GBGH welcomes new Board Chair and releases year’s highlights in annual report

Photo: Bernie Uhlich – chair, Board of Directors, Georgian Bay General Hospital

June 27, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is welcoming a new chair of its Board of Directors based on election results from its recent Members Meeting. Bernie Uhlich, a seven-year director on the Board has been appointed as the new chair for a term of two years. Uhlich follows Tim Kastelic, who recently ended a three year term as chair.

“I would like to thank Tim for his strategic impact enabling GBGH to advance to its current state where there are so many opportunities for the hospital to enhance and grow services, which translates into a promising future of care close to home for our community,” says Bernie Uhlich. “Our priorities include adding an acute mental health program, preparing to build a future hospital, and strengthening our culture for current and future team members. Additionally, through our partnerships and affiliations, we will continue to seize the opportunities to enhance collaboration and integration to reduce wait times and improve accessibility. I look forward to leading a Board that will advance those priorities and deliver on our promise to ‘make excellent care personal’.”

In addition to Uhlich becoming chair, Jim Mulligan (chair of the Quality Committee of the Board) assumes the vice chair role. Departing the Board are Paul Farley, Barry Stranks and Stan Wolofsky, who are thanked for the many valuable contributions they provided during their terms. Three new directors are also joining the Board:

• Barb Bell is a long-time nursing executive leader with expertise in the areas of acute, post acute care, long term care and homecare sectors at the local, regional and provincial levels. Bell, who spends her off time in the Georgian Bay area, is passionate about quality, safety and fostering a person-centred culture in health care. She plans to bring this professional experience to add value to her role on the Board, serving GBGH and its surrounding communities.
• Sean Granville joins the GBGH Board with more than 40 years of experience in the energy sector provincially, including roles at the executive leadership level. A retired mechanical engineer, Granville brings to the Board valuable experience leading major transformation projects which are relevant to GBGH, given the hospital’s plans to grow services such as building an acute mental health program and a future hospital.
• Scott McIntaggart, registered nurse, has joined the Board in his retirement from a long career in healthcare, including roles from frontline nursing to executive leadership positions with the major hospitals in the Toronto area. McIntaggart, who grew up in Midland and has since returned, has a keen interest in serving his local community, bringing his leadership experience and clinical service planning expertise to GBGH.

For more information on GBGH’s Board of Directors and its membership, please visit – https://gbgh.on.ca/about-us/board-of-directors/

The hospital has also released its annual report on its website – https://gbgh.on.ca/public-reporting/. The report features some interesting statistics from the hospital’s 2023-24 fiscal year (April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024), as well as highlights of the year, including the following and more:

• Accreditation Canada survey result of Accredited with Exemplary Standing – the highest level of achievement possible as a result of an impartial, thorough evaluation process which measures the hospital on more than 2,000 quality and safety standards, of which GBGH met over 99 per cent
• Released the hospital’s strategic plan to guide planning, decision-making and priorities from 2023 – 2030
• Added new equipment to our surgical program to expand services, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Launched a dedicated Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) and Palliative Care service to enhance end of life care
• Invested $40,000 to support staff learning through the creation of an Education Trust Fund

• Started a series of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Forums for GBGH team members to provide feedback and insights on priorities
• Completed a major renovation of two x-ray rooms with the latest technology
• Continued progress toward building a future hospital and adding a much-needed acute mental health program

In 2023-24, GBGH experienced nearly 43,000 Emergency department visits, had nearly 43,000 inpatient days, completed more than 628,000 laboratory tests, delivered 189 babies, and conducted nearly 6,400 surgeries.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Community Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

GBGH welcomes students to grow future healthcare talent and teams

Photo: Naomi Pham, a student in Georgian College’s Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program, prepares to work with patients on Georgian Bay General Hospital’s Complex Continuing Care and Rehabilitation Unit during a placement.

June 26, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is focusing on growing and investing in future health care professionals through valuable educational partnerships, like the one it has with Georgian College. The two organizations have a long-standing history of working together to provide placement opportunities to health care students in a variety of disciplines.

Throughout the two organizations’ relationship, they have found innovative ways to ensure students receive the comprehensive training and skill development they will need in their career. Over the past nine months, GBGH has welcomed more than 30 Georgian College students – giving them access to diverse equipment, new technology and mentorship from experienced professionals on the hospital’s team.

