Royal University Hospital (RUH) may soon be home to a new, leading-edge robotic system that offers individuals living with drug-resistant epilepsy a chance at a better quality of life.
Royal University Hospital Foundation today announced the launch of its campaign to raise $1.2 million for a neurosurgical robot and deep brain imaging guidance technology for RUH, the provincial referral centre for epilepsy investigation and treatment and home to the only seizure investigation unit in Saskatchewan.
RUH Foundation also expressed its gratitude to Saskatoon philanthropist Merlis Belsher and Family for making an inspirational pledge to the campaign totalling $700,000 to help bring world class robotic seizure care technology to RUH and Saskatchewan. The gift includes a dollar-to-dollar match of all donations received up to $600,000 and an additional $100,000 to help move forward the neurosurgical robotic program at RUH.
“We are grateful to Merlis Belsher and Family for their inspiring gift and look forward to working with other donors in reaching our $1.2 million goal,” said Foundation CEO Jennifer Molloy. “Working together with the Government of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Health Authority, we are ensuring that RUH continues to have the resources needed to perform its role as the largest hospital in Saskatchewan, providing some of the most seriously ill patients with the most complex, critical care in the province.”
The Government of Saskatchewan expresses its gratitude to RUH Foundation and its donors for their dedication in helping to bring a neurosurgical robotic system to RUH.
“Thank you to the Royal University Hospital Foundation team and to Merlis Belsher and Family for their commitment to advancing this new technology. With this addition, Saskatchewan will join a small group of facilities across Canada currently offering epilepsy procedures,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “This state-of-the-art assistance unit, along with the specialized training of healthcare professionals, will greatly enhance care for individuals with neurological conditions and ensure that Saskatchewan epilepsy patients receive world-class care, right here at home.”
The innovative minimally invasive surgeon-assisted robotic system will enable surgeons to precisely map seizure locations deep within the brain, providing insights that were once impossible to obtain. This advancement is set to significantly enhance the quality of seizure care across the province, according to Dr. Michael Kelly, Provincial Head of Surgery for the Saskatchewan Health Authority and University of Saskatchewan.
“The acquisition of the neurosurgical robotic system highlights our continued dedication to exceptional seizure care for patients by equipping surgeons with the latest, most advanced technology,” says Dr. Kelly.
The new robotic system at RUH requires specialized training for those operating it. RUH neurosurgeon and U of S College of Medicine trained Dr. Amit Persad is currently acquiring the skills to operate the robot at Western University in London, Ontario, supported by a Fellowship grant from RUH Foundation.
“Thanks to Mr. Belsher and Family and our RUH Foundation donors, RUH will have the technology and expertise to treat complex epilepsy cases right here in Saskatchewan,” says Dr. Persad. “Patients who have struggled with seizure control or who have had to go out of province for care will be able to receive their procedures at RUH in line with world-class standard of care practices.”
There are approximately 12,000 residents living with epilepsy in Saskatchewan. Most can control their seizures with medications, but approximately 30% or nearly 4,000 have what’s called drug-resistant epilepsy, in which they don’t respond to standard anti-seizure medications. As the number of patients diagnosed with epilepsy increases annually, so too will the number of patients living with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Donations to the campaign for the neurosurgical robotic system will be matched up to $600,000 by Merlis Belsher and Family, and can be made at ruhf.org or by calling RUH Foundation at 306.655.1984.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Molloy, CEO
Royal University Hospital Foundation
306.655.1984 • info@ruhf.org
To read more about the Neurosurgical Robotic System, click here.
To watch the January 14, 2025 media event, click here.
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