London, Ont. - A $250,000 donation from Andrew and Helen Spriet will help London Health Sciences Centre's Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic meet an anticipated increase of patient volume for concussion care.

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries usually caused by a blow to the head or from blows to the body that are transmitted to the head. In most cases, the trauma changes brain function temporarily but it can have longer-term effects. The demand for concussion care at the clinic has grown exponentially year-over-year and, because of these increases, substantial changes in the program were necessary.

There was a 27.8 per cent increase in patient visits from 2013 to 2014 and another rise of 15.5 per cent from 2014 to 2015. The constant increase is a result of an ever growing awareness of concussions and the associated dangers. It is anticipated that within two years, there will be more than 3,000 patient visits annually, up from the current volume of more than 2,000 visits.

Research demonstrates that effective intervention for concussion must be early, easily accessible, supportive, and educational. A robust plan for concussion care expansion has already begun. As a first step, two years ago Physician Assistant Jennifer Petrakos was hired.

She meets with every new patient, obtains their history, determines the cause of injury, and conducts a physical exam. Following a visit with the primary care doctor, the physician assistant is able to follow up with patients, monitor their progress and make recommendations on treatment and possible rehabilitation programs to insure a safe return to work, sport and active life.

The Spriet donation through London Health Sciences Foundation will continue to fully fund the physician assistant position for the next five years.

In recognition of their generosity, a plaque bearing the name "Spriet Family Sport Concussion Care" has been installed at Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic.

Quotes:

"Our family has been supporting the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic since its initial conception and we are pleased that it has developed a great history and reputation, becoming well-known in its field of expertise and a great asset for our favourite city of London."
Andrew Spriet, Donor

"Helen and Andy Spriet continue to be generous supporters of many community and health care organizations in London and we are thrilled they have chosen to support Fowler Kennedy's concussion program. This will enable us to continue provide exceptional care for our patients."
Peter Johnson, Chair, Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic

"Donors like the Spriets can play a key role in enabling London Health Sciences Centre to implement and sustain pilot programs, such as this addition of a physician assistant, which often become the new standard-of-care."
Laurie Gould, Chief Clinical Officer, London Health Sciences Centre

"Sport concussions continue to be on the rise, and our physician assistant will provide us with the opportunity to provide enhanced care to more patients and continue with our collaborative research at Western."
Dr. Lisa Fischer, Director of Primary Care Sport Medicine, Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic

"Supporting the treatment of 3,000 concussion patient visits annually is an amazing illustration of the impact community support can have on health care."
John MacFarlane, President, London Health Sciences Foundation

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London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) is a registered charity accredited by Imagine Canada and the Better Business Bureau, linking donors and health care experts together in pursuit of medical excellence at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). To see why doctors, researchers, nurses and staff at LHSC dedicate their lives to providing great patient care, to pursuing medical discovery and innovation, and to constantly improving through education; why patients are grateful for the extraordinary care they provide; and why donors and volunteers are so committed to supporting their vital work, visitwww.lhsf.ca/whatsyourwhy.

For more information: Alex Peterson, LHSF Public Relations Manager 
follow: @AlexAtLHSF voice: 519.685.8527 alexander.peterson@lhsc.on.ca