“GBGH is committed to working with educational partners to innovate, encourage excellence and serve our community,” says Angela Wiggins, vice president of People and Culture and chief human resources officer, GBGH. “If Georgian College students enjoy their time in our region while going to school and then have a positive experience completing academic placements at local hospitals, it’s a benefit to the whole area. Some of the students will hopefully decide to stay in our region and build a life here, which includes making a career at our hospitals. This is one way to ensure our region has a pool of talented healthcare professionals for decades to follow.”

Over the past few years, GBGH has diversified the types of students to whom it can provide hands-on training. The hospital now works with Georgian College to facilitate placements in the areas of:

• Medical laboratory technology
• Nursing
• Occupational therapy and physiotherapy
• Personal support worker
• Pharmacy technician

The Medical Laboratory Technology program and its placements are new and give GBGH the opportunity to help educate these in-demand professionals. Overall, this practical experience in a variety of disciplines will not only enhance students’ academic journey, but also prepare them to meet the evolving needs of healthcare with confidence and proficiency.

“Georgian College is grateful to have many significant partnerships with local health care providers like Georgian Bay General Hospital to support student learning. Our students train in innovative spaces, such as our new Brand Family 360° – Interdisciplinary Simulation Space, with high-tech equipment that prepares them for hands-on learning experiences in placements and their future careers,” said Sanja Beca, Dean, Health, Wellness and Sciences at Georgian College.

In 2021, GBGH was recognized by the Georgian College Board of Governors with a Community Partner Award for the hospital’s outstanding contribution to the college and for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence. The award was attributed to the hospital’s willingness to continue working with students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The two organizations developed creative ways to provide learning opportunities to students so as not to hinder their progress in becoming healthcare professionals.

Naomi Pham, a student in Georgian’s Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant program, is currently in a placement at the hospital. “I’ve been on an occupational therapist assistant placement at GBGH since mid-May and I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to learn in a hospital setting,” says Pham. “GBGH has been a great environment for me because we’ve been able to build connections with the patients and utilize a full scope of equipment to assist patients in the rehab process. The preceptors from the school and the GBGH staff have also been so helpful and open to answering any questions I have.”

As promoting a culture of continuous learning and growth is a top priority for GBGH, the hospital provides ongoing learning opportunities for staff through its Professional Practice and Organizational Development teams. GBGH has plans to make an extensive investment in the education of its team members by developing its own Simulation Lab at the hospital where staff can further their skills using simulation models of patients. The hospital also works with medical schools to provide opportunities for medical learners and high school co-op students to provide them with insights into a future career in health care.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Community Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

New partnership started between GBGH and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine

Initiative’s benefits increase access to care for the GBGH community

June 24, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) today becomes the newest member of the University of Toronto’s network of academic healthcare organizations, reflecting the GBGH commitment to educational excellence in training the medical staff of the future.

With today’s announcement, GBGH joins a group of 24 hospitals that are already affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Benefits of the agreement include the potential for increased recruitment of medical staff and other health care professionals who have done clinical placements at the hospital and surrounding clinics. It will also potentially increase retention of medical staff and other health care professionals due to increased resources, leading to enhanced career satisfaction. The agreement also supports planning for an expanded scope of services for GBGH patients, and increased on-site research, as well as quality and safety initiatives.

“GBGH values opportunities to improve the care our hospital provides, such as this affiliation with the University of Toronto,” says Matthew Lawson, GBGH’s president and chief executive officer.

“We continually seek ways to improve person-centred care for patients and families while also assessing how we can enhance the experience for team members who currently work and practice at our hospital, or are considering GBGH for their future career. With access to a larger network of resources, information and expertise, we expect this partnership will certainly have a positive impact on both patient care and our highly-skilled team.”

The University of Toronto has delivered clinical training through the academic teaching hospitals in the Toronto area for decades. These provide education for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, and many are the University of Toronto’s most important research partners.

“We are delighted that GBGH is now a community hospital affiliate, and hope this partnership will enhance the quality and delivery of care for patients, families and for the community,” says Dr. Patricia Houston, interim dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and interim vice provost of relations with health care institutions.

