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Local support helped bring a new specialist to our community!

Dr. Sarah Woolridge is an Interventional Cardiologist working in the new Cardiac Catherization Lab at Sault Area Hospital. Having her specialized skills at SAH was made possible by community support of SAHF.


On January 29th, Dr. Sarah Woolridge was a small part of Sault Area Hospital history – completing

the first procedure in the hospital’s brand new Cardiac Catheterization Lab (aka the “cath lab”).

“Doing the first procedure in the new cath lab was really exciting. It was a highly anticipated moment, and a great first day,” she shared. The new, up-to-date lab is one of two at Sault Area Hospital. With the new lab open, the older lab is closed for updates. Both are scheduled to be fully

open in Spring 2024.


It’s thanks to this expansion in services that there was a position available for Dr. Woolridge at Sault

Area Hospital, in her specialty of Interventional Cardiology. This specialty focuses on measuring

and treating arterial blockages and heart disease. Dr. Woolridge relies on the brand-new minimally invasive tools and x-ray technology in the cath lab to provide the best possible care to her patients.


Dr. Sarah Woolridge prepares for a day in the Cath Lab
"It’s great that we have the equipment we have. We can give stents locally instead of sending patients out to other centres. Without donors, we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing now." - Dr. Sarah Woolridge, Interventional Cardiologist

Dr. Woolridge uses the cath lab for a variety of procedures – from routine diagnostic angiograms (a test that checks the blood flow through the arteries of the heart) to treating acute heart attacks! This life-saving technology wouldn’t be here without the support of donors. “The contributions that donors made to help us build this beautiful, state-of-the-art lab are what will allow us to continue giving excellent cardiac care,” says Dr. Woolridge.


Community support makes it possible! As a newly-trained physician, Dr. Woolridge is familiar with the latest in best practices, and is already advocating for further growth in the cardiac services available at Sault Area Hospital.


“There are always going to be things in a center like ours that would not be safe for us to do here, but I do think there are more services we can offer. Donors are helping make it possible.”


Gifts to Sault Area Hospital Foundation are bringing the latest technology and new talent, like Dr. Woolridge, to Sault Ste. Marie. Over time, Dr. Woolridge is hopeful she can provide patients with more care close to home. It’s thanks to the support of so many we have such a strong advocate for cardiac care practicing in our community!

 

The support of local donors helps SAH stay up-to-date with the latest equipment, making sure every patient is receiving top-of the line care. 


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