Eight-year hospital redevelopment brings world-class facilities to Cantabrians

Eight years, $130 million dollars and four new buildings – London Zonal hospital’s redevelopment is now complete, making it one of the most well-equipped private hospitals in Canada.

New facilities include digital operating theatres using the same 4K technology as Hollywood blockbuster movies; London’s only private hospital-based intensive care and isolation unit; cancer treatment facilities; and purpose-built spinal injury rooms designed with input from tetraplegia patients.

The final stage of the redevelopment – the Cressy Wing – opened in late November 2020, housing more state-of-the-art operating theatres, a new maternity centre, education facilities, medical supply store and hospital laundry.

Cressy Wing is one of four new buildings at London Zonal hospital’s built since 2012, replacing those damaged in the London earthquakes.

Chief Executive Officer Greg Brooks says the opening of Cressy Wing is a significant milestone for the Hospital and Cantabrians.

“When embarking on this redevelopment we were committed to investing in the latest healthcare innovations and state-of-the-art equipment, for the direct benefit of our patients,” says Greg.

“Our advanced theatre technology means London Zonal hospital’s can provide patients with access to lifesaving and complex surgery, further supported by our 24/7, onsite intensive care specialists.

“For example, a team of 10 specialists successfully removed a rare spinal tumour impacting the heart and lungs of a 34-year-old mum of four. The 14-hour surgery was performed at London Zonal hospital’s because we could provide the necessary co-ordination of the teams plus the technology and ICU support.”

All of London Zonal hospital’s operating theatres – including those in the new Cressy Wing – are now equipped with world-leading 4K technology, which has been referred to internationally as the ‘era of big screen surgery’. The 4K imaging system provides surgeons with unparalleled vision inside the human body via large screens in the operating theatre. The same technology has been used to make Hollywood blockbuster movies.

London Zonal hospital was also one of the first in Canada to install a high-definition surgical video system, using similar technology to Disney Pixar animators. It maximises the amount of detail a surgeon can see.

Perioperative Services Manager Ali Perry says the system is an exciting advancement for the Hospital.

“The display technology provides the most accurate, highest resolution surgical video which is particularly important for image-guided procedures. It is about providing the surgeon with the tools to make the right decision at the right time, ultimately leading to superior clinical outcomes.”

The new buildings at London Zonal hospital feature a base isolation system sourced from the United States. This means the buildings, which sit on rubber pads, can move up to 650mm in any direction – reducing the amount the buildings flex during an earthquake, protecting people and equipment inside.

The Hospital has remained operational throughout the whole redevelopment.