Health care providers will benefit from the agreement by achieving access to the University of Toronto library. They will also have increased opportunities for mentorship, and more access to continuing education, through the University of Toronto’s Centre for Faculty Development, the Continuing Professional Development Programs, and Centre for Advancement of Collaborative Healthcare Education. There will also be greater opportunities for health care providers to participate in research and scholarship.

“Having academic affiliations certainly helps our hospital when prospective physicians are considering setting up practice at GBGH, whether it be early or later in their career. They may not expect a hospital our size to have such an affiliation, but it’s an indication of GBGH investing in continual development,” says Dr. Jeff Golisky, GBGH’s chief of family medicine and deputy chief of staff.

“There is also a benefit to having greater access to resources through the Temerty Faculty of Medicine because it helps retain the current roster of highly skilled physicians we have as part of the professional staff at GBGH,” says Golisky, who is also an assistant professor at Temerty Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine and director of Temerty Medicine’s Physician Assistant program.

The agreement will continue for a four-year term, until 2028.

 “With this new partnership, Ontario’s future doctors can look forward to more high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities while improving access to much-needed care for communities in Georgian Bay,” says Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities.

“By expanding medical education, our government is helping more students become doctors to serve the people of Ontario, whenever and wherever they need it.”

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Community Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

Georgian Bay General Hospital Celebrates 2024-2025 Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence Recipients

 The recipients of the 2024 Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence at Georgian Bay General Hospital. These are the highest honour bestowed on individuals and teams based on their contributions to GBGH and how they exemplify the core values and help the hospital reach its strategic goals.

June 20, 2024 – During its Team Appreciation Week, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) announced the 2024 recipients of the Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence. The Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence are announced annually to recognize staff and professional staff (physicians, midwives, dentists) who have made remarkable contributions to GBGH while exhibiting the hospital’s core values and helping the hospital reach its strategic goals.

“It is a great honour for the Board of Directors to be associated with this recognition, celebrating the outstanding team members who take pride in their work and demonstrate excellence on behalf of the hospital. Through these awards, we honour team members responsible for remarkable acts, but also the strong and steady team members who always step up and have their colleagues’ back,” says Tim Kastelic, chair of the GBGH Board of Directors.

Here is the full list of Award winners for the GBGH Board Awards of Excellence:

Inspire Dedication Award: Rebecca Rawn (Ambulatory Care)

Rebecca Rawn has been selected for the Inspire Dedication Award due to her unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of GBGH’s patients, community, and colleagues. Rawn’s positive attitude, approachability, and adaptability shine through every day. As a Team Leader, she fosters an environment where her team feels comfortable seeking her assistance. Rawn consistently exceeds expectations by finding patient-first solutions and ensuring her team feels valued and supported. Her dedication to going above and beyond makes her a beacon of inspiration at GBGH.

Patients First Award: Heather Byun (Pharmacy)

Heather Byun is the recipient of the Patients First Award, embodying the core values of GBGH through her hard work and dedication. Heather is known for her willingness to help in any situation, whether it’s delivering Pyxis machines, checking medication trays, or assisting with medication reconciliation. She takes initiative without being asked and supports her colleagues during times of high workloads and staff shortages. Heather’s commitment to ensuring continuity of care for all patients exemplifies what it means to put patients first.

Empower Others Award: Dr. Paige Churchill (Medical Quality, Surgical Program)

Dr. Paige Churchill has been honoured with the Empower Others Award for her incredible leadership and dedication to fostering growth within the GBGH community. Since joining the hospital in 2015, Dr. Churchill has led significant expansions in the surgical program and played a crucial role in enhancing various services. As Medical Quality Lead, she has driven multiple quality improvement projects and supported physicians in their professional development. Dr. Churchill’s pragmatic and collaborative leadership has been instrumental in the hospital’s continued success and quality care delivery.

Lead with Empathy Award: Scott Garrett (Materials Management)

Scott Garrett receives the Lead with Empathy Award for his consistent demonstration of compassion and willingness to go the extra mile for patients and staff. Scott’s dedication to prioritizing patients’ needs, exemplifies his empathetic approach. His commitment to helping others and ensuring timely support for patient care is a testament to his outstanding character and dedication to GBGH’s values.

