GBGH takes top spot in regional flu shot campaign

January 24, 2019 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) recently took the first place title in a regional flu shot campaign among hospitals within the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (NSM LHIN). GBGH staff, credentialed staff, volunteers and contractors reached a combined influenza immunization rate of 73 per cent.

“Having an immunization rate as high as 73 per cent among our team who deliver and support patient care is an important part of reducing the spread of infection,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. “Of course, I’m thrilled GBGH won the challenge, but it’s about more than that. It’s a step in the right direction to see such high rates in many of our region’s hospitals. If a little healthy competition helps boost those numbers and in turn, safety, then it’s a victory all around.”

The NSM LHIN hospitals competing included Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) – which came in a close second at 71.8 per cent – Collingwood General and Marine Hospital (CGMH), GBGH, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH), Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care.

“We’re very proud of how our team stepped up to ensure they’re keeping our patients, themselves and their families safe during this year’s flu season,” says Judy Schell, manager, Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), GBGH. “The success of GBGH’s flu shot campaign is attributable to making the shot accessible to our team. We had a travelling cart going around the hospital for the entire month of November, bringing the flu shot to staff, credentialed staff and volunteers in their work area rather than asking they come to us during their busy day.”

In the past few weeks, GBGH has seen an increase in the number of flu cases presenting to its Emergency department (ED). To date this flu season, GBGH has confirmed 22 positives for influenza using rapid influenza testing. The hospital will continue screening for symptoms of influenza upon arriving at the ED or at registration as part of enhanced safety precautions throughout flu season. Patients with flu-like symptoms will be required to wear a mask and be isolated when possible.

The public is asked to not visit the hospital if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever, chills and sweats, headache, and muscle and joint pain. All visitors should practice hand hygiene on arrival and exiting the hospital to minimize virus transmission throughout the year and particularly during flu season.

GBGH celebrates smoking cessation efforts and looks toward new model to help patients quit

Members from Georgian Bay General Hospital’s (GBGH) Smoking Cessation Task Force and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) gathered at GBGH to celebrate the hospital’s efforts to reduce smoking on its property. Pictured from left: Ray Nason, co-chair, Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC), GBGH; Cindy Baker-Barill, program manager, Cental East Tobacco Control Area Network and Tobacco-Free Living; Glen Allen, manager, Facilities and Security, GBGH; Stephanie Patenaude, supervisor, Environmental Services, GBGH; Judy Schell, manager, Occupational Health & Safety, GBGH; Martin Kuhn, tobacco enforcement supervisor, SMDHU; Jacquie Belcourt, manager, Pharmacy, GBGH; Paul Clute, tobacco enforcement officer, SMDHU; Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH; Bill Whittaker, vice president, Human Resources, GBGH; Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health, SMDHU; Ted Lane, tobacco enforcement officer, SMDHU; Marg Thomson, PFAC, GBGH; Destinee Shepherd, public health nurse, SMDHU.

January 10, 2019 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) gathered to celebrate the past year’s progress as the hospital aims to reduce smoking on its property. As of January 1, 2018, all hospitals in Ontario are supposed to be smoke-free and vape-free as per the Smoke Free Ontario Act.

“We know that all hospitals in Ontario are supposed to be 100 per cent smoke-free and vape-free,” says Martin Kuhn, tobacco enforcement supervisor, SMDHU. “It’s an ongoing challenge for hospitals who are busy with so many other priorities, but at GBGH there has been a total team commitment in their objective to be 100 per cent smoke free – from Senior Leadership to the frontline security staff – and they’re making impressive progress.”

GBGH’s efforts to reduce smoking include bilingual signage throughout the property. Although the hospital does not have the authority to ticket, its Security team can now issue warnings to smokers on the property. The warnings were developed in consultation with the SMDHU and are the only ones of their kind (i.e. distributed by Security) among hospitals in Simcoe and Muskoka. Since beginning to hand out the warnings on November 15, 26 have been issued.

