Sutter Health deploys surgical care team and sends medical supplies and equipment for Haiti relief efforts

A 15-member surgical care team from the Sutter Health network deployed Thursday from San Francisco International Airport to provide critical medical care to earthquake victims in Haiti. The team included general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pulmonary acute care specialists and operating room nurses from Sutter Health-affiliated Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, California Pacific Medical Center and Mills-Peninsula Health Services.

The group departed for a seven-day volunteer effort in Port Au Prince. Sutter Health's team also transported much-needed medical supplies, surgical equipment and anesthesia medication to Haiti.

This effort to send much-needed medical personnel is part of Sutter Health's larger commitment to relief efforts. The network, comprised of physician organizations, hospitals and other health care service providers, announced last week its largest disaster-relief donation in the history of the health care system—$1.25 million to help the victims of the powerful earthquake in Haiti.