Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) is very proud to announce the launch of the CMH Regional Liver Health Centre (RLHC). This clinic is now accepting referrals from within the Region of Waterloo and Wellington County for the purpose of providing patients with diagnosis, treatment and management of advanced liver disease. This may include conditions such as advanced cirrhosis, acute hepatitis, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, among other liver disorders. Dietitian and RN consults will also be available to complement medical services.
“This one-stop clinic could not have come sooner. In Waterloo Wellington, there may be as many as 6000-9000 patients living with cirrhosis, and this number is increasing,” said Dr. Augustin Nguyen, Chief of Medicine. “Up until now, liver health care has been fragmented in our region. Caring for patients with advanced disease is often difficult when there is a lack of coordination and specialists. This fragmented care can lead to increased Emergency visits, hospitalizations or referrals for care out of region.”
According to the Canadian Liver Foundation, 1 in 4 Canadians may be affected by liver disease in their lifetime and includes everyone from newborns to older adults. It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are vague and can be easily confused with other health problems. In some cases, a person may have no symptoms at all and yet their liver has already suffered damage.
“In partnership with regional hospitals, we are committed to strengthening liver health services in our community and reducing the up to two-year wait time to see a liver specialist,” added Stephanie Pearsall, VP Clinical Programs & Chief Nursing Executive. “This is the start to our vision of establishing a regional liver health network that will see future enhancements such as new diagnostic equipment and a region-wide intake system connecting the patient with the next available specialist.” "We are grateful for the support and investment from the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation as they were an early catalyst in advancing the opening of the Liver Health Clinic. Their commitment plays a vital role in strengthening local health care for residents, providing them with access to quality care close to home” said Lisa Short, Executive Director, Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation.
The CMH RLHC officially opened on Tuesday, October 12. Referrals to the clinic are by physician only.
About Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Cambridge Memorial Hospital is an acute care hospital offering a full complement of services including surgery, maternity, laboratory, diagnostics and emergency. It employs over 1,100 dedicated and skilled health care professionals, technicians and staff, 280 physicians and 400 volunteers providing exceptional care to the residents of Cambridge, the township of North Dumfries and the Region of Waterloo. For more information, visit www.cmh.org.
About Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation
Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation is a registered charitable organization and the fundraising partner of Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Our job at the Foundation is to inspire our community and help provide the very best in healthcare for our families, friends and neighbours. Community dollars fund 100% of the equipment in our hospital and in the coming years, the demands for the latest technology and equipment will continue to grow. Raising funds for our hospital is our mandate and our passion. For more information, visit www.cmhfoundation.ca.
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