Urology returns to ESHC thanks to generous donations

Urology patients in Essex County now have a shorter trip to their appointments with Monday’s announcement that Erie Shores HealthCare has reinstated their urology department.

According to ESHC President and CEO Kristin Kennedy, the return of urology to Leamington is the first since 2017.

Urology procedures will be conducted twice a week in ESHC’s operating rooms, which enhances access to specialized care for residents of Essex County.

The program was bolstered by a $300,000 donation from Erie Shores Health Foundation, a large part of which was a $250,000 private donation from Larry and Marcia Pollard of Harrow. The rest of the ESHF donation was raised through their recent Show Us Your Stache campaign.

For Larry Pollard, the announcement is important and timely.

A urology patient for the past nine years, Larry understands the value of having these services close to home first-hand and is encouraging anyone who can join him in donating to the program, to do so.

“My condition controlled my life for nine years already,” he says. “Now, I can interact with my family and feel healthy doing it. My future would not look so bright if it was not for urology services.”

Larry added that he believes in saving other patients the painful and time-consuming trips down the highway to Windsor or London.

The program is a collaboration through a strategic partnership with a local urologists group headed by Dr. Karim Marzouk.

“This is a big day for us where we can look forward to delivering high quality sub-specialized care to patients in our communities,” says Dr. Marzouk. “We have a full complement of urologists who will come through here.”

Dr. Marzouk, who is originally from Newfoundland, says he’s very aware of the need in rural communities and how these challenges exist all across Canada.

The County of Essex also contributed $200,000 through their annual funding, and Kristin Kennedy is grateful to all for their contributions.

“This partnership ensures that our patients receive vital specialized care close to home,” she said. “Together, we are transforming what it means to receive care in a rural community.”