Misericordia Report to the Community

10 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY 2015-2016 MISERICORDIA HEALTH CENTRE Brenda Weiss has come to know patients seeking eye care at Misericordia Health Centre. The manager of patient care for the ophthalmology program would often get feedback that wasn't always positive. The patients had no concerns about the care they received, they were more frustrated about the cramped, old Sherbrook building that was gloomy and barely had room for wheelchairs or stretchers. That has all changed since the Buhler Eye Care Centre opened its doors two years ago this June. "Patients used to complain because it was very crowded," Weiss says. "Now they come and say to me how beautiful the building is, how much nicer it is to be here and to be cared for here." "We're very proud of the care we provide here, but now we are able to provide it in a better environment." The new building was designed for low- vision patients. Large hallways with darker edges on the floor and a strip of light- coloured linoleum down the middle guide patients, who also use hand rails on each side of the walls. Large windows let in natural light to the waiting rooms, providing a beautiful space for patients waiting for their appointments, Weiss adds. The Buhler Eye Care Centre is the largest comprehensive surgical and treatment program in Western Canada. It also houses the University of Manitoba Ophthalmology Residency Program. To say it's a busy place is an understatement. In the year ending March 31, there were 11,593 eye surgeries performed (more than 10,000 for retinal problems and cataracts) and 11,609 treatments for macular degeneration. Dr. Mathen K. Mathen, the ophthalmology department head, is also appreciative of the new surroundings. "It's a much larger facility so we're not packed like sardines," he says. "For people with disabilities and all the motorized wheelchairs, there is a lot more room for them to move around in." He noted three principal donors to the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation covered the cost of modern equipment in the retinal clinic. "If you don't have that equipment, you'll essentially be 10 years behind in the world," he says. Donations also covered the cost of renovations to operating rooms. Wooden cabinets were replaced, walls were sealed and stainless-steel plates installed. "The demands on our health-care system are so great, that if it weren't for donors we could not invest in capital equipment. Donor support provides for basic equipment like stools and stretchers to more sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment that can cost thousands of dollars for a single item," Mathen says. "We wouldn't advance if we didn't have the support of our donors." Donations bring light to the Buhler Eye Care Centre Ophthalmology photographer/technician Patty Darvill completes an ultrasound of Cathy-Anne Cook's eyes. Dr. Ravi Dookeran performs an eye surgery. Photo: Nilufer Rahman

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