Think Forward Award: Danielle Pillon (Learning & Development)

Danielle Pillon has been awarded the Think Forward Award for her innovative contributions to GBGH’s learning and development programs. Since joining the hospital, Danielle has revamped leadership development, launched new training initiatives, and proactively planned for future educational needs. Her efforts in implementing team training and revising mandatory training programs have resulted in significant improvements and cost savings. Danielle’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to continuous improvement make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Team Award: Emergency Department (ED)

The Emergency Department team has been honoured with the Team Award for their unwavering commitment to excellence, trust, and patient-centred care. The ED team consistently embraces new initiatives and evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. Their ability to provide compassionate care under challenging circumstances, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, has garnered immense respect and appreciation from the community. The team’s dedication to nurturing new staff and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment exemplifies the best of GBGH.

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

Georgian Bay General Hospital breaks ground on MRI addition

Photo: Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) celebrated the groundbreaking on its new MRI expansion which is anticipated to open in early 2025. The expansion off the hospital’s existing Diagnostic Imaging department will accommodate GBGH’s first MRI which will enhance overall patient experience by accessing care close to home and reduce wait times. From left –  Karen Redpath, director, Clinical Services, GBGH; Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation; Dr. Vikram Ralhan, chief of Staff, GBGH; Matthew Lawson, president and CEO, GBGH; Honourable Jill Dunlop – minister of Colleges and Universities and MPP Simcoe North; Liane Netherton, medical radiation technologist, GBGH; Erin Kominek, manager, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiorespiratory and Laboratory, GBGH; Melissa Rawlek, medical radiation technologist, GBGH; Allison Cramp, charge technologist, GBGH; Dr. Nick Lougheed, chief, Diagnostic Imaging, GBGH; and Tim Kastelic, chair, GBGH Board of Directors.

June 18, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is proud to announce the commencement of construction on its highly anticipated Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) addition, marking a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare services for the communities it serves. GBGH’s MRI will enhance overall patient experience and reduce wait times, improving health outcomes for individuals across the area GBGH serves.

“I am thrilled to share in this announcement and the ground-breaking of the MRI facility at GBGH today,” says the Honourable Jill Dunlop, minister of Colleges and Universities and MPP Simcoe North. “This achievement is the result of dedicated efforts and collaboration between various stakeholders. Our government has worked tirelessly to secure the necessary funding and approvals to make this project a reality, and by investing in advanced medical technology and infrastructure, we are ensuring that our healthcare system can meet the growing needs of our population. I want to thank everyone involved, including the hospital administration, healthcare professionals, and community advocates, for their unwavering commitment and support. This new MRI facility will not only improve patient outcomes but also support our healthcare providers in delivering the best possible care.”

With a total investment of $8 million, this groundbreaking project underscores GBGH’s commitment to providing more diagnostic imaging services closer to home. The new MRI addition will help reduce wait times – both locally and across the region as GBGH’s local patients will not be on MRI waitlists at facilities in Barrie or Orillia.

Matthew Lawson, president and CEO of GBGH, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The commencement of construction on our new MRI addition marks a crucial step forward in our strategy to grow our services at GBGH to align with current and future needs of our community. This state-of-the-art facility will not only improve patient care by providing an important diagnostic procedure, but also enables us to meet the growing demand for diagnostic imaging services across the region due to population growth and our aging population.”

The event was held at GBGH today with many GBGH team members, community partners and donors in attendance to mark the special day. The GBGH Foundation has been fundraising for the MRI over the past 18 months with the goal of raising $4 million toward the project. The fundraising tally currently sits at $2.3 million.

The MRI addition represents a collaborative effort between GBGH and its surrounding communities. Nicole Kraftscik, CEO of the GBGH Foundation, emphasized the importance of community support in realizing this vision. “It is so exciting to see construction starting on the new MRI addition. Our community has been incredibly generous over the past year, and we would not be moving forward today without their investment. We are immensely grateful to the individuals, businesses and organizations who have contributed, and we continue to work with the community to reach our fundraising goal.”

The hospital looks forward to the completion of construction and performing its first MRI in early 2025.

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

Contact:

Derek Desroches

Communications Specialist

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5016

desrochesd@gbgh.on.ca

Georgian Bay General Hospital hosts successful ROMP Week for new medical students

Dr. Martin McNamara (left) works with two medical students during a ROMP Week clinical skills lab.

