Progress Continues on GBGH MRI Addition

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

GBGH Board of Directors seeking applicants

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

GBGH Brings Back Masks as Cold and Flu Season Ramps Up

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.

GBGH Launches 2024 Annual Influenza Immunization Campaign

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.

Georgian Bay General Hospital recognizes Franco-Ontarian Day

Prominent progress on MRI expansion at GBGH, bringing services closer to home

Photo: Liane Netherton, MRI charge technologist at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), overlooks the early stages of the construction with excitement. Liane says it has been difficult to witness so many patients having to travel such long distances, especially during the winter months, to have their MRI, after already waiting many months for an appointment. Once the MRI is operating GBGH in early 2025, it will reduce patient travel and expense, as well as wait times.

September 11, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is making dramatic progress constructing an addition to its existing building which will house the future magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. The expansion of imaging services to include MRI marks a significant milestone in growing healthcare services for the communities GBGH serves.

“Anyone who has visited GBGH in the past two months will notice a drastic and exciting change to the front façade of the building,” says Matthew Lawson, president and CEO, GBGH. “Since breaking ground in late June, we have made significant progress in our MRI project. We anticipate being just a couple months away from having the equipment arrive and then, just a few more months after that, we will be able to scan our first patient at GBGH in early 2025.”

MRI services at GBGH will enhance the overall patient experience, improve health outcomes, and reduce wait times as local patients will not be on the waitlists at other facilities in Barrie and Orillia. The hospital has been funded to operate the MRI for 2,000 hours annually, meaning approximately 2,000 patients will have an opportunity to receive this diagnostic procedure locally.

Some of the construction milestones reached to date include setting up the site, excavation, fortifying the foundation and footings, connecting plumbing, and pouring concrete for the columns and the slab. Next steps in construction include exterior framing (walls/windows), roof supports and drainage system installation, exterior doors and windows, interior framing and drywall, and mechanical/electrical rough-ins.

With a total investment of over $8 million, this groundbreaking project underscores GBGH’s commitment to providing more services closer to home. The GBGH Foundation has been fundraising for the MRI over the past 21 months with the goal of raising $4 million toward the project. The fundraising tally currently sits at $2.92 million.

“This incredible progress at GBGH is a testament to the hundreds of donors who have invested to make this project a reality,” says Nicole Kraftscik, CEO, GBGH Foundation. “And, we continue to work with our community to fundraise the remaining $1 million so that thousands of patients can receive this vital diagnostic service close to home.”

To see monthly time lapse video showcasing the construction progress, visit – https://gbgh.on.ca/programs-and-services/diagnostic-imaging/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/

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

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications and Community Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

County of Simcoe supports local access to advanced imaging at GBGH

Representatives from the County of Simcoe and Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) gathered at the site of the hospital’s new MRI expansion. GBGH is funding the MRI expansion and purchase of the MRI in part due to $1 million in funds committed to the hospital through the Simcoe County Hospital Alliance. From left – Linda Gravel, vice president, Clinical Services and chief nursing executive, GBGH; Erin Kominek, manager, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiorespiratory and Laboratory, GBGH; Karen Redpath, director, Clinical Services, GBGH; Deputy Warden Jennifer Coughlin, County of Simcoe and mayor of Springwater Township; Dan La Rose, deputy mayor, Penetanguishene; Liane Netherton, medical radiation technologist, GBGH; Jane Sinclair, general manager, County of Simcoe; Matthew Lawson, president and CEO, GBGH; and Barry Norris, deputy mayor, Tay Township.

August 20, 2024 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is receiving nearly $1.2 million from the County of Simcoe to support local healthcare in the Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny Township, Tay Township, Georgian Bay Township, Springwater Township and Beausoleil First Nation area. GBGH has chosen to utilize all of its remaining allocated funds from the Simcoe County Hospital Alliance to help bring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services to the hospital. This will have a major impact on improving access through reduced travel out of area and wait times.

The MRI at GBGH will be able to operate approximately 2,000 hours annually, which will reduce the burden of travel for patients and reduce wait times across the region. Local patients waiting for an MRI in Barrie or Orillia will be able to have this diagnostic imaging procedure in Midland, as opposed to occupying space on waitlists at other hospitals. GBGH anticipates the MRI, which will also have the unique capability of performing high-density breast and cardiac scans, will be operational in early 2025.

The nearly $1.2million is part of the $3.16 million the County of Simcoe pledged to GBGH for use over 15 years. This will be the third and final installment of funds the hospital has used from this commitment first made by the County to GBGH in 2017, lasting until 2031. GBGH has chosen to use the balance of the remaining pledge toward the MRI given the need to raise funds toward the construction of an expansion on the existing hospital to accommodate the MRI and purchasing the MRI itself.

In 2020, GBGH used approximately $900,000 of this funding toward the redevelopment of its device sterilization department and paying the remaining balance on its new computerized tomography (CT scanner). In 2022, the hospital allocated $1 million in County funds to relocate its satellite Dialysis unit to a modern new facility, completed construction on its medical device reprocessing department, and renovated the hospital’s two x-ray rooms.

“Contributions to local health care from municipalities is critical to the success of projects like those we’ve completed in the past using County funds, and our latest venture to bring MRI services to GBGH,’ says Matthew Lawson, president and CEO, GBGH. “Without the impactful support of the County, its municipalities and community donors, we would not be able to expand our scope of services, purchase new equipment and update infrastructure to enhance existing services, and bring care closer to home for residents.”

This is part of the County’s $45 million commitment to the Simcoe County Hospital Alliance between 2017 and 2031. The Alliance is made up of six hospitals inside our region including Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, GBGH, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (Barrie), Stevenson Memorial Hospital (Alliston) and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (Penetanguishene). Additionally, the Alliance allocates funds to Southlake Regional Health Centre (Newmarket), which also cares for County residents. It was established in 2002 to advise the County of Simcoe of ongoing hospital capital needs and ensure equitable distribution of the County’s healthcare funding. Since 1994, the County of Simcoe has committed $107 million to improve local hospital care and specialized services.

“We know that when we need them most, we can count on our hospitals to support us and our loved ones during times of need,” says Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe. “County Council understands the importance of building up our healthcare system across the region through critical investments in area hospitals that help to create the conditions for a healthy future. The County’s $45 million commitment is just one way we continue building up our communities across the region as we remain steadfast supporters of our local hospitals.”

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Moore
Director, Communications & Community Relations
Georgian Bay General Hospital
Tel: 705-526-1300 x5177
Email: moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

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