GBGH celebrates legacy of service and love at the Penetanguishene General Hospital

Members of the community and representatives from Georgian Bay General Hospital gathered to celebrate the legacy of the Penetanguishene General Hospital.

May 26, 2022 – Members of the community and representatives of Georgian Bay General Hospital gathered today to remember and celebrate the legacy of the Penetanguishene General Hospital (PGH). The event, held at the PGH site, included a smudging ceremony, prayer to pay homage to the hospital’s Catholic history, a historical summary, remarks from Penetanguishene Mayor Doug Leroux and stories from retired staff about what it was like to work at PGH.

PGH has held a special place within the Penetanguishene community for more than 110 years (see historical timeline below). Beginning in a small home in 1911, the hospital has changed and grown over time to meet the needs of those it served. This growth and change would not have been possible without the exceptional support of the community, including the hospital’s Auxiliary, which dates back to 1920.

“I am so thankful to have been a part of PGH, which whole-heartedly embodied its motto of To Serve, To Love, and honoured to have played a role in caring for this community,” says Doris Shirriff, former CEO of PGH. “Change is constant and inevitable, but I can tell you that at any point during its long history, working at PGH was a special experience. It was like a family and it always will be, no matter what the future holds for this site. Everything that PGH was is still in the hearts, minds and hands of the people who worked here, not in the bricks and mortar. The spirit of PGH will continue to live on within this community.”

As PGH and Huronia District Hospital in Midland eventually entered a formal partnership to become the North Simcoe Hospital Alliance in the 1990s, planning occurred to divide some services between the two sites due to their close proximity. Within that same decade, the focus of PGH became on complex continuing care and rehabilitation while acute services were concentrated in Midland.

“Recognizing the close proximity of the two hospitals, the decision was made to concentrate specific programs between the two sites, ensuring similar care was not being duplicated just a few kilometres away,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. “As a hospital administrator though you can appreciate that it’s about more than just numbers. You can never discount the feelings a community has toward foundational institutions like its hometown hospital. Residents of Penetanguishene embraced PGH and steadfastly supported it in every aspect. As we’ve noted in reviewing and preparing for this legacy event, there is a rich and fascinating history to this hospital which has been evident since I first arrived in this community.”

Six years after formally amalgamating HDH and PGH (2008) into what is now GBGH, the Board of Directors made the decision to move complex continuing care and rehabilitation services to the Midland site. Since that relocation in 2014, Dialysis services and the hospital’s Finance department remained in the Penetanguishene site. The building was also been home to tenants including the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre and Hospice Huronia, prior to both organizations relocating. Finance and Dialysis moved out of the building in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The hospital anticipates the building will be on the real estate market this summer.

To view a slideshow video recapping some moments in PGH history, please visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5wQ7haqWLA

Historical Timeline

• 1910 – 1911: PGH opens in a house as the first hospital in Penetanguishene with 19 beds, a School of Nursing and an Auxiliary to fundraise for hospital operations. According to the deed, it was purchased for $4,000 from the Firstbrook family.
  • Previous to PGH, the Marine hospital located in Sunnyside, near Midland, served both Midland and Penetanguishene.
  • In the early 1900s there had been a diphtheria epidemic which is thought to have brought more attention to the need for Penetanguishene to have its own hospital.

• 1942: The Grey Sisters of the Immaculate Conception arrive from Pembroke to oversee the hospital, bringing 300 years of experience and a new level of healthcare sophistication.
• 1946: Planning for a new hospital begins.
• 1954: A new PGH is built and becomes a model for community hospitals with expanded services. The support of the community is a major factor in the construction and equipping of the building.
• 1963: The Grey Sisters purchase PGH from the town.
• 1970s: PGH opens new Emergency (1973) and Physiotherapy departments and launches a capital campaign to fundraise to make up for funding shortfalls from the government. During this time, approval was also granted to turn 10 acute care beds into rehabilitation and chronic care beds. This later becomes the Complex Continuing Care and Rehabilitation Unit.

