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Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) have formed a strategic partnership to address the surgical backlog at RVH while utilizing the available capacity at GBGH. RVH vascular surgeon Dr. Andrea Devrome (left) was able to operate on patient Pam Oertel (right) at GBGH, significantly reducing the wait time until her procedure. By working together, both organizations are committed to benefiting all patients in Simcoe County by ensuring quicker access to surgeries.

May 5, 2025 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) have formed a strategic partnership to address the growing need for timely surgical care across Simcoe County. By welcoming RVH surgeons to practice at GBGH, the collaboration is significantly reducing long wait times and helping more patients access the procedures they need, sooner.

The partnership between GBGH and RVH was started to address the surgical backlog at RVH while utilizing the available capacity at GBGH. By working together, both organizations are committed to benefiting all patients in Simcoe County by ensuring quicker access to surgeries.

“At GBGH, we understand the critical role partnerships play in meeting the healthcare needs of our community” said Dr. Bonnie Shum, Chief of Surgery at GBGH. “We are maximizing our surgical capacity and ensuring our operating rooms (OR) are utilized to their full potential. This approach not only improves access to care but also fosters a collaborative culture that benefits patients, and both hospitals.”

Between August 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025, RVH surgeons performed 145 surgeries at GBGH for patients who had been waiting extended periods for care – including 45 paediatric cases. Procedures have included vascular, plastics, orthopedics, and general surgery, demonstrating the broad scope and reach of the partnership. These efforts have already made an impact on reducing the surgical backlog and enhancing care delivery in the region

“This partnership is a clear example of the strength and potential of our regional healthcare network,” said Matthew Lawson, President and CEO of GBGH. “By working together, we are ensuring patients receive the care they need more quickly, while alleviating pressure on individual hospitals.”

Pam Oertel, a vascular surgery patient, learned she would need surgery in June 2024 and was scheduled at RVH that fall. When the time came, her procedure had to be postponed due to urgent cases.

“When my surgery date was postponed, I didn’t know when I would be re-scheduled because the health centre’s surgical program is incredibly busy,” says Oertel. “I was so relieved when I received a call this past February from GBGH to schedule my procedure with my original RVH surgeon. Within a week, I was at GBGH having my day surgery with Dr. Devrome. I was so grateful to have that option. Not only was my experience at GBGH outstanding, because of this partnership, I was able to receive my care sooner while staying close to home.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the capacity and resilience of the region’s hospitals. Both GBGH and RVH remain committed to building on this success, continuing to explore innovative solutions and strengthening cooperation to better serve the residents of Simcoe County.

“As RVH’s surgical program is already operating at 100 per cent capacity, we have to come up with innovative solutions to help alleviate backlogs and reduce wait times,” says Dr. John Rissanen, Medical Director, Surgery program, RVH. “With GBGH having available OR time and RVH needing increased surgical capacity, we knew collaborating would have a positive impact on patient care. I would like to acknowledge the commitment of everyone involved at both RVH and GBGH, who have all worked diligently to make this possible for patients.”

In addition to partnerships, as part of its planned expansion at the existing Barrie site and the development of a new site in Innisfil, RVH will add operating rooms to meet the growing demand for surgical services.

 



(Left to right): Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, GBGH MRI Technologists Liane Netherton, Melissa Rawlek, Jennette Cole, Luc Pharand, Erin Kominek, GBGH Manager of Diagnostic Imaging, Dr. Nick Lougheed, GBGH Chief of Diagnostic Imaging, Dr. Vikram Ralhan, GBGH Chief of Staff, Bernie Uhlich, Chair, GBGH Board of Directors, Karen Redpath, GBGH Director, Clinical Services, Nicole Kraftscik, GBGH Foundation President and CEO, Matthew Lawson, GBGH President and CEO, and Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response and MPP Simcoe North cut the ribbon for the new GBGH MRI.

March 21, 2025 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) officially opened the highly anticipated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) addition, marking a transformative milestone in healthcare services for the communities the hospital serves. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of the community, the Foundation achieved its $4-million fundraising goal in less than two years, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to enhancing local healthcare.

“Our government is making record investments in health care to connect more people to the care they need, closer to home,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By investing in Georgian Bay General Hospital’s first-ever MRI machine, our government is taking another step to make it easier and faster families in the region to access key diagnostic services in their community, for years to come.”

