New Cardiac Cath Lab Opens in Surrey, Enhancing Local Healthcare

Residents south of the Fraser River will soon benefit from improved access to cardiac care as new cardiac catheterization suites are set to open at Surrey Memorial Hospital on December 8, 2023. The announcement was made by Premier David Eby during a press conference held at the hospital on Friday, December 5, 2023. This initiative aims to reduce travel times for patients requiring critical cardiac and interventional radiology services.

Enhanced Local Healthcare Services

These new cardiac catheterization suites will be the first of their kind located south of the Fraser. They will facilitate interventional cardiology procedures, which employ minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat heart conditions without the need for open surgery. Premier Eby emphasized the importance of providing essential healthcare services closer to home, stating, “People living in Surrey deserve health care close to home. Not after a long wait or a long drive to another community, but right here in Surrey.”

The rollout will be followed by the introduction of two interventional radiology suites on January 8, 2026. These facilities will support a range of procedures, including cancer treatments and assessments of various internal health issues, thus alleviating the need for patients to travel to New Westminster for such services.

Commitment to Community Health

Dr. Dwayne Conway, the regional co-director of interventional cardiology for Fraser Health and head of the department at Surrey Memorial Hospital, expressed optimism about the local availability of these services. “Timely access to this type of care can make a considerable difference to outcomes,” he said. Dr. Conway acknowledged the collaborative effort from his colleagues, likening their teamwork to a symphony orchestra. “Each and every one of them accomplished solo performers, but even better, in the team we’re going to make really sweet music here,” he added.

Currently, patients in need of procedures like angioplasty or invasive coronary imaging must travel to facilities such as Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster or hospitals in Vancouver. With the new suites, patients will receive timely diagnosis and treatment at Surrey Memorial Hospital, significantly reducing travel burdens.

Dermot Kelly, president and CEO of Fraser Health, highlighted that the new interventional unit not only symbolizes technological advancement but also represents a commitment to compassionate care during challenging times for families. “It’s about offering them care, compassion, and confidence from the moment that they arrive,” Kelly stated. He reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to providing leading-edge care that is coordinated and centered on community needs.

This announcement comes at a poignant time, as a family from Surrey continues to advocate for healthcare reforms following the tragic and sudden death of their son, Rowan Hamilton. Their efforts underscore the critical need for accessible and effective healthcare services in the region.

The opening of the new cardiac catheterization suites marks a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare accessibility for the community of Surrey and surrounding areas. It reflects a broader commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring that patients receive the specialized care they need without unnecessary delays.