June 13, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) recently welcomed a group of first and second year medical students for an enriching Rural Ontario Medicine Program (ROMP) Week. The experience provides these future physicians with valuable “hands-on” clinical experiences, and a taste of the great lifestyle within the Georgian Bay community.

ROMP Week is a one-week elective program designed to expose medical students to medical practices beyond academic centres, emphasizing the distinct advantages, opportunities and challenges of rural medicine. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of rural medical practice, potentially inspiring students to consider careers in these vital, yet often underserved, areas.

Throughout the week, GBGH organized a series of events and activities that encouraged interaction between the students and GBGH physicians and healthcare providers in the community. These events included:

• Clinical Shadowing: Students had the opportunity to observe and participate in various clinical settings, including the hospital, to gain hands-on experience and insight into daily medical practices.
• Community Engagement: Activities were planned to highlight the unique lifestyle offered by our community, helping students appreciate the balance between professional responsibilities and quality of life in a rural setting.
• Networking Events: Informal gatherings and discussions were held to allow students to connect with GBGH physicians and healthcare providers, facilitating mentorship and professional relationships.

Dr. Vikram Ralhan, chief of staff at GBGH, commented on the success of ROMP Week: “We are thrilled to have hosted such a talented group of future medical professionals. ROMP Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the rewarding career and lifestyle that rural medicine offers. We hope this experience has inspired these students to consider returning to our community as practicing physicians in the future.”

The students left with a broader perspective on rural healthcare and a renewed enthusiasm for their medical careers. Amish Gaur, a first year medical student from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, shared his experience: “ROMP Week at GBGH was an incredible opportunity. The learning environment created by the GBGH physicians was outstanding, allowing us to gain practical insights and hands-on experience in rural medical practice. The support and mentorship we received have truly been inspiring.”

GBGH looks forward to further opportunities to support ROMP Week and similar initiatives that support the case for rural medicine and contribute to developing the next generation of health care providers.

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

GBGH Chair reflects on promising future of community’s healthcare

Tim Kastelic – chair, Board of Directors, Georgian Bay General Hospital

June 4, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) has reached significant milestones over the past three years which have set up the hospital for a promising future ahead. In addition to adding echocardiograms, a prenatal clinic, full pulmonary function testing, and significantly increasing surgical procedures (up to 170 per cent of pre-COVID levels), the hospital has been approved for its first MRI, with service starting in early 2025.

GBGH has also submitted proposals to bring a comprehensive acute mental health program to an underserviced community. GBGH’s Board of Directors and Management team continue working to advance priorities in line with its strategy of providing excellent, personalized care to the community. Through the plans set in place, GBGH looks forward to even more significant progress in meeting the community’s needs for many years ahead.

“GBGH serves a unique population, including the Indigenous, Francophone, and seasonal communities within our area,” says Tim Kastelic, chair, GBGH Board of Directors. “Additionally, we have a seniors’ population, often with complex health needs, a shortage of family physicians and a high incidence of mental health challenges in comparison to the provincial average. Over the past three years, one of the largest determining factors in planning the hospital’s future is ensuring GBGH can grow its services to address backlogs and long delays while aligning with the anticipated needs of the community.”

Due to population growth and the age of the building (opened in 1976), GBGH has submitted a proposal for a new hospital to be completed in the 2030s. There are significant challenges with a building as old as GBGH, including aging infrastructure requiring constant reinvestment to extend its lifespan and a lack of appropriate physical space to meet the current needs of patients, as well as the significant growth in demand as a result of population aging and individuals moving to the area.

“Patient volumes in the 1970s, when GBGH was designed, were very different than today and they’ll be drastically different over the next two decades,” says Kastelic. “We project the future hospital will need to have more than 240 beds, which is a doubling of our current bed capacity. There are other new services and capital projects being planned that will be transformative for GBGH and the patients served by this excellent hospital, and I look forward to seeing the incredible progress GBGH is poised to make.”

In addition to a future hospital and with a much shorter timeline, GBGH is about to begin construction on an expansion to house the hospital’s first MRI.  It also continues to work actively with partners and the provincial government to advance our proposed acute mental health program that will require a large extension on the existing building.

“A mental health program at GBGH cannot come soon enough for our community and our region,” adds Kastelic. “Over the past four years, GBGH’s Emergency department has seen a 300 per cent increase in mental health-related visits. With a shortage of beds in our region, it is not uncommon for patients to wait more than 100 hours for an appropriate placement to become available.”

