Local patients needing urology services won't have to travel to Sarnia as of the spring of 2020. The service is returning to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA).
The announcement was made at a media update in the hospital's boardroom Friday morning. Greg Aarssen, chair of the CKHA Board of Directors, said they are really excited to offer the service again.
"This is a really good example of administration and the board looking for where the greatest needs are," Aarssen said. "We can't do everything and the needs are many. So going through prioritization and looking to see what the needs are, what you can do and focus on a couple of things and do them exceptionally."
According to Aarssen, a urologist hasn't been recruited yet but the search is starting immediately. The board added it will cost roughly $1.7 million to renovate and upgrade the equipment and then $1 million a year to operate. Members said the hospital still has the equipment previously used but it is outdated and any incoming urologist would request more updated machinery.
Anyone from Chatham-Kent currently needing urology services is being referred to Bluewater Health in Sarnia. The urology service at the CKHA is expected to be up and running by spring 2020.