The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced an agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding between Eastern Health and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
The agreement allows for a number of patients, deemed to be suitable, from Newfoundland and Labrador to travel to Ottawa for cardiac surgery. This temporary, short term-strategy will help address concerns in the province with cardiac surgical backlogs, which have increased due to COVID-19 and the recent cyberattack.
This agreement also provides for a partnership between Eastern Health and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute that will complement the work of the highly skilled team of surgeons at Eastern Health, and most importantly support patient care by providing access to certain procedures and treatments that are not currently performed in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Within the arrangement, University of Ottawa Heart Institute surgeons will operate here in this province or, depending on the circumstance, patients may travel to Ottawa. Members of the cardiac care team from both the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Eastern Health will collaborate and work together, virtually or in person.
This partnership will support clinical outcomes, academic research, and innovation in cardiac care for both organizations. The Memorandum of Understanding formalizes a strong, longtime working relationship between Eastern Health and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute that supports high-quality cardiac care for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“With the health of patients top of mind, the partnership between Eastern Health and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute allows them to work together to deliver the highest quality cardiac care through a creative approach to care delivery. Our government is committed to finding innovative solutions to our province’s health care needs. I am excited to see the positive impacts of this partnership.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“We continue to work creatively and collaboratively as we address the challenges in our health care system, and this partnership is just one example. The strong relationship between Eastern Health and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute has been growing over the years, and formalizing this agreement will ensure our cardiac patients continue to receive the highest quality care, while alleviating pressure from our hard working cardiac team.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“The partnership between Eastern Health and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute is a unique example of provincial partners working together to deliver the highest quality cardiac care, through an innovative approach to care delivery. We have fostered a strong partnership with the Heart Institute over the years and are pleased to be able to expand our arrangement to further enhance timely care for cardiac patients.”
David Diamond
President and CEO, Eastern Health
“This is a good day for both Eastern Health and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute as clinical teams continue to work together and learn from each other to deliver top quality care. The collaboration supports clinical outcomes, academic research, and innovation in cardiac care for both organizations while expanding access to top quality cardiac care, including cardiac surgery, for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Dr. Sean Connors
Clinical Chief of Cardiac Care at Eastern Health
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca
Gina MacArthur
Eastern Health
709-777-1412
gina.macarthur@easternhealth.ca