County of Simcoe contributes to local healthcare through support of GBGH

Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is receiving more than $900,000 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.

The County has pledged nearly $3.16 million to GBGH over 15 years. For the first time since that pledge was made in 2017, GBGH is using $901,936, leaving a balance of more than $2.2 million to be used at the hospital’s discretion until 2031. GBGH will use $239,000 of these funds toward the redevelopment of its sterilization department. The hospital will dedicate $662,963 to pay the remaining balance on its new computerized tomography (CT) scanner which arrived in 2018.

“We are very fortunate to have the support of all the municipalities which make up the County of Simcoe as they understand the vital importance of local healthcare for residents,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH and chair, Simcoe County Hospital Alliance. “Upgrades to GBGH’s sterilization department directly impacts safety at our hospital. Having our new CT scanner has led to dramatic decreases in wait times and improved diagnosis due to its speed and image quality.”

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 hospitals inside our region and one which cares for County residents – GBGH, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Collingwood General & Marine Hospital, Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care and Southlake Regional Health Centre. 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.

“Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, the County of Simcoe continues to recognize the increasing demand for high-quality, accessible local healthcare,” said County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell. “Our long tradition of investment in local area hospitals is important now more than ever, as we work together to provide enhanced physical, social and psychological supports to our residents. This $900,000 investment will support Georgian Bay General Hospital in continuing to deliver these critical services to Simcoe County residents including vital medical equipment and redevelopment of the hospital’s sterilization department.”

Since 1994, the County of Simcoe has committed $107 million to improve local hospital care and specialized services.

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Moore                                                  Collin Matanowitsch

Communications Officer                                 Manager, Public Relations

Georgian Bay General Hospital                     County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Branch

Tel: 705-526-1300 x5177                                 Cell: (705)734-8386

Email: moorejen@gbgh.on.ca                        Email: Collin.matanowitsch@simcoe.ca

GBGH encourages community to seek medical attention when needed

July 23, 2020—As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) is
reassuring patients it is safe to receive care based on the many safety measures the hospital has
implemented over the past four months. Whether individuals need Emergency department care or
have an elective procedure booked, GBGH is prepared to meet the health care needs of the
community it serves.

In mid-June, the hospital safely resumed some elective procedures and surgeries based on
specific criteria laid out by the provincial government to help maintain safety. These include
enhanced cleaning practices, a stable rate of COVID cases in the area, a reliable supply of PPE
and medication, having a plan for pre-operative diagnostic testing, and having staff and space to
care for patients in the event of a COVID patient surge.

As surgeries/procedures ramp up to 60 per cent of the hospitals’ capacity, GBGH continues to
work through the backlog of cases in a safe and efficient matter while keeping patient safety a
priority.

“We understand that times have been challenging and going out into public spaces may cause
feelings of anxiety, but GBGH continues to be a safe environment,” says Dr. Vikram Ralhan, chief