• 1981: PGH undergoes a major renovation and a continuing care unit is added.
• 1980s: Construction begins to convert acute beds to rehabilitation and chronic care beds. A Rehab day hospital and diabetes education programs are opened. The Grey Sisters invite greater community participation and Board leadership, as well as begin the strategic planning process. The hospital’s motto ‘To Serve, To Love’ is launched.
• 1992: PGH is approved by the Ministry of Health to operate as a regional rehabilitation centre. Obstetrical services transfer to Huronia District Hospital (HDH) in Midland.
• 1992 – 1996: The North Simcoe Hospital Alliance is created between PGH and HDH to determine how the hospitals can best serve their communities.  PGH and HDH work together to divide services between the two sites. The PGH site ceases acute care services.
• 2000: The Grey Sisters turn their sponsorship of PGH over to the Catholic Health Corporation of Ontario.
• 2008: PGH and Huronia District Hospital (Midland) merge and later become Georgian Bay General Hospital, a name selected by the North Simcoe community.

• 2014: Complex Continuing Care and Rehabilitation inpatient unit at the Penetanguishene site moves to the Midland site (to the current 1 North). Dialysis and Finance remain in Penetanguishene. GBGH Board of Directors votes to eventually close Penetanguishene site.
• 2021 – 2022: GBGH Finance department relocates to the Midland site (existing building in parking lot) and Dialysis services relocate to a community location in Midland (Prospect Boulevard).

COVID-19 outbreak on GBGH’s 2 East unit declared over

May 20, 2022 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, has officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak over on its 2 East inpatient unit.

The outbreak, originally declared May 3, included four patients who contracted COVID-19 while receiving care at the hospital and one staff member. No further transmission among patients or staff was determined through increased PCR testing.

During the outbreak only essential visitors were permitted on the unit, but visitation on 2 East can return to two visitors at a time during the visiting hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext. 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

Have you ever wondered if you should visit the Emergency department for a minor illness or injury?

GBGH is always here for you when you need us the most. We want our community to be aware of some particular signs and symptoms that warrant a trip to the hospital for a medical emergency.

If you are unsure about your condition requires a visit to the hospital, you can always call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (phone) or 1-866-797-0007 (TTY).

When should I visit the Emergency Department

The emergency department is the right place to receive care if you’re having a medical emergency.

Medical emergencies may include:

A change in mental status (confusion)

Mental health crisis

Seizures or convulsions

Broken bone or wound

Chest pain or tightness

Baby under 3 months with fever

Severe vomiting or diarrhea

Stiff neck & sensitivity to light

Severe headache & dizziness

Difficulty breathing

GBGH declares COVID-19 outbreak on 1 North inpatient unit

May 10, 2022 – An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared on the 1 North Complex Continuing Care and Rehabilitation unit at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), in collaboration with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. The outbreak includes three patients who contracted COVID-19 while receiving care at the hospital. Enhanced cleaning and other infection prevention and control measures – including increased testing of patients and staff – are in place. Visitation to the unit is limited to essential caregivers only and the unit is closed to admissions at this time.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

Midland welcomes new family physician Dr. Alia Ali

May 6, 2020 – Midland is now home to a new family physician – Dr. Alia Ali. Having recently moved the Midland area, Dr. Ali is excited to welcome patients with her new family medicine practice, which also has a focus on obstetrical care.

Dr. Ali’s first introduction to the Midland and area community was through working at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH). In December 2021, she opened her doors at the Huronia Medical Centre, where she has taken over the practice of Dr. Richard Thomas. Dr. Ali has a passion for family medicine, women’s health, medical teaching, working with marginalized populations, and issues of justice and equity in healthcare.

“I am very excited to contribute to both family health and women’s health, while also practicing medicine at GBGH,” says Dr. Ali. “During my short time in Midland so far, I have really enjoyed the area and all it has to offer. I am looking forward to contributing to the health and well-being of this community.”

Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Ali moved to Canada in 2012 with her husband and two children. Dr. Ali completed medical school in Pakistan, where she also did four years of residency focused on Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Living in Alberta prior to Ontario, Dr. Ali also worked as a surgical assistant before deciding to pursue family medicine training at the University of Calgary. After two years of training, Dr. Ali also completed a year of obstetrical surgical skills at the University of Manitoba before moving to Midland.

GBGH declares COVID-19 outbreak on 2 East inpatient unit

May 3, 2022 – An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared on the 2 East inpatient unit at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), in collaboration with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. The outbreak includes two patients who contracted COVID-19 while receiving care at the hospital.

Enhanced cleaning and other infection prevention and control measures – including increased testing of patients and staff – are in place. Visitation to the unit is limited to essential caregivers only. The unit is not closed to admissions at this time.

Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital

705-526-1300 ext 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

GBGH appoints interim president and CEO

Matthew Lawson, Georgian Bay General Hospital

April 25, 2022 – The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Board of Directors has appointed Matthew Lawson as the interim president and CEO of the organization, effective June 24, 2022. Since joining GBGH in June 2021, Lawson has served as the executive vice president (EVP) of Corporate Services and chief financial officer. Lawson’s appointment follows the resignation of Gail Hunt as GBGH president and CEO announced April 6.

“Matthew joined GBGH last year and in that time, has proven himself to be a highly skilled financial expert, an effective and approachable leader, and a tenacious advocate for the hospital – all qualities which will serve him well in this interim role,” says Tim Kastelic, chair, GBGH Board of Directors. “Within just a short time, Matthew has transformed many aspects of the hospital, including the budgeting, resource allocation and capital equipment processes.”

Lawson has also been a driving force in GBGH’s master planning process to secure a future hospital and push forward approvals of our proposed mental health program.

“I am honoured to be appointed to this role during such a critical time for GBGH as we continue striving to improve services for this community,” says Lawson. “Our hospital is well aware of where we need to focus our efforts in the present and future as we consistently experience increased demand for services while continuing to face the ongoing operational challenges and lasting impacts created by the pandemic.”

Prior to joining GBGH as EVP, Lawson was the chief performance officer at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie. In this role, Lawson was responsible for leading the Health Information Management, Registration, Decision Support, and Financial Planning teams. Additionally, Lawson led the financial planning process for operating and capital budgets, as well as for the development and maintenance of performance measures within the health centre. While at RVH for more than a decade, Lawson led teams on both corporate and clinical sides of the organization, gaining a valuable understanding of the many aspects involved in hospital operations.

Lawson is a chartered professional accountant (CPA) and certified management accountant (CMA). He also holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration, a Masters in Health Administration and is a certified health executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

The GBGH Board of Directors has established a recruitment committee to commence the process of selecting a new permanent CEO.

Contact:
Jennifer Moore
Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Georgian Bay General Hospital
705-526-1300 ext 5177 moorejen@gbgh.on.ca

Ultrasound wait times at all-time low at GBGH

From left members of the Ultrasound team: Medical Diagnostic Sonographers, Lisa, Natalie, Carol, Preslee, Evelyn and Erin; Manager of Diagnostic Imaging at GBGH.

April 13, 2022 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) continues to improve ultrasound services for patients, as wait times have dropped to an all-time low due to increased availability of services since September 2021. Currently, the wait time for a routine ultrasound at GBGH is 12 days, which is well below the provincial average. At other sites, wait times for an ultrasound appointment can be as long as four or five weeks.

In May 2021, GBGH developed a plan to improve ultrasound services at GBGH in both wait times and variety of services offered. To accomplish these goals, GBGH extended the hours of operation from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. to 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday to Friday and added weekend service from 8 a.m.  – 4 p.m. An additional team member was added to ensure GBGH could extend its hours and that addition increases available scanning hours by 1,950 per year. GBGH’s Diagnostic Imaging department conducted nearly 9,000 ultrasounds in 2020-21.

