators (used during laparoscopic surgery). When integrated, all technology can be controlled from a central command console. These improvements will help ensure enhanced efficiency, communication and infection control while resulting in faster recoveries, shorter stays in hospital and reduced wait times.