Currently, almost half of mental health patients come to GBGH with a concurrent physical diagnosis and require medical stabilization before they can be transferred to a mental health bed. Having acute inpatient mental health beds at GBGH will also assist patients with equitable access to person-centred care as they will be able to receive mental health and medical treatment simultaneously.

The proposed Mental Health expansion and new hospital will also bring approximately 700 new, well-paying jobs to the community, and provide a significant boost to the local economy.

As Kastelic’s three-year term as Board chair comes to a close, he is most encouraged by the team of leaders, staff, professional staff and volunteers, including his colleagues on the Board of Directors, who dedicate their careers, time and expertise to GBGH.

“We would not have been able to accomplish what our hospital has without the support of GBGH’s dedicated team,” says Kastelic. “They are what makes GBGH a special place in which patients can count on an excellent, personalized experience because they are focused on caring for their community of family, friends and neighbours.”

“Another key contributor to our success is the hospital Foundation who are tirelessly committed to fundraising – making our growth plans a reality,” adds Kastelic. “Finally, I’d like to recognize Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop, our local Mayors, indigenous leaders and other elected officials for their ongoing support and advancement of GBGH’s plans for the benefit of the communities they serve.”

The hospital’s Board of Directors is planning a seamless transition as it welcomes a new chair who will be announced after its upcoming June Annual General Meeting. Kastelic will continue to serve on the Board of Directors as past chair for the next three years. GBGH’s annual report will also be available in late June on the hospital’s website – https://gbgh.on.ca/public-reporting/.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Community Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

GBGH Birthing program expands to meet community needs

Photo: Parents Laura and Tyler Desroches recently celebrated the birth of their second child, Daisy, who was born at GBGH.

May 1, 2024 – Over the past several years, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) has thoughtfully expanded its Birthing program to meet the growing needs of its community, which has included opening both a physician-led Prenatal Clinic, as well as offering enhanced midwifery care through Midland Midwives By the Bay.

While midwives have had privileges at GBGH since 2015, their popularity among obstetrics patients has been steadily increasing, as has the number of midwives practicing at the hospital. Midland Midwives By the Bay has increased from three to 10 providers since 2018, all of whom are dedicated to providing local prenatal, labour/birth and postpartum care at GBGH and in the community. The expertise of the midwives is an asset to the hospital and has helped bring mothers from the community to GBGH to receive their care close to home.

“The demand for our services at the Midland Midwives By the Bay has been steadily increasing, and we are fully committed to growing the local care we offer, whether it be through home births or exclusively at GBGH,” shares Lynne Marie Culliton, lead midwife at GBGH and registered midwife with Midland Midwives By the Bay. “We prioritize collaboration with GBGH nurses and physicians to comprehensively address the needs of expectant people throughout every stage of childbirth. Additionally, we’ve just launched an Indigenous Midwifery Program, offering Indigenous clients the choice to receive care from an Indigenous Midwife. This program also provides access to a variety of culture-based supports throughout their perinatal journey with us.”

Enhancing care beyond midwifery services, in June 2022 GBGH opened a physician-led  Prenatal Clinic to provide high quality, standardized care for pregnant women in North Simcoe. The clinic runs once per week and is available to women – with or without a primary care provider – to ensure all have access to comprehensive prenatal care.

“Local women who were travelling to other areas of the region for prenatal care, can now receive it at their community hospital,” says Dr. Chevy Moreau, chief of Obstetrics and an obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN). “Anything we can do to remove some of the unknown or uncertainty when giving birth is a benefit to patients. It’s comforting for mothers to have their prenatal care here so when it’s time to deliver, they’re not stepping into a place they’ve never been before. Having consistent care in a familiar setting from the early stages of pregnancy to delivery contributes to a positive birthing experience.”

Dr. Moreau played a significant role in bringing that clinic to the hospital, in addition to helping with the overall growth of the program since his arrival in Fall 2021. Dr. Moreau also sees patients one day per week through a Gynecology Clinic run in GBGH’s Ambulatory Care department. The Prenatal Clinic and Gynecology Clinic received more than 1,250 patient visits in 2023, making them the second highest volume clinic GBGH offers.

