SASKATOON — Royal University Hospital (RUH) may soon be home to a leading-edge robotic system that offers individuals living with drug-resistant epilepsy a chance at a better quality of life.
Royal University Hospital Foundation has launched a campaign to raise $1.2 million for a neurosurgical robot and deep brain imaging guidance technology for RUH, the provincial referral centre for epilepsy investigation and treatment and home to the only seizure investigation unit in Saskatchewan.
Saskatoon philanthropist Merlis Belsher and family have pledged $700,000 to the campaign. The gift includes a dollar-to-dollar match of all donations received up to $600,000 and an additional $100,000 to boost the neurosurgical robotic program at RUH.
“We are grateful to Merlis Belsher and family for their inspiring gift and look forward to working with other donors in reaching our $1.2 million goal,” said Foundation CEO Jennifer Molloy.
“Working together with the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Health Authority, we are ensuring that RUH continues to have the resources needed to perform its role as the largest hospital in Saskatchewan, providing some of the most seriously ill patients with the most complex, critical care in the province.”
The innovative, minimally invasive surgeon-assisted robotic system will enable surgeons to precisely map seizure locations deep within the brain, providing insights that were once impossible to obtain, according to a RUH Foundation press release. This advancement is set to significantly enhance the quality of seizure care across the province, according to Dr. Michael Kelly, provincial head of surgery for the Saskatchewan Health Authority and University of Saskatchewan.
"The acquisition of the neurosurgical robotic system highlights our continued dedication to exceptional seizure care for patients by equipping surgeons with the latest, most advanced technology,” says Dr. Kelly.
The new robotic system at RUH requires specialized training for those operating it. RUH neurosurgeon and U of S College of Medicine trained Dr. Amit Persad is currently acquiring the skills to operate the robot at Western University in London, Ontario, supported by a Fellowship grant from RUH Foundation.
“Thanks to Mr. Belsher and Family and our RUH Foundation donors, RUH will have the technology and expertise to treat complex epilepsy cases right here in Saskatchewan,” says Dr. Persad.
“Patients who have struggled with seizure control or who have had to go out of province for care will be able to receive their procedures at RUH in line with world-class standard of care practices.”
There are approximately 12,000 residents living with epilepsy in Saskatchewan. Most can control their seizures with medications, but approximately 30 per cent or nearly 4,000 have what’s called drug-resistant epilepsy, in which they don’t respond to standard anti-seizure medications. As the number of patients diagnosed with epilepsy increases annually, so too will the number of patients living with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Donations to the campaign for the neurosurgical robotic system will be matched up to $600,000 by Merlis Belsher and family, and can be made at ruhf.org or by calling RUH Foundation at 306.655.1984.
