Dartmouth, NS – The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation today announced a generous $333,333 contribution from TD Bank Group (TD) to support continued innovation, increased surgical capacity, and exceptional patient care through advanced technology at Dartmouth General Hospital’s Fred Smithers Centre for Orthopedic Care.
“At TD, we are committed to helping improve the lives of people in Atlantic Canada,” said Jennifer Auld, Vice-President, Atlantic Region, TD. “We were inspired by the hospital’s groundbreaking work in orthopedics, which we know was made possible by donors like the River Philip Foundation, Fred Smithers, and others. We knew we could help move the needle even further. We are proud to support Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation to help facilitate better outcomes and a better quality of life for patients and their families.”
Since opening in 2019, the Fred Smithers Centre for Orthopedic Care has been at the forefront of surgical innovation. In 2022, the centre became the site of Canada’s first total hip replacement using robotic technology. That same technology has since helped the hospital achieve record-setting days for joint replacement surgeries, enabling more patients to receive high-quality care.
“We’re the highest-volume hip and knee centre in the province,” said Dr. Brendan O’Neill, Dartmouth General Site Lead for Orthopedic Surgery. “We do over 80 percent outpatient surgery which is amongst the top in the country, and that benefits the patient but also the overall healthcare system. This incredible gift from TD will greatly help us build on that success.”
Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation President and CEO Stephen Harding says the contribution will help drive innovation and further enhance surgical capacity, reduce revision surgeries, and expand access to leading-edge tools including the potential addition of a second robotic system.
“Through the support of generous partners like TD Bank Group, we will be able to continue to innovate and put new ideas in motion at Dartmouth General Hospital.”
About Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation
Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation is dedicated to advancing innovation and exceptional care at the Dartmouth General Hospital by connecting with community supporters who believe in strengthening health care close to home. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested more than $60 million in equipment, facilities, and programs that directly benefit patients and families. The Above and Beyond campaign helped raise $13 million in community support for Dartmouth General’s expansion, leveraging a $137 million provincial investment, and the recently completed Lead On campaign raised $15.8 million to help fund DGH’s first-ever MRI, new Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite, and a new Orthopedic Robot for the Fred Smithers Centre for Orthopedic Care at DGH.
Today, the Foundation is driving the next wave of innovation at Dartmouth General as they prepare to celebrate 50 years of exceptional care at DGH.
With the continued generosity of donors, the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation ensures Dartmouth General remains a leader in innovation, access, and compassionate care for patients across the region.