Tobacco Enforcement Officers do have the authority to ticket and have also increased the frequency of their visits to the hospital.

“GBGH’s Smoking Cessation task force has partnered with the health unit over the past year to make a concerted effort to reduce smoking at the hospital,” says Judy Schell, manager, Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), GBGH. “Our goal is for smoke-free compliance to be 100 per cent, but we understand it is an addiction. One of the ways we can assist our patients is by providing support to quit while in the hospital. To improve our identification of patients who smoke tobacco and increase offerings of nicotine replacement therapy, GBGH is proud to announce we are implementing the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation.”

The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation is a proven process to assist in initiating smoking cessation in a health care setting. The Ottawa Model was developed by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and has been shown to increase the rates at which health care providers advise and assist smokers in quitting, increases long-term smoking abstinence rates, reduce future admissions to hospital based on smoking-related illness, and reduce premature risk of death.

Next steps toward implementing The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation include reviewing GBGH’s existing nicotine replacement therapy program and beginning to train staff about assisting patients using the model.

-30-

Contact:
Jennifer Moore
Communications Officer, GBGH
705-526-1300 ext 5177
moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

About GBGH:
Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is a 105-bed acute care community hospital located in Midland, Ontario. The hospital offers emergency, ambulatory, inpatient, intensive and complex continuing care, as well as imaging, dialysis, obstetrical and rehabilitation services. GBGH serves the areas of Midland, Penetanguishene, Christian Island as well as Tay, Tiny, Springwater and Georgian Bay Townships.

GBGH honours exceptional people at annual awards

The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Board of Directors honoured one staff, two physicians and one team with Exceptional People Awards. This recognition is the most prestigious honour handed out to by the hospital for outstanding commitment to care based on its three strategic themes and vision. From left – Award presenter Dr. Nancy Merrow, chief of Staff, GBGH; award recipient Dr. Shirley Babaran, chief of Internal Medicine, GBGH; award recipient Andrea Sheehan, Pyxis implementation team, GBGH; award recipient Dr. Richard Coutts, acting chief of Rehabilitation and Complex Continuing Care, GBGH; award recipient Stacey Cameron, Pyxis implementation team, GBGH; Britton Dusome, Pyxis implementation team, GBGH; Corinne Norwood, Pyxis implementation team, GBGH; and award presenter Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. Absent – Award recipient Lynne Bedard, registered nurse, Operating Room, GBGH; Pyxis implementation team members – Jennah Jones, Roy Deslauriers, Mike Cope and Amy Bellisle.November 19, 2018 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) held its annual awards to celebrate staff and physicians for their Years of Service, and honour some of the hospitals’ team members through the GBGH Board of Directors’ Exceptional People Awards and Volunteer Awards of Excellence. The evening is hosted annually by the GBGH Board of Directors to recognize the dedication of staff, credentialed staff and volunteers.

November 19, 2018 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) held its annual awards to celebrate staff and physicians for their Years of Service, and honour some of the hospitals’ team members through the GBGH Board of Directors’ Exceptional People Awards and Volunteer Awards of Excellence. The evening is hosted annually by the GBGH Board of Directors to recognize the dedication of staff, credentialed staff and volunteers.

“It was a privilege for me to represent the Board of Directors as we celebrated the successes of exceptional team members,” says Jane Millar, vice chair, GBGH Board of Directors. “The board is proud to be part of GBGH because of the incredible team members who positively represent the hospital every day – with patients and families, as well as within the community. These individuals and teams commit their compassion, skills, caring, kindness and time to making care at GBGH exceptional. As a board, we thank them so much for all they do.”

