The news, released on October 30, that Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) and The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) have integrated their surgical, urology and gynecology services, is also good news for Valley patients.
Randy Penney, (at far left above) CEO of both RVH and St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH), told The Current,
For our patients in Barry’s Bay and area, I’m excited about the possibility of improved access to care. Getting to Renfrew is certainly easier than having to travel to Ottawa.
According to the press release received by The Current, Dr. David Carver, (shown third from left) General Surgeon, has been chosen to take on the newly-minted role of Site Chief of Surgical Services at RVH. That role will be part of an integrated surgical program with TOH. Carver will have an office at RVH and will report to RVH as well as having full accountability to the Division of General Surgery at TOH/University of Ottawa. The arrangement is a first in this region.
“With this collaboration, clinical competency, critical mass and patient safety will be monitored by The Ottawa Hospital,” notes Penney. This follows upon other collaborations between the two hospitals. Last May, TOH’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology began providing weekly gynecology services for women in the region as part of the RVH ambulatory care clinics. Their services include consult, office procedures and some minor surgeries. Links between TOH and RVH have already been established in nephrology/dialysis, cancer services, radiology, Telehealth and more.
Speaking about the most recent collaboration, Dr. Jack Kitts CEO of TOH (pictured above fifth from left) said,
Patients tell us that getting the best care closest to home is what’s important to them and their loved ones. Today’s announcement does just that with surgeons and staff from TOH and RVH working even more closely together to provide quality care and a better patient experience. I would like to recognize the leadership of both hospitals for making this partnership happen.
SFMH patients will next year also benefit from the integrated electronic system for managing patient information (EPIC). This project involves a collaboration involving SFMH, RVH, TOH and several other hospitals, which The Current reported on in May. Click HERE to read that report.
Shown above from left: Randy Penney, RVH President & CEO, Dr. Steve Radke, RVH Chief of Staff, Dr. David Carver, RVH Site Chief of Surgical Services, Dr. Stuart Oake, The Ottawa Hospital, Division Head of Urology, Dept of Surgery, Dr. Jack Kitts, The Ottawa Hospital, President & CEO, Cameron Love, The Ottawa Hospital, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Fady Balaa, The Ottawa Hospital, Division Head of General Surgery, John Trickett, Director, Emergency Dept & Patient Flow, Chris Ferguson, RVH, Vice-President, Patient Care Services, and Rhonda Normandeau, RVH, Nurse Manager, Operating Room, CSS & Oncology, were on hand for the announcement of the new integrated Renfrew Victoria Hospital/The Ottawa Hospital site chief of surgery. (Photo submitted)
The Ottawa Hospital, Renfrew Victoria Hospital (2018, Oct.30) Collaboration key to providing medical expertise close to home [Press release].
Such wonderful news, such great service close to home, such grateful residents of the Ottawa Valley. Thank you.
Great work folks!!! Good for the Valley and especially all of us in the MV Township.
Better get more of these partnerships established while Jack (a son of Barry’s Bay!!!) is still at TOH.