Foundation Launches $650,000 Campaign for High Definition Laparoscopic Equipment

High-definition (HD) has changed the way Americans watch television. We now feel like we are present at an event without ever leaving the couch. This same technology aids surgeons during complex minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures.

This complex equipment comes with a hefty price tag and the Thomas Hospital Foundation Board of Directors has committed to raising $650,000 over the next year for the purchase of HD equipment at the hospital and at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne.

The plan is to earmark the proceeds from the 2010 Golf Tournament and Grand Summer Ball, projected at $240,000, along with a recent generous $84,000 gift from the hospital auxiliary for this project. Another $200,000 will come from Thomas Hospital’s 2010 capital budget. The balance of the funds will be financed through a physician campaign and gifts from individuals, corporations and grants from other foundations.

General surgeon and Foundation Board member Jimmy Gavras, M.D., has agreed to spearhead the steering committee in charge of the physician campaign. He is joined on the committee by Robert Brown, M.D. of Drs. Brown and McCool, PC; Daniel Matthews, M.D. of Bayside Orthopaedic; Marshall D. Shoemaker, M.D. of Marshall D. Shoemaker, M.D., PC; W. Terry Stallings, M.D. of Mobile Urology Group, PC; and John Todd, M.D. of Baldwin Bone & Joint.

HD equipment provides improved optics with natural, panoramic views that can result in better recognition of anatomical landmarks and indications of disease. Additional benefits gained from using HD endoscopy are improved depth perception, better ability for the surgery teams to follow the procedure, smaller incisions and increased patient safety and clinical outcomes.