Jenna Joyce, VP Philanthropy, Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation; Cynthia Stockman, Director Central Zone Endoscopy, QEII and Cobequid Ambulatory Care, Cobequid Site Lead, Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre Site Lead; Becky Croft, Health Services Manager, Endoscopy, Cardiac Investigations and Outpatient Department, Dartmouth General Hospital; Dr. Natalie Cheng, Medical Site Lead, Dartmouth General Hospital; Dr. Robert Berger, Gastroenterologist, Internal Medicine, Dartmouth General Hospital.
Dartmouth General Hospital (DGH) Surgery Team Perform First-in-Nova Scotia Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure to Treat Barrett’s Esophagus
For the first time, patients in Nova Scotia suffering from Barrett’s Esophagus – a precancerous condition – are now able to receive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment here in their home province.
Funds raised through the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation’s (DGH Foundation) 2024 Annual Lobster Dinner & Auction helped purchase both endoscopic ultrasound and equipment for radiofrequency ablation treatment. Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat Barrett’s Esophagus by removing affected tissue while preserving the underlying healthy tissue. This treatment significantly reduces the risk of disease progression to esophageal cancer.
Previously, patients in Nova Scotia had to travel to Moncton, New Brunswick for this important procedure as it was the only place in Atlantic Canada to offer the treatment until now. With this treatment now available at DGH, it will reduce or eliminate the need for travel for patients living locally and elsewhere in Nova Scotia.
Quotes of Support:
Darren Steele, a Hall’s Harbour, Nova Scotia resident and one of DGH’s first Barrett’s Esophagus patients knows firsthand the benefits of having RFA treatment available at DGH. “My family and I have travelled out of province 13 times over the last five years to be treated for Barrett’s Esophagus in Moncton, NB. Having this technology available at DGH means I am travelling less, spending less, recovering faster and shortening the time that I am away from home because of the proximity of the treatment. I can’t thank Dr. Robert Berger, and the DGH Foundation donors enough for bringing healthcare technology like this to Dartmouth and to patients like me.”
“DGH works closely with DGH Foundation to identify needs that will enable us to deliver innovative and local treatment options for our patients. Thanks to the support of community donors, equipment required for RFA has been secured and patients with dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus will be treated in the DGH Endoscopy Unit rather than being required to travel out of province for care. There is a higher risk of progression to esophageal cancer in these patients and RFA treatment can significantly decrease that risk. It is the standard of care, and I am thrilled to be providing it here at DGH,” said Dr. Robert Berger, Gastroenterology, DGH.
“We are so excited to be able to offer this leading treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus at DGH. This will improve access to care for patients across Nova Scotia who suffer from this condition,” said Dr. Natalie Cheng, Medical Site Lead, DGH.
“It makes me so proud and fills my heart to know this treatment is now available right here in Nova Scotia, thanks to everyone who supported DGH Foundation’s 39th Annual Lobster Dinner & Auction. And that DGH was able to make this happen so quickly following the event is incredible to me. They really know how to put donor dollars to work quickly for the benefit of our community.” – Denis Ryan, Honorary Chair, DGH Foundation 39th Annual Lobster Dinner & Auction.
“Our heartfelt thanks to the Chassie family, the J&W Murphy Foundation and to all the sponsors, volunteers and supporters of our 39th Annual Lobster Dinner & Auction presented by Conrad Brothers, who helped fund this vital equipment. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by such caring and generous community builders whose support is helping bring essential care close to home.” Stephen Harding, President & CEO, DGH Foundation.
About Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation:
DGH Foundation’s sole mission is to support innovation and exceptional care at the Dartmouth General by connecting with those who believe in the Dartmouth General and the communities it serves. We work with donors, partners, and government to help bring the very best healthcare to our communities.
Since its inception, the DGH Foundation has invested over $60 million in new equipment, facilities, and programs at Dartmouth General. Together with our partners in government, generous donors to DGH Foundation’s Lead On Campaign helped fund Dartmouth General’s first MRI unit, its first surgical robot for orthopedics, and Atlantic Canada’s first Pelvic Health Suite.
Through the DGH Foundation, generous donors have also helped fund a new palliative care unit, a first-in-Canada Emergency Department Vital Signs Wearables project, and a first-in-North America research project for dialysis patients. With the support of our donors and together with our health care team we continue to Lead On in Canadian health care for Dartmouth and surrounding communities.
-via Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation
