Additional medical staff will be provided to support patients with end-stage renal disease at the Scarborough General Hospital.

Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Dr. Agatha Carrington said two specialists are expected to come on board—a vascular surgeon and an interventional radiologist.

“We’ve been partnering with [US-based NGO] Bridge of Life and we’ve just concluded our first medical mission, where 39 patients were treated,” Dr. Carrington said.

“They have had surgeries… that could improve the access [of blood vessels for dialysis] and therefore, we feel certain that this number will impact significantly, in terms of the numbers to be treated.”

Dr. Carrington said this can also improve the patients’ quality of life. The mission ran from August 15-18 week.