Endoscopies will soon be offered at four hubs in Grey and Bruce counties as Brightshores Health System shifts the service to a new regional model.
The hubs will be located in Wiarton, Markdale, Meaford, and Owen Sound. The move supports an increase in the number of endoscopies performed in the region annually.
“By bringing our expertise together through this coordinated network of hubs, we are strengthening the program today and positioning it to respond to future demand,” said Beth Morris, Brightshores' vice-president of clinical programs and quality. “This important advancement will enhance quality of care, improve efficiency, expand capacity and reduce wait times for patients and families.”
An endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure which uses an endoscope, a long, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera, to examine or treat the inside of the body without major surgery.
As part of the new regional model, endoscopies currently performed at Southampton Hospital will transition to Wiarton in July. Wiarton and Markdale will increase their endoscopy services, while Meaford and Owen Sound will continue providing endoscopy as they do presently.
Brightshores stressed its focus is on maintaining a strong ambulatory care presence at each site – defined by access to high-quality, patient-centred care, optimal use of resources, and readiness to support future growth.
Brightshores added that an expansion of ambulatory care services will be part of future programming in Southampton.