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate the grand opening of the MRI expansion at Georgian Bay General Hospital, a milestone that marks a significant advancement in healthcare for our community,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “Working closely with the Ministry of Health, this expansion enhances this hospital’s capacity to provide timely, high-quality diagnostic services, ensuring that residents receive the care they need without leaving our region. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together to prioritize the health and well-being of our community.”

The new MRI addition will help reduce wait times – both locally and across the region – as GBGH’s local patients will no longer need to be placed on MRI waitlists at facilities in Barrie or Orillia.

Matthew Lawson, president and CEO of GBGH, shared his appreciation for the community’s role in bringing the MRI to life, stating, “Today is a celebration of what is possible when a community comes together. The opening of our MRI is a significant achievement that will have a lasting impact on patient care. With this addition, we are eliminating barriers to essential diagnostic imaging and ensuring that residents can access timely and critical healthcare services without having to travel far from home.”

The event was held at GBGH with many GBGH team members, community partners, and donors in attendance to celebrate this significant achievement. More than 1,800 individuals, businesses and organizations invested in the project through the GBGH Foundation, including a $550,000 match gift from FDC Foundation.

Nicole Kraftscik, CEO of the GBGH Foundation, highlighted the impact of community support, stating, “This project would not have been possible without the dedication and passionate support from our community. Our collective $4-million investment is empowering our hospital to provide excellent care and is a powerful testament that local healthcare matters. We are incredibly grateful to every person who partnered with us to bring MRI technology to GBGH.”

The GBGH MRI is among one of the first of the 49 new MRI machined the Ontario government is adding across the province, to become operational. This new MRI will allow for more than 4,000 scans to be performed each year, greatly reducing wait times and ensuring that patients who previously had to travel outside the region can now receive timely diagnostic imaging closer to home.

With the MRI now fully operational, GBGH is officially accepting referrals, and the MRI team is eager to begin delivering high-quality diagnostic imaging. This cutting-edge technology will provide faster diagnoses, reduce wait times, and enhance patient care for thousands of residents across the communities GBGH serves.

 

 

Contact:
Derek Desroches
Communications Specialist
705-526-1300 ext 5016
desrochesd@gbgh.on.ca



Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is excited to welcome Dr Saqib A K Utman, an Ophthalmologist, to the Georgian Bay community. With extensive experience in comprehensive ophthalmology and glaucoma care, Dr. Utman has trained at renowned institutions, including Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and the University of Toronto. He was a Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society, the European Glaucoma Society, and the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery. Dr. Utman also served on the editorial boards of multiple ophthalmology journals and played an active role in clinical research and education.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Utman join our team,” said Dr. Vikram Ralhan, Chief of Staff at GBGH. “His expertise will greatly enhance access to specialized eye care for patients in our community.”

Dr. Utman’s addition to the medical staff strengthens the GBGH’s commitment to providing high-quality eye care services. His arrival is particularly significant as the demand for ophthalmology services continues to grow in the communities GBGH serves.

“Having Dr. Utman at GBGH allows us to expand surgical and clinical ophthalmology services for our patients,” said Dr. Bonnie Shum, Chief of Surgery at GBGH. “We are confident that his skills and dedication will be a tremendous asset to our surgical team.”

Referrals to Dr. Utman can be made through your family physician or through your Optometrist.

 



The new MRI machine being craned into the new MRI addition at Georgian Bay General Hospital.

January 20, 2025 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) celebrated a monumental moment in the journey to enhance patient care: the delivery of the long-anticipated MRI machine. On Monday, the state-of-the-art equipment was craned into the newly constructed MRI addition, marking a significant step forward for advanced diagnostic services for the communities GBGH serves.

The delivery process, involving a large crane, took place Monday morning and is one of the most exciting milestones of the MRI project. The new MRI machine represents GBGH’s dedication to grow services in line with current and anticipated needs of the community. Once operational, this advanced technology will allow GBGH to provide faster, more accurate diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.

Matthew Lawson, President and CEO of GBGH, shared his excitement: “The delivery of our MRI machine brings us one step closer to the day when we can provide MRIs right here in our hospital. This is an exciting time for our community, and we are grateful for everyone’s support as we approach the start of this important service.”

The delivery is more than a construction update; it’s a community milestone.