“At GBGH we are continually evaluating how we can improve our services and the extended hours have greatly helped the communities we serve,” says Erin Kominek, manager, Diagnostic Imaging, GBGH. “People who can’t attend the typical 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. hours now have more options. After six months of having the new hours, it’s helped to significantly bring down wait times, so it is a win-win for our community.”

With the addition of a technologist certified in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound last fall, GBGH is now able to offer this new service to patients. MSK ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool to capture images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and cartilage throughout the body. For an MSK ultrasound the wait is typically 18 days for an appointment.

“I was very happy with the quick turnaround time for my appointment” says Maggie Trace, a recent ultrasound patient, “I was booked within five days of my referral, and the staff at my appointment were wonderful. The entire process was timely and professional.”

Patients can ask their primary care physicians to refer them to GBGH when they are in need of an ultrasound.  Learn more by going to: https://gbgh.on.ca/programs-and-services/diagnostic-imaging/ultrasound/

In addition to ultrasound, GBGH conducts x-ray (more than 21,200 in 2020-21) and CT scans (more than 11,500 in 2020-21). Wait times for CT scans also remain below the provincial average.

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

GBGH CEO resigns to pursue leadership opportunity at Barrie health centre

April 6, 2022 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) president and CEO Gail Hunt has tendered her resignation at the hospital, effective Thursday, June 23, 2022. Hunt, who joined GBGH in September 2017, has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie.

“On behalf of the GBGH Board of Directors, I would like to sincerely wish Gail all the best in this new opportunity and thank her for the many contributions achieved in the best interest of patients, teams and this organization as a whole,” says Tim Kastelic, chair, GBGH Board of Directors. “I’m certain she will do an exceptional job leading RVH, as she has always done during her time at GBGH and throughout her entire 21 year career in healthcare.”

Since joining GBGH in September 2017, after 16 years as the CEO Services de santé de Chapleau Health Services, Hunt’s leadership efforts have resulted in significant transformation at the hospital. Most notably, Hunt has led the GBGH team through change and progress in the areas of financial sustainability, quality improvement, continuous learning and organizational culture.”

“During my time at GBGH, my goal has always been to lay the groundwork for this hospital’s future success, as there are many important opportunities ahead for GBGH and this team,” says Hunt. ”I will most miss the GBGH team members who’ve proven time and time again what an exceptional group of dedicated and compassionate professionals work and practice at this hospital. Every day I’ve been impressed and inspired by the work they do – whether it’s on the frontlines or supporting care from behind-the-scenes.”

Since starting at GBGH over four years ago, Hunt was committed to growing GBGH from the perspective of investing in people, creating a culture of continuous learning, aligning services with community needs, and purposefully and responsibly allocating resources. Some specific highlights of Hunt’s tenure include:

• Updating and implementing the hospital’s strategic plan
• Achieving the highest level of hospital Accreditation in 2019 – Accredited with Exemplary Standing
• Advocating for appropriate funding and the importance of an acute mental health program at GBGH
• Overseeing GBGH’s COVID-19 pandemic response and collaborating with partners on the rapid establishment of a Community Assessment Centre
• Expediting the relocation of the Dialysis unit
• Planning for GBGH’s future through a comprehensive master planning process and submission of the hospital’s Stage 1 plan for a future hospital
• Initiating a review of GBGH’s critical care services which has since resulted in a Level 3 Basic ICU designation (the second highest designation for a non-specialty ICU)
• Overseeing an optimization initiative to expand surgical services to include shoulder repair, urology, gynecology and Ear/Nose/Throat procedures
• Initiating a comprehensive leadership development program
• Acting as a core partner and co-chair in the planning and development of the North Simcoe Ontario Health Team

Hunt will continue all president and CEO duties until June 23 and will work with the Board of Directors to ensure a seamless leadership transition, details of which will be released in the near future. The GBGH Board has established a formal CEO search committee to commence the process of selecting a new CEO.