Operating in Guatemala

In October of 2024, staff from Queensway Carleton Hospital traveled to Antigua, Guatemala to provide hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries to patients who have no access to care.

This annual mission is hosted by Operation Walk Canada, an organization based out of London, Ontario. QCH has participated since it’s inception in 2006.

The team brought enough nurses, surgeons, anaesthesiologist, physicians, and physiotherapists to run five Operating Rooms.

“I feel very fortunate to be a part of this great organization,” said Jessica Lanouette, an OR nurse at QCH. “Our patients come from all parts of Guatemala, some travelling 12+ hours to get their surgery.A joint replacement in Guatemala can cost a years salary for some.”

This year’s mission was record-breaking, with 89 joints replaced in the span of a week.