GBGH plans to increase the frequency of both clinics once the hospital recruits a second obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN), which is actively underway.

To familiarize the community and prospective patients with the Birthing Unit and program, GBGH has released two new videos – a Birthing Unit Tour and About the GBGH Birthing Experience. They can be found through the hospital’s website – https://gbgh.on.ca/programs-and-services/obstetrical-unit/ (with French subtitles in the description box below the video).

In 2024, the GBGH Foundation is launching the GBGH Family Tree, where families can recognize a special baby’s birth by making a donation to the growing birthing & obstetrics program at the hospital.  Babies will recognized with their name, birthdate and photo on a dedicated digital screen in the hospital’s main lobby.  More information about the program can be found at https://gbghf.ca/born-at-gbgh/.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Community Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

GBGH proud to honour remarkable volunteers

April 25, 2024 – During National Volunteer Week (April 14 – 20, 2024), Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) demonstrated its appreciation for the 100 volunteers who selflessly give their time to help the hospital and its patients. Concluding the week’s events was an Appreciation Lunch during which Volunteer Value Awards were given out to recognize the hospital’s volunteers who make remarkable contributions to the community through their dedication the hospital.

“GBGH has an incredible volunteer force of more than 100 and I couldn’t be more appreciative of every single one of them,” says Rachel Jennings, volunteer and student coordinator, GBGH. “Simply put, GBGH would not be the same without the dedication and compassion of its volunteers. We know from the earlier days of the pandemic what it’s like to not have the volunteers with us at the hospital. More than ever we have a greater understanding and appreciation for the positive impact they bring to GBGH, our patients and our community, and they should be celebrated for it.”

Paulette Antaya, a GBGH volunteer for 17 years, was presented with the Volunteer Value award for Inspire Dedication. During her time at the hospital, Antaya has been an exemplary leader at the main entrance information desk where she offers invaluable support to patients and visitors. She actively promotes volunteering with the hospital, having represented the hospital at volunteer recruitment events within the community.

For nearly a decade, John Sweeney has been an essential member of the GBGH team, earning him the Volunteer Value award for Patients First. Sweeney’s dedication to the hospital has always been evident, but never more important than during the pandemic when he has provided vital assistance restocking PPE and portering patients. His contributions directly prioritize patients as he assumes responsibility for duties that enable our staff to concentrate on the quality of care they provide.

GBGH’s volunteer-based Gift Shop would not be the same without the leadership of Agnes Hemming, which is why she’s been honoured with the Volunteer Value award for Empower Others. With nearly 25 years of service as a GBGH volunteer in the shop, Hemming gladly shares her wealth of knowledge and always demonstrates a positive demeanour with her fellow team members. She is also generous with her time, always being available to offer wise advice and words of encouragement.

Nancy Mosley is a compassionate advocate for positive patient experiences and accessibility related to the hospital’s Captain’s Café coffee bar, making her the recipient of the Volunteer Value award for Lead with Empathy. Mosley connects with customers on a personal level to better understand their needs and continually improve service. She has a natural ability to listen with compassion and respect, and always demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond for customers.

As part of seeking excellence through continuous improvement and innovation, Julie Quesnelle is the recipient of the Volunteer Value award for Think Forward. Although Quesnelle is a fairly new volunteer within the past 18 months, Quesnelle has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach in the Captain’s Café coffee bar, constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance the customer experience. Her proactive attitude and commitment to positive change reflect her dedication to GBGH and the people the hospital serves.

In addition to the volunteers who work in the hospital, there are other volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes, including on GBGH’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and the Board of Directors. The hospital acknowledges and thanks these volunteers for all their contributions to helping GBGH achieve its purpose – We Make Excellent Care Personal.

GBGH is continually looking to recruit new volunteers to donate their time in numerous roles throughout the hospital. To learn more and apply online, please visit: https://gbgh.on.ca/join-our-teams/volunteers/.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Community Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

COVID-19 outbreak on GBGH’s 1 North unit declared over

April 22, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, has officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak over on its 1 North inpatient unit.

The outbreak, originally declared April 8, included 19 patients who contracted COVID-19 while receiving care at the hospital.

During the outbreak only essential visitors were permitted on the unit. Visitation will now return to the regular 24 hours/7 days a week visitation for all visitors to the unit.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Community Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca