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As we look forward to a new year we revisit the people and stories that made 2018 such a memorable one for all of us.
IWK Health Centre unveils first phase of new state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
In April the IWK Health Centre officially marked the completion of the first phase of its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) redevelopment project with the unveiling of the new NICU North. Considered one of the largest and most complex redevelopment projects ever undertaken at the IWK, NICU North strengthens the IWK’s ability to provide leading edge neonatal care to its tiniest patients and their families.
IWK doctor first in North America to perform revolutionary surgery
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ron El-Hawary is giving youth suffering from ado
lescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) a new lease on life. Dr. El-Hawary, chief orthopedics at the IWK, is the first, and currently, only doctor to perform the ApiFix procedure in North America. The revolutionary new system allows for a shorter, less invasive, less expensive surgery that preserves motion and function in patients while lessening the chance of back pain later in life.
Pediatric Physical Medecine and Rehabilitation Specialist a first for Nova Scotia
The addition of a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at the IWK is empowering patients and families. Dr. Jordan Sheriko, one of only a handful practicing in the burgeoning field across the country, is the first of his kind in Nova Scotia. Since starting his new position in July 2017 Sheriko has restructured the IWK’s approach to rehabilitation clinics with a focus on patient goals and outcomes rather than on their diagnosis.
Getting to know the new CEO: clinician, leader, gardener
Jangaard stepped in to the role of interim President and CEO in the fall of 2017, and was the successful applicant of a nationwide search for the permanent position in October 2018. During the past year, she has given significant thought to what makes the IWK great and how it can be even better.
IWK first health centre in the Maritimes to receive Baby-Friendly Initiative designation
The IWK Health Centre has received Baby-Friendly Initiative designation, making it the first health centre in the Maritimes to achieve that status. Baby friendly hospitals have demonstrated that they have policies and care practices that meet the gold standard for mother/ baby care practices related to breastfeeding.
IWK Neonatologist’s findings may prevent risky heart surgery for preemies
In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Souvik Mitra, a neonatologist at the IWK Health Centre, found that high dose ibuprofen ranked highest among medical therapies used to treat PDA, a common heart problem which occurs most often in premature infants.