“This truly is a gift from our community, for our community,” said Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation. “More than 1,750 individuals, businesses and organizations have contributed nearly $4-million to purchase this MRI unit, and invest in the construction to make this possible. We are thrilled to celebrate the arrival of the MRI, and extend our immense gratitude to those who have helped make this possible.”

With the MRI machine now delivered, the final phases of construction are underway. Contractors will seal the access point used for delivery, complete finishing touches such as flooring and painting, and finalize the MRI room. Following this, it will take approximately four weeks to install and prepare the MRI machine. This includes setting up the magnet, connecting cables, bolting the magnet into place, and conducting extensive testing to ensure the system is fully operational. Once ready, training and application processes will begin, culminating in welcoming the first GBGH MRI patient!

For anyone interested in making a gift to help close the fundraising for the MRI, and have their impact doubled by FDC Foundation, visit: https://gbghf.ca/mri-match/

Contact:
Derek Desroches
Communications Specialist
705-526-1300 ext 5016
desrochesd@gbgh.on.ca



January 10, 2025 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is excited to announce that patients can now book X-ray appointments directly through the GBGH website. This new feature has been introduced in response to a significant increase in demand, ensuring timely and convenient access to diagnostic imaging services.

“We understand the importance of providing efficient and accessible healthcare services to our community,” said Erin Kominek, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging at GBGH. “By offering online booking for X-ray appointments, we’re taking a major step toward streamlining the process and reducing wait times for our patients.”

To book an X-ray appointment, patients can visit this link: https://gbgh.on.ca/programs-and-services/diagnostic-imaging/ and follow the simple step-by-step process. The online form is user-friendly and allows patients to select a time that best fits their schedule, making it easier than ever to access the care they need.

This initiative is part of GBGH’s ongoing commitment to enhancing patient care and experience. By leveraging technology, GBGH aims to meet the evolving needs of the community and ensure everyone has access to timely medical imaging. While walk-in appointments are still available, booking online is strongly encouraged for your convenience and to secure your spot.

 

Contact:
Derek Desroches
Communications Specialist
705-526-1300 ext 5016
desrochesd@gbgh.on.ca



GBGH staff recently did a walk-through of the new MRI addition (L-R) Aly Wang, GBGH Project Manager, Angela Puddicombe, GBGH Facilities Supervisor, Leesa Schoenmaker, GBGH Project Manager, Chris Wirsching, GBGH Facilities Electrician and Matthew Lawson, GBGH President and CEO.

Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is making great progress on the addition to its existing building, which will house the much-anticipated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. This expansion represents a significant milestone in advancing healthcare services for the communities GBGH serves.

“As we near the end of 2024, it is incredible to reflect on the progress we’ve made throughout the year,” says Matthew Lawson, GBGH President and CEO. “With equipment arrival expected early in the New Year, we are excited to begin operating the MRI suite and scanning our first patient in early 2025.”

Construction progress has steadily continued, with several key milestones achieved. The lower level’s exterior brickwork is now 100% complete, and the upper level’s exterior insulation has been finalized. Siding for the upper level is currently being fabricated and will be installed soon. The MRI room’s radiofrequency shielding has been installed and thoroughly tested, with an alarm system in place to monitor its integrity. All window frames have been installed, and framing throughout the building is fully complete. Drywall installation has started on both the upper and lower levels, shaping the interior spaces. Additionally, a new entrance connecting the addition to the existing building has been opened. To support Phase 2 of construction, which includes expanding the waiting room and creating a new hallway, the Diagnostic Imaging waiting area has been temporarily relocated.

The GBGH Foundation is closer than ever to completing the $4-million fundraising campaign for an MRI, thanks to a match gift from FDC Foundation. This private family foundation will match all donations to the MRI Fund up to a total of $550,000. Since April 2023, businesses, organizations, and individuals have raised more than $3 million to bring MRI technology to GBGH. This latest match gift is expected to be the final push, with fundraising efforts anticipated to conclude by the end of January 2025.

“Our community has been so supportive of the MRI campaign, and we are so grateful to every person who has invested in this project to date,” says Jen Russell, Director of Communications and Engagement, GBGH Foundation. “FDC Foundation’s generous match gift means that all donations to the MRI Fund going forward will have double the impact. We are almost there, and we hope everyone will join us in achieving the funding goal for this important project.”

