“A big factor for the surgical sustainability is that physicians have built trust and relationship with both the Cranbrook physicians and Interior Health.” – Jacqueline Arling, FE Project Manager, Elk Valley Hospital

Innovative solution between two hospitals saves surgical services for patients

After Elk Valley Hospital’s only general surgeon in Fernie retired, partners came together to identify a solution to sustain the OR and continue to meet patient needs closer to home through a collaborative Surgical Sustainability Committee made up of physicians and health authority partners.

The group reached out to the Surgical Unit at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, the neighboring community, to discuss an opportunity for them to perform surgeries at Elk Valley Hospital, which would also sustain both surgical programs.
 

Making surgical coverage attractive

Key to the  success of the outreach was creating supports make it easier for visiting surgeons to do their work.

• One-on-one personal phone calls made by committee members
• Physician presentation at Cranbrook to present the opportunity, build relationships
• Nurses traveling to Cranbrook to observe the visiting surgeons' working style
• Orientation and OR schedule options
• Coverage of travel costs
• A welcoming examination room for visiting physician patient consults, and a comfortable 'home away from home'
• Lunch for visiting surgeons on first day

Results and impact: neighbouring surgeons take on surgeries

Four visiting general surgeons agreed to conduct consults and surgery at the Elk Valley Hospital, in addition to the current GPs and soon-to-start Family Practitioner with Enhanced Surgical Skills (FPESS).

Taking collaboration to yet another level, these surgeons were able to help mentor the local FPESS to expand their capabilities to perform surgeries in Fernie.
 

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