GBGH shows donors just what their generosity can do – bring enhanced imaging services to the community

Donors gathered at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) to celebrate the hospital’s new computerized tomography (CT) scanner which arrived in the fall of 2018 and since scanning the first patient October 15, it has performed more than 2,800 scans. More than 2,000 donations contributed to raise $1.35 million to purchase the state-of-the-art scanner for GBGH. The GBGH Foundation is now fundraising the remaining $124,074.

February 12, 2019 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and the GBGH Foundation invited donors to attend a celebration in honour of the hospital’s new computerized tomography (CT) scanner. More than 2,000 donors contributed $1.35 million to purchase the important new diagnostic tool. The names of those donors can now be seen on the foundation’s new CT donor wall.

“When this new CT arrived in late September, it was a huge relief for us as the old unit had well surpassed its lifespan at 13 years old,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. “The CT is one of the most important tools in our hospital to accurately diagnose what ails our patients. Our team – staff and physicians alike – are so pleased with the new addition. We’re all grateful for our community’s support in bringing enhanced diagnostic imaging equipment to GBGH.”

A CT scanner is used to diagnose disease or injuries, by taking a series of X-ray images of the body. It uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body. CT scan images provide more-detailed information than plain X-rays do. GBGH’s new state-of-the-art unit – a Siemens Somaton Definition Edge – can take hundreds of highly-detailed images in a few seconds versus the original CT scanners of the 1970s which took one image in four minutes. The images can be seen immediately, patients are receiving timely access to imaging care and they are exposed to less radiation.

“The Foundation began fundraising for the CT scanner in 2014 and it is an incredible milestone to see this project near completion – with just a little over $124,000 left to raise,” says David Turner, president, GBGH Foundation Board of Directors. “We are very proud to celebrate our donors because they have made this improvement in patient care possible at GBGH. We celebrate your commitment to ensuring our hospital is equipped to provide exceptional care with our new CT.” 

The CT, which arrived on September 28, scanned the first patient October 15. To accommodate the new CT, GBGH’s Diagnostic Imaging department was extensively renovated, with the CT relocating from a smaller room to a much more spacious one with enough space to accommodate a stretcher and other equipment. Since arriving last fall, the CT has performed more than 2,800 scans. Each year, GBGH performs more than 10,000 CT scans.

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Contact:

Jennifer Russell

GBGH Foundation

705-526-1300 ext 5339

russellj@gbgh.on.ca

Port Severn couple pledges $150,000 to Georgian Bay General Hospital

February 1, 2019 – After a tour at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) in the fall of 2018, Port Severn couple Donna and Conrad Huber made a $150,000 commitment to the critical needs of the hospital.

“When we heard that the need for equipment and infrastructure is more than $7 million, we wanted to help,” says Donna Huber.  “Thousands of residents rely on GBGH for urgent care, and we want to help ensure our hospital is equipped to provide each patient with the care they need.”

Beginning in 2018, the Huber family pledged $30,000 to GBGH each year for five years, allowing the hospital to use the funds where they are most needed.

The Hubers also shared their story with thousands of community members through a letter mailed in December, asking others to join them in supporting the urgent needs at GBGH. More than 200 donors responded to their request, with collective donations surpassing the $30,000 goal.

“We are so grateful to the Huber family for their generous gift, and for inspiring giving across our communities,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. “This year, the funds from the Foundation will purchase items such as a portable x-ray machine, vital signs monitors and specialized patient beds.”

GBGH relies on donations from the community to purchase 100 per cent of the equipment needed for patient care and hospital operations.  For more information on getting involved in your hospital, visit www.gbghf.ca

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Contact:
Jennifer Russell
GBGH Foundation
705-526-1300 ext 5339
russellj@gbgh.on.ca

New surgical tower key component to GBGH’s expanding surgical program

Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) celebrated the arrival of a new surgical video tower for the hospital’s operating room (OR) with two of the donors who contributed to purchase the $80,000 piece of equipment.  Front row (from left) – Donors Michael & Sarah Thor. Back row (from left) – Dr. Eileen Sacks, surgeon and president, Medical Staff Association, GBGH; Jen Russell, development associate, GBGH Foundation; Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH; Dr. Paige Churchill, surgeon and chief of Surgery, GBGH;  Lucille Perreault, vice president, Clinical Services and chief nursing executive, GBGH; Toni Whittaker, manager, Surgical Services, GBGH; and Marnie Lightfoot, director, Patient Care, GBGH.

January 30, 2019 – Staff and surgeons from Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) celebrated the arrival and first procedure of a new surgical video tower for the hospital’s operating room (OR). The $80,000 tower was purchased thanks to generous donations from Michael and Sarah Thor, as well as some of their friends and clients.

“When I required emergency surgery last summer, I was so fortunate the OR at GBGH was available,” says Mike. “I later learned that without a second surgical video tower, the second OR wasn’t functional for most procedures. Sarah and I could not imagine if I’d had to wait for surgery, so we decided to raise the funds necessary to purchase one.”

A surgical video tower enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with tiny high definition video cameras and lights connected to an HD television screen.  It is a critical part of surgical services at GBGH, and the purchase of a second tower had been identified as a priority by the staff, credentialed staff and leadership.

“We use the video tower for every gallbladder surgery, most appendectomies, and increasingly, for colon cancer and hernia surgeries,” says Dr. Eileen Sacks, surgeon and president, Medical Staff Association, GBGH. “It is essential equipment for any operating suite and having a reliable tower is key to growing our surgical program to provide gynecology and urology procedures locally.”

Mike and Sarah committed $10,000 personally to the project, and nine friends and clients collectively contributed $70,000.  GBGH was able to purchase the tower in December and it is already in use with the surgical team.

“The passion that Mike has shown for ensuring exceptional care at GBGH is inspiring,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH.  “We are grateful for his incredible fundraising efforts which have enhanced our surgical program for thousands of patients in our community.”

GBGH Foundation welcomes new executive director

January 28, 2019 – The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation has hired Nicole Kraftscik as its new executive director (ED). Kraftscik, who brings more than 10 years of philanthropy experience, will begin working part-time for the Foundation in February, transitioning to full-time in early April.

“I am thrilled to work for my hometown hospital, where my husband Martin and I have raised our family of three children – Haley, Taylor and Riley – and plan to stay for years to come,” says Kraftscik. “I really look forward to bringing new ideas and experience to GBGH, as well as building relationships both in the community and with the Board of Directors, staff, credentialed staff and volunteers who play an integral role in great patient care here at GBGH.”

Kraftscik comes to GBGH with an extensive background in the field of fundraising leadership in Simcoe County. This includes her most recent role as Senior Development Officer at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Foundation. As part of that team, Kraftscik was jointly responsible for raising $2.4 million in major gift revenue in the last fiscal year – well exceeding the $1.3 million target.

“I attribute this success to an ability to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, credentialed staff and corporate partners who are committed to improving patient care, close to home,” says Kraftscik. “I’m grateful for my experience at OSMH, and the strong relationships I have built within the Orillia and area community.”

As a leadership member in the OSMH Foundation, Kraftscik has experience in the strategic and campaign planning process for a medium-sized hospital foundation, major gifts and legacy giving. Additionally, she has held roles in annual giving, organizing signature events and direct mail, and is also an Executive Member on the Planned Giving Council of Simcoe County and Rotary. Kraftscik also holds memberships with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Association of Health Care Philanthropy (AHP).

“We are very pleased to have Nicole join us to lead our Foundation,” says David Turner, chair, GBGH Foundation Board of Directors. “We are certain her experience and relationship-focused approach will greatly assist the hospital in its mission to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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