Exceptional People Awards were handed out in four categories based on the themes of the organization’s new strategic plan. Congratulations to the following recipients of these prestigious awards in each category:

• Engagement & Inclusiveness – Dr. Richard Coutts, acting chief of Rehabilitation and Complex Continuing Care
• Quality & Safety – Pyxis Implementation Team
• Accountability & Sustainability – Dr. Shirley Babaran, chief of Internal Medicine
• Vision – Lynne Bedard, registered nurse, Operating Room

President of the GBGH Volunteer Association Karen Roberts was awarded the Volunteer Award of Excellence for her significant contributions of time and leadership to the association.

GBGH also recognized staff and physicians for reaching years of service milestones between five and 40 years. Three staff – Michele Madaire, Randi Dubeau and Sheryl Truax – were recognized for 35 years of service, while Kathrine Archer was awarded for 40 years.

– 30 –

Cutline 1: The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Board of Directors honoured one staff, two physicians and one team with Exceptional People Awards. This recognition is the most prestigious honour handed out to by the hospital for outstanding commitment to care based on its three strategic themes and vision. From left – Award presenter Dr. Nancy Merrow, chief of Staff, GBGH; award recipient Dr. Shirley Babaran, chief of Internal Medicine, GBGH; award recipient Andrea Sheehan, Pyxis implementation team, GBGH; award recipient Dr. Richard Coutts, acting chief of Rehabilitation and Complex Continuing Care, GBGH; award recipient Stacey Cameron, Pyxis implementation team, GBGH; Britton Dusome, Pyxis implementation team, GBGH; Corinne Norwood, Pyxis implementation team, GBGH; and award presenter Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. Absent – Award recipient Lynne Bedard, registered nurse, Operating Room, GBGH; Pyxis implementation team members – Jennah Jones, Roy Deslauriers, Mike Cope and Amy Bellisle.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Communications Officer, GBGH

705-526-1300 ext 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

GBGH team receives flu shots for safety’s sake

October 30, 2018 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) launched its annual influenza immunization campaign in preparation for the upcoming flu season. During the campaign which coincides with Canadian Patient Safety Week, all staff, credentialed staff and volunteers are encouraged to receive their flu shot to protect patients, themselves, their loved ones and their colleagues.

“Our annual flu shot campaign is an important part of GBGH’s commitment to patient safety,” says Judy Schell, manager, Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), GBGH. “We are committed to ensuring the highest safety precautions are in place to protect patients, staff, credentialed staff and volunteers. That means having a team that won’t pass along an influenza to patients and is healthy enough to come to work, helping care for the patients when they need us the most.”

To make receiving their immunization as convenient as possible, GBGH’s OHS team is visiting departments and running clinics to ensure as many of its team members as possible receive a flu shot during the month of November.

“The next few months will be a challenging time of year for us as we predict patient volumes will rise even higher than normal due to the flu,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. “In preparing for this time, we are encouraging not only our team to be immunized, but asking the public to consider doing the same. The flu shot has never been more accessible to the public and we’re grateful. It’s a big help in reducing flu activity in the community, and therefore in our Emergency department.”

All GBGH patients will be screened for symptoms of influenza upon arriving at the Emergency department (ED) or at registration as part of enhanced safety precautions during the upcoming flu season. Patients with flu-like symptoms will be required to wear a mask and be isolated when possible. GBGH’s new ED includes an isolation waiting room which will be utilized for these patients.

The public is asked to not visit the hospital if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever, chills and sweats, headache, and muscle and joint pain. All visitors should practice hand hygiene on arrival and exiting the hospital to minimize virus transmission throughout the year and particularly during flu season.

Cutline: Gail Hunt, president and CEO of Georgian Bay General Hospital (centre, receiving shot), and other staff lined up to receive their flu shots as part of the hospital’s annual influenza immunization campaign. All staff, physicians and volunteers of the hospital are encouraged to receive their flu shot to protect patients, their colleagues, themselves and their loved ones. From left: Lana Whittaker, Judy Schell, Gail Hunt, Bill Whittaker, Janine Duquette and Mike LaChapelle.

