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O.R. Molli surgical Lesion
Location Technology

The Foundation was excited to fund the Molli Surgical Lesion Location Technology for the O.R.

This enhanced technology allows our Radiologists to accurately mark breast lumps with a localization marker in Diagnostic Imaging. This marker is one of the smallest markers available at only 3.2mm! It will not break, deactivate or lose it’s signal. It is minimally invasive because it is so small making insertion easier and more comfortable.

In the Operating Room, this tiny marker can be traced by our Surgeons using the Molli wand and tablet. The technology allows for easy location of the lump in surgery allowing for better and more accurate removal!

O.R. Breast Liposuction Unit for Reconstructive Surgeries after Mastectomy

A brief explanation from one of our plastic surgeons Dr. Nel:

As part of post cancer breast reconstruction, there are usually two routes to follow - using your own tissue only, or using expanders followed by implants.

For some women, especially if they have had radiotherapy, the risks for some of these options are very high. One way that we can offer reconstruction to more women, and improve the safety and outcome of their reconstruction, is if we can combine the two methods - use some of their own tissue (fat) as well as the expanders/implants. This tissue can only be harvested using the liposuction machine. This then allows us either to offer reconstruction where it was impossible, or to salvage a reconstruction where it may not have been otherwise possible. This is called hybrid reconstruction and has become standard of care in first world treatment of breast reconstruction.

SMRH is the only site in Nova Scotia outside of Halifax that will be providing this surgery for women after having a mastectomy.

The Social Work Patient Care Fund is an exciting new opportunity to help patients and their families in ways that we may not otherwise be able to do. This fund allows for support in ways that are directed specifically to each patient on a case-by-case basis allowing for a personalized approach to care and support.

social Work Patient Care Fund

Social Worker Cathy MacGillivray has the following message:

We are so grateful for the generosity of the Foundation in helping us create this Fund. This Fund will enable us to help patients and families access resources when they are dealing with a crisis situation and financial strain is a barrier both in coping while their loved ones are in hospital facing life-threatening and life changing illnesses or injuries, but also when they are working with our health care teams to help get their loved ones home again.

This fund allows us to find creative ways to ease the burdens experienced by our patients and families and fill in gaps that can't be met in a timely manner by other resources so patients can have their needs met and return home to their lives and families. We know that great things can come from every effort big and small and this is one way to work towards a more supportive healthcare experience.