For monthly time-lapse videos showcasing construction progress, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4tD_HC0Ja0

To learn more about the MRI project or to make a donation, please visit: https://gbghf.ca/current-needs/mri/

 

 

Contact:
Derek Desroches
Communications Specialist
705-526-1300 ext 5016
desrochesd@gbgh.on.ca



December 2, 2024 – Guided by our purpose statement of We Make Excellent Care Personal, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is committed to providing excellent care to the residents of the broader North Simcoe region. Led by a passionate and committed Board, an outstanding Leadership Team, 750+ employees, professional staff complement of 200+, and 100+ volunteers, the organization has launched an ambitious 7-year strategic plan, designed to meet the health care needs of a rapidly growing population. GBGH is guided by the strategic pillars of Continual Excellence, Trust and Belonging, Dedicated Team and Sustainable Growth.

GBGH is seeking applicants to fill vacant Board of Director roles. The Board is skills-based, volunteer board, providing an excellent opportunity for community members to contribute to and shape the future of healthcare delivery in North Simcoe while playing an important governance oversight role.

The GBGH Board of Directors welcomes applications from individuals with varying experiences and expertise areas but has identified that the following three areas are areas of particular interest:
– Government Relations/Public Policy
– Information Technology/Cyber Security
– Capital Redevelopment & Large Scale Capital project

“We’re thrilled to begin the search for new community members to join the GBGH Board of Directors. The current vacancies present an excellent opportunity to further the expertise of the Board, as well as welcome new ideas and experiences.” – Bernie Uhlich, GBGH Board Chair

The GBGH Board of Directors has a strong desire to have our Board closely reflect the diverse populations served by the hospital. We invite applications from all genders, all races and ethnicities, people of all abilities, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ persons and bilingual or multilingual individuals. We are committed to providing all applicants with equal opportunities.

For more information, visit www.gbgh.on.ca/board-of-directors



In response to the continued rise in cases of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is updating its masking policy to help limit the spread of these respiratory illnesses during the upcoming months.

Beginning Wednesday, November 6, everyone will be required to wear masks in patient rooms and treatment areas. This will apply to patients, visitors and all GBGH staff.

Masks will not be mandatory in hallways, waiting rooms, or public areas but are highly encouraged to reduce the spread of upper respiratory illness.

Visitors experiencing any symptoms of illness are asked to delay their visit until they are fully recovered.

“Our primary focus is ensuring a safe environment for our patients, their loved ones, and our healthcare team,” said Matthew Lawson, President and CEO. “As respiratory infections surge we’ve carefully considered our proactive approach to masking in order to protect our community. GBGH will continually assess the situation and will adjust our approach as deemed necessary.”

Updates on any changes to the masking policy will be posted on the GBGH website.



Judy Schell (right), manager of Occupational Health & Safety at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), administers a flu shot to Linda Gravel (left), Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive at GBGH. The 2024 influenza immunization campaign encourages all staff, professional staff, and volunteers to receive their flu shot to protect patients, themselves, and colleagues during flu season.

 

Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) recently kicked off its annual influenza immunization campaign, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding patients, visitors, and team members during the upcoming flu season. The campaign encourages staff, professional staff (physicians, midwives, dentists), and volunteers to receive their flu shot at the hospital to protect patients, themselves, their families, and colleagues.

“Each year, I am continually impressed by the participation from staff, professional staff, and volunteers in our influenza immunization campaign,” says Judy Schell, manager of Occupational Health & Safety at GBGH. “At GBGH, our team is deeply committed to patient safety, and this commitment is reflected in their eagerness to get vaccinated. By getting the flu shot, we’re helping ensure that we stay healthy and ready to provide the excellent, personalized care our patients expect and deserve.”

Ensuring the health and safety of both patients and team members is a top priority at GBGH. By receiving the flu vaccine, staff and volunteers help reduce the risk of transmitting influenza to vulnerable patients while also ensuring they remain healthy to continue providing care.

In addition to flu prevention, GBGH continues its vigilant COVID-19 precautions. All patients and visitors are asked to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms upon entering the building, as symptoms of COVID-19 can be similar to those of influenza. While masking continues to be optional at GBGH, the hospital is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust safety protocols as necessary. Hand hygiene stations are available at all entrances, including the main and Emergency Department entrances.

As we approach the colder months, GBGH remains focused on keeping its patients and team safe and healthy through a comprehensive approach to flu and respiratory illness prevention.