• female healthcare worker talking to a male patient

    CO2 Laser

    $195,000 raised to bring advanced technology to our operating rooms for cancer patients

Generous QEII Foundation donors throughout the Maritimes came together to ensure the most advanced CO2 laser technology can be found in the operating rooms of the QEII Health Sciences Centre — a key instrument in fighting head and neck, thoracic, and gynaecological cancers.

WHAT DONORS MADE POSSIBLE

Laser technology has become indispensable in medicine. The CO2 laser is no exception. Those who donated in support of bringing a new CO2 laser to the QEII will enable our operating teams to replace an aging laser unit with the latest, most innovative technology available, as well as expand its use across multiple care areas. This ensures more Atlantic Canadians receive the best possible care — significantly impacting the following specialties: 

  • GYNAECOLOGY: A more effective treatment for HPV-related lesions and other gynecological conditions, enhancing patient results and reducing recovery times.

  • THORACIC SURGERY: Precise tumour and tissue removal in the chest, reducing surgical trauma and post-operative risks.

  • EAR, NOSE AND THROAT (ENT): Enhanced precision and accuracy in delicate tissue procedures, resulting in better patient outcomes.

The new CO2 laser offers more patients life-changing, minimally-invasive surgery with precision that improves their overall treatment outcomes, including healing and returning home to their life sooner.   

PROVIDING MARITIME-WIDE CARE

The new CO2 laser benefits Nova Scotian patients, as well as those from both New Brunswick and PEI, who travel to Halifax for these specialized surgeries. 

In fact, this laser will treat one to two patients a month from the Island, who are identified as candidates for CO2 laser surgery during a monthly clinic held on PEI by Dr. Mark Taylor. 

The Orchid Women’s Health Initiative presented this We Are campaign initiative to Islanders during our Evening of Inspiration event in Charlottetown in June 2025. At this event, they paid tribute to a friend who was lost to a head and neck cancer, while hearing from pro-golfer and proud Islander Lorie Kane of her journey involving the CO2 laser at the QEII. 

Lorie Kane
Lorie Kane

PROJECT BENEFITS

With access to this advanced CO2 laser technology, donors will help make the following benefits possible:  

Minimizing bleeding and reducing infection risks with more minimally-invasive procedures
Shortening hospital stay lengths at the QEII, getting patients home faster
Increasing surgical precision, minimizing damage to healthy tissues
Accelerating recovery times and return to daily life and activities