-30-

Contact:
Jennifer Moore
Communications Officer, GBGH
705-526-1300 ext 5177
moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

GBGH’s new CT scanner makes a big entrance

Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) welcomed its new computerized tomography (CT) scanner on September 28. The scanner, which entered the building via the main entrance, will be located in the hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging department which is currently under construction to accommodate the new equipment.

Weighing in at 2,200 kg, the new CT – a Siemens Somatom Definition Edge – will offer better image quality, making for more accurate and faster diagnoses. It also provides new low dose technology, reducing the time patients are exposed to radiation. GBGH’s current CT scanner was 13 years old and had reached the end of its lifespan.

After installation and testing, the new CT will be operational this fall. The purchase of the new CT scanner and renovations was made possible due to $1.6 million in community support.

-30-

Contact:
Jennifer Moore
Communications Officer, GBGH
705-526-1300 ext. 5177
moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

Redevelopment journey finally ends for GBGH Emergency department

Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) celebrated the opening of its redeveloped Emergency department after years of planning and construction for the expanded and modernized space, designed to improve care, efficiency and the patient experience. The entire ED redevelopment included adding approximately 8,000 square feet, a new entrance, triage area, trauma rooms, mental health safe rooms, specialized treatment rooms, exam rooms, an indoor ambulance bay, new waiting room, See & Treat area and administration/staff area. Celebrating with an official ribbon-cutting at the new waiting room are (from left): George Cornell, county councillor, County of Simcoe; Jill Dunlop, member of provincial parliament, Simcoe North; Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH; Dr. Patrick McNamara, chair, GBGH Board of Directors; Carey Moran, vice president, GBGH Foundation Board of Directors; Kirsten Parker, chair, North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network Board of Directors; and Dr. Dan Lee, chief, Emergency department, GBGH.

September 28, 2018 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) has officially opened the final two phases of its Emergency department (ED) redevelopment with a ceremony held in the hospital’s ambulance bay. The entire project – spanning more than five years of construction – concluded earlier this month and nearly doubled the previous department’s size.

“The hospital’s focus when planning this redevelopment – even from the earliest days – was to re-build the ED in a way that best serves our patients,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. “Our focus of providing our community with exceptional care meant our ED needed to expand and modernize to meet the growing demand for services. When the original ED was completed in 1976, it was built to serve 17,000 patient visits and was a single room with curtains. Now we see 47,000 ED visits each year. It was time GBGH developed a department to match our volumes.”

The ED redevelopment has been one of the largest projects in the hospital’s history. Phase 1, completed in 2014, was entirely funded through community support. With a price of $5 million, this 6,000 square foot addition included a new ED entrance, triage area and trauma rooms.

“The community believed in the need for a new ED and without their support, the project would have never happened,” says Kathy Elsdon-Befort, interim executive director, GBGH Foundation.
“GBGH’s loyal supporters have a history of being very generous when the hospital needs them the most. We needed a bigger, modern ED and they were there for us the whole way, also funding 10 per cent of Phases 2 and 3. They’ve never let GBGH down.”

Finished in the late fall of 2017, Phase 2 included the new indoor ambulance bay, as well as specialized treatment rooms, mental health safe rooms, new exam rooms, a negative pressure isolation room (for infection prevention) and improved access from the ED to operating rooms.

The final stage of construction, completed in September 2018, posed the most challenges due to closures of the waiting room and regular See & Treat area where the ED sees 60 per cent of its patients. Now complete, this section includes a new See & Treat, an expansion to accommodate ED administration and staff areas, and a new waiting room. The new waiting area comes complete with both an isolation section and a children’s play area, produced by Keebee Play of Midland and donated by Mark and Carol Cruden, owners of McDonald’s Restaurants in Midland, Elmvale and the Midland Walmart.

After construction, the ED team of staff, credentialed staff and volunteers worked diligently to prepare the space for opening. This included moving in equipment, orientating staff with the new space and running simulations to ensure safety and quality.

