London, Ont. – A $1 million gift from local philanthropists Andy and Helen Spriet is helping bring a third Electrophysiology (EP) Lab one step closer to reality at London Health Sciences Centre's (LHSC) University Hospital. The donation to London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) is a significant step forward in expanding modernized cardiac care for patients across the region.
The third EP Lab is part of a $6.5-million campaign to expand and modernize cardiac care at LHSC. With the Spriets’ leadership gift, the campaign has now raised more than one-third of its goal, bringing the project closer to its next stage of development.
The Spriets say their decision to support the project reflects their belief in giving back and helping strengthen the community.
“We’ve been fortunate to call London home for so many years, and we know how important it is to have the right care available when you need it,” said Andy and Helen. “When we learned more about the need for a third EP Lab, it was a project we felt strongly about supporting. We hope our gift helps give the team the resources they need to continue providing exceptional care.”
As patient demand has doubled over the past two decades, increasing rates of heart disease and longer wait times are creating added pressures on cardiac teams. A third EP Lab would increase capacity and help more patients receive care sooner, including greater access to minimally invasive procedures to treat heart arrhythmias.
LHSC is a regional leader in advanced cardiac care, with specialized EP labs that use cutting-edge technology and clinical expertise to perform some of the most complex and minimally invasive procedures in Canada. Patients come to LHSC from other communities across Southwestern Ontario to access this specialized care. A third EP Lab would add to the program’s ability to provide this care across the region.
“The addition of a third EP Lab strengthens the entire cardiac program at LHSC,” said Jerry Plastino, vice-president, surgery, cardiac, transplant and biomedical engineering at LHSC. “It will give our teams greater capacity to coordinate care, respond to increasingly complex cases, and make the most of the specialized expertise and technology available to our patients.
“Most importantly, it will help improve timely access to life-changing cardiac procedures, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall patient experience. This is an investment that will have a lasting impact on patient care and the health of our community well beyond the opening of the lab.”
In Ontario, demand for specialized cardiac care can mean long waits and inconsistent access to potentially life-saving treatment. While government funding supports the program, philanthropy helps provide the additional investment needed for new technology, equipment and expanded capacity.
“The need for specialized heart rhythm care is growing, and with advances in treatment, we are able to offer more patients therapies that can significantly improve their health and quality of life," said Dr. Allan Skanes, arrhythmia physician and director of the Heart Rhythm Program at LHSC. "A third EP Lab is an important next step in building the capacity to provide those treatments to the patients who need them. The Spriets’ $1-million gift is helping us respond to that need and strengthen cardiac care for our region and across Southwestern Ontario.”
The Spriets are longtime supporters of LHSF, with a commitment to strengthening health care in London and across the region. Andy, founder of Spriet Associates Engineers & Architects, retired from the company last year after a long and successful career. Together, Andy and Helen, who recently celebrated 70 years of marriage, have built a remarkable legacy of giving.
“Andy and Helen bring a thoughtful and genuine approach to their philanthropy,” said LHSF president and CEO John H. MacFarlane. “They take the time to understand the need and the potential impact of their support. We’re grateful for the trust they’ve placed in LHSF and for the confidence they’ve shown in this project.”
ABOUT EP LABS
EP labs are specialized spaces where physicians use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat complex heart rhythm disorders through minimally invasive procedures. Common procedures include catheter ablation, which uses a tiny wire to heat or freeze abnormal heart tissue and restore a normal rhythm, as well as the implantation of devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators to manage irregular heartbeats and protect against dangerous rhythm disturbances.
A third lab would create additional room for these procedures and give the cardiac program greater flexibility as the range and complexity of treatments continues to evolve. Before it can begin treating patients, the new lab will need specialized equipment and technology.
The $6.5-million campaign remains underway, with further philanthropic support needed to complete the project and equip the new lab. The Spriets’ gift has helped move the initiative forward; the next step is turning that momentum into a fully equipped space for cardiac care at LHSC.