(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Orthopedic Surgeon Steven Becker, MD, performed three surgical procedures yesterday (April 19). What makes this notable is that these were the first in the new surgical center at PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center.

After many years and much work, it was opening day for the new operating rooms; a time for celebration and gratitude to the community for their investment in the future.

New surgical center - operating room.
Photo courtesy Ketchikan Medical Center

“Something like this new surgery center does not happen without the vision and committed efforts of an entire community,” said Nancy Tieman, interim chief administrative officer. “The vision started with a few people who took a long-term view of the health needs of our community. That vision spread and took root and now our entire community, for generations to come, will enjoy the benefits!”

For now, the old operating room will remain functional as a back-up, should the need arise, but the surgical team and vendors recently tested all the new equipment and systems and verified that everything is fully operational.

New surgical center
Photo courtesy Ketchikan Medical Center

Following this first day of surgery, the surgery schedule will slowly increase in the new OR, and is expected to resume a full case load by early May. At that point, the old OR will close and the team will begin to clear the space. Local businessman, Dan Christensen, will help with that process by collecting used but still useful surgical equipment to ship to a healthcare ministry he supports in Ghana, West Africa.

Once cleared, work will begin on the much-needed public corridor to connect the new building with the main hospital.

The City-funded and owned building that includes the new surgery was key to the recruitment of several new providers. Dr. Becker is a good example. He spent the first thirty years of his career in the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, Boston, and Baltimore. When asked why he chose Ketchikan, Dr. Becker explained, “Ketchikan now has operating rooms as fine as any I’ve worked in or seen.”

Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
www.peacehealth.org/ketchikan

 

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