“I would like to acknowledge the ED team for their patience and professionalism throughout the three stages of the ED redevelopment,” says Dr. Patrick McNamara, chair, GBGH Board of Directors. “Their dedication to patient care despite the constant construction and change is a testament to their belief in what a new department would mean for the hospital and its patients. I’d also like to thank the community for its cooperation and understanding during the renovations. We were making the best of a challenging situation and we hope you see it’s been worth it in the end.”

-30-

Contact: Jennifer Moore
Communications Officer, GBGH
705-526-1300 ext 5177
moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

About GBGH:
Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is a 105-bed acute care community hospital located in Midland, Ontario. The hospital offers emergency, ambulatory, acute, intensive and complex continuing care, as well as imaging, dialysis, obstetrical and rehabilitation services. GBGH serves the areas of Midland, Penetanguishene, Christian Island as well as Tay, Tiny, Springwater and Georgian Bay Townships.

GBGH birthing program survey to improve care

August 20, 2018 – To better understand how women in the community feel about birthing services at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), the organization is launching two surveys – one about “pre-delivery services” and one about the “care they received post-partum”. The aim of the survey is to determine what the hospital is doing well and what could be improved.

“We are excited to be moving forward and growing our birthing program here at GBGH,” says Lucille Perreault, vice president, Patient Services and chief nursing executive, GBGH. “We are committed to providing the best care we can to our patients. By engaging our community, it helps us to continually improve our services to meet their needs.”

In an effort to continually improve the birthing experience at GBGH, the two surveys are intended to gather information on what the community needs from the hospital to improve. The “pre-delivery survey” focuses on understanding the resources available for expecting mothers and helps the hospital understand what information mothers would find most useful. The survey for post-partum mothers seeks information about their experience while in the hospital. The survey also guides the program to better understand the resources families are interested in both in and out of the hospital.

The pre- and post-delivery surveys are online for new and experienced mothers. They can be found via our website – gbgh.on.ca – and through GBGH’s Facebook page.

In 2017, GBGH entered into a joint birthing program with Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH). Through GBGH’s Facebook page. In 2017, GBGH entered into a joint birthing program with Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH). Through this partnership, patients have access to high quality birthing services close to home across a corridor of care stretching between OSMH’s and GBGH’s catchment areas. For birthing services, GBGH is a Level 1 centre providing service for low-risk births, while Orillia is a Level 2 centre for higher risk births.

To take the surveys, please visit:

Pre-Delivery Survey and Suggestions:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Pre-Delivery

Post-Delivery Survey and Suggestions:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Post-Delivery-Eng

-30-

Contact:
Jennifer Moore
Communications Officer, GBGH
705-526-1300 ext 5177
moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

About GBGH:
Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is a 105-bed acute care community hospital located in Midland, Ontario. The hospital offers emergency, ambulatory, acute, intensive and complex continuing care, as well as imaging, dialysis, obstetrical and rehabilitation services. GBGH serves the areas of Midland, Penetanguishene, Christian Island as well as Tay, Tiny, Springwater and Georgian Bay Townships.

GBGH celebrates therapeutic garden opening

Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) recently opened its Therapeutic Garden at the hospital’s Midland site. The garden is located off the 1 North Complex Continuing Care and Rehabilitation unit of the hospital and serves as a quiet place for patients and family to enjoy, as well as provides a venue for recreation therapy. Celebrating the opening are (back row from left) Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH; Karen Roberts, president, GBGH Volunteer Association; (front row from left) GBGH patient Thelma Coutts; and Crystal Handy, recreation therapist, GBGH.

July 20, 2018 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) officially opened a new therapeutic garden for patients, families, and staff after years of planning and hard work. Members of the community, volunteers, and GBGH’s team gathered to celebrate this new outdoor garden for healing and hope at the hospital’s Midland site.

