Leamington Hospital to Begin Offering Breast Reconstructive Surgery
A new breast reconstructive program at Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington will soon eliminate the need for patients to travel to Windsor for complete breast cancer care. The hospital is launching a plastic surgery service that enables patients to complete all treatments locally, from screening and diagnosis to reconstruction surgery.
Enhanced Patient Care and Local Accessibility
Katelyn Dryden, the hospital’s chief financial officer and vice-president of outpatient services, emphasized the importance of this expansion. "Patients deserve a care experience that is timely, coordinated and close to home," she said. "This expansion helps connect critical steps along the pathway so patients can focus on healing, supported by the right teams at the right time."
The County of Essex provided $200,000 to support the program's launch as part of its annual commitment to the hospital. This funding includes the purchase of specialized surgical equipment for plastic surgery and magnetic seed implants to pinpoint biopsy locations accurately.
Comprehensive Services and Integrated Approach
Hospital officials detailed that patients will have access to extended Ontario Breast Screening program appointments, contrast-enhanced mammography, timely biopsies, surgical consultations, and reconstructive services. Alicia Lutz, clinical director of outpatient services, highlighted the benefits of service integration. "When services are integrated, it improves continuity for patients and allows teams to collaborate more effectively," she said. "This addition supports a more complete, patient-centred experience from diagnosis through recovery."
Community Support and Future Implementation
Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald expressed the municipality's commitment to enhancing local healthcare. "This investment will help more residents receive care closer to home, with less travel and fewer disruptions during an already difficult time," MacDonald stated. "The county is pleased to support improvements that strengthen health care across our communities."
Officials announced that the hospital expects to begin performing breast reconstructive surgeries in March, marking a significant advancement in regional medical services.