“Over the years that I’ve worked at GBGH, I have witnessed countless times the positive change that connecting with nature has on patients,” says Crystal Handy, recreation therapist, GBGH. “Patients who have been withdrawn suddenly find hope and positivity when engaged in gardening activities. That motivation is what we wish to extend to others through opening the garden.”

After three years of planning and rallying community support for the project and extensive help from our volunteers, it has finally concluded with new garden space, patio, furniture, water feature and fencing. The therapeutic garden is located off the 1 North Complex Continuing Care and Rehabilitation wing of the hospital. Designed to give patients a change from the institutional feeling hospitals often have, this unique space serves as a quiet place for patients and family to enjoy, as well as provides a venue for recreation therapy.

“It has been a while in the making, but we’re now very happy to see the project complete,” says Karen Roberts, president, GBGH Volunteer Association. “The volunteers at the hospital, along with so many other people played an integral role in bringing this idea to life. From fundraising to assembly, the project would not have been possible without their support. Now we’re so proud to open up the therapeutic garden and celebrate the peaceful atmosphere that has been created because of their support.”

Supporters and donors of the therapeutic garden include the GBGH Volunteer Association, Hardship Acres Landscaping Inc, Pat Lalonde Fencing, Penetang Sand and Gravel, Brampton Brick, Elmvale Home Hardware, Asselin Insurance Brokers and Huronia Community Foundation*.

– 30 –

Contact:
Jennifer Moore
Communications Officer, GBGH
705-526-1300 ext 5177
MooreJen@gbgh.on.ca

About GBGH:
Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is a 105-bed acute care community hospital located in Midland, Ontario. The hospital offers emergency, ambulatory, acute, intensive and complex continuing care, as well as imaging, dialysis, obstetrical and rehabilitation services. GBGH serves the areas of Midland, Penetanguishene, Christian Island as well as Tay, Tiny, Springwater and Georgian Bay Townships.

* Huronia Community Foundation
GBGH gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Huronai Community Foundation, which is a public foundation serving the people of Huronia. The Foundation builds permanently endowed charitable funds for the changing need and opportunities of the community and provides grants to eligible charitable organizations in arts and culture, education, health, environment, sports & recreation and social services sectors.”

GBGH and OSMH recognized for good governance

Receiving the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (NSM LHIN) inaugural Award for Good Governance on behalf of Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) are (from left) Al Scott, vice chair, OSMH Board of Directors; Pat Campbell, president and CEO, OSMH; Bob Morton, past chair, NSM LHIN; Ralph Befort, past chair, GBGH Board of Directors; Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH; and Bernie Uhlich, chair of the Governance Committee, GBGH Board of Directors.

July 12, 2018 – This spring, the Board of Directors for both Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) were awarded the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network’s (LHIN) inaugural Award for Good Governance. The LHIN’s Board of Directors made the selection based on a nomination recognizing the work of both hospitals in developing the framework for their Birthing Partnership.

The nomination specifically highlighted how the statement of principles led to the establishment of the Joint Birthing Program and how the foresight of the OSMH and GBGH Boards in establishing this governance framework has assisted both organizations in successfully operationalizing this initiative.

“This award was a great honour to receive given the investment both organizations have made in establishing this partnership,” says Patrick McNamara, chair, GBGH Board of Directors. “The Statement of Principles between GBGH and OSMH has helped us ensure the provision of quality birthing services for women in our communities.”

The NSM LHIN Board of Directors recognizes how the collaboration and innovation involved in this birthing partnership improves the patient experience and care, and aligns with the Patients First mandate to improve access to services and deliver integrated care. Through the Joint Birthing Partnership, patients have access to high quality care and the reassurance the birthing and gynecological services they need are available close to home. Through the program, GBGH provides services for low-risk births while OSMH provides care for higher-risk mothers and babies.

“The most successful hospital partnerships are those that benefit patients and their families,” said Dan Germain, OSMH Board Chair. “We’re happy to be making a positive difference in the lives of patients we serve.”

-30-

Contact:

Jennifer Moore
Communications Officer, GBGH
705-526-1300 ext 5177
moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

Terry Dyni
Director of Community Relations, OSMH
(705) 327-9179
tadyni@osmh.on.ca

About GBGH:
Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is a 105-bed acute care community hospital located in Midland, Ontario. The hospital offers emergency, ambulatory, acute, intensive and complex continuing care, as well as imaging, dialysis, obstetrical and rehabilitation services. GBGH serves the areas of Midland, Penetanguishene, Christian Island as well as Tay, Tiny, Springwater and Georgian Bay Townships.

About OSMH:
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is located in Orillia, Ontario (just 114 kilometres north of Toronto) and serves more than 440,000 residents in North Simcoe Muskoka. OSMH provides a comprehensive range of programs and services, including medical, surgical and emergency care, dialysis, obstetrical and paediatric care, mental health and rehabilitation services. For more information please visit our website at www.osmh.on.ca.

GBGH launches new strategic plan as part of its annual Report to the Community

June 29, 2018 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) – Report to Our Community – on June 28. In the AGM presentation, led by GBGH Board of Directors chair Dr. Patrick McNamara, the hospital made several announcements including launching its new strategic plan and new website.

After significant development and engagement, GBGH’s Strategic Plan 2018-2023 has launched including a new Mission (“Improving the health of the communities we serve”) and Values (Respect, Accountability, Excellence, Compassion). The hospital has also named three strategic themes under which it will align its efforts – Quality & Safety, Accountability & Sustainability and Engagement & Inclusiveness.

“Although we have made some significant changes in our strategic directions with this plan, we chose to remain with the hospital’s existing vision of Exceptional Care, Every Person, Every Time,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. “This vision is as relevant as ever and will still serve as a guiding principle for the next five years. Although challenging to sum it up in only one statement, our new plan is all about focusing on our people, patients, partners and community while ensuring safety, growing to meet community needs and responsibly managing our resources.”

GBGH has also launched its new website in English and French. The new sites are more user-friendly with easier navigation based on analytics about most frequently visited pages on the site.

The new sites are also mobile compatible and fully accessible with text contrasting, text size changes and image descriptions.

Other highlights from the hospital’s year included the completion of phase two in the Emergency department redevelopment, the growth of GBGH’s joint birthing partnership with Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, achieving its partial French Language Services designation and continued phase two planning for the relocation of 20 mental health beds from Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care as part of the regional program.

After being elected in April to the role of GBGH Board of Directors chair on an interim basis covering the early departure of Rick Philbin, Dr. McNamara was once again elected at the AGM – this time for a full one-year term.

“I’m very pleased and honoured to continue as the chair of GBGH’s Board of Directors,” says Dr. McNamara. “With the new plan in place and a new team to implement the strategy, I’m highly optimistic about this hospital’s future. There is positive progress ahead for GBGH and I will be fortunate to play a small role in that change.”

Jane Millar has been re-elected as Vice Chair and the GBGH Board of Directors also welcomed two new members – Kristen Monague and Tim Kastelic. Monague is the Acting Lands Manager for Beausoleil First Nation with experience and education in indigenous peoples resources management. Kastelic has had a long career in the marketing and financial industry, and previously served on the hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

GBGH’s Annual Report, entitled Checking Our Pulse, was also released on June 28. It can be found on the GBGH website at https://gbgh.on.ca/about-us/our-strategic-plan/

-30-

Contact:

Jennifer Moore
Communications Officer, GBGH
705-526-1300 ext 5177
MooreJen@gbgh.on.ca

About GBGH:

Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is a 105-bed acute care community hospital located in Midland, Ontario. The hospital offers emergency, ambulatory, acute, intensive and complex continuing care, as well as imaging, dialysis, obstetrical and rehabilitation services. GBGH serves the areas of Midland, Penetanguishene, Christian Island as well as Tay, Tiny, Springwater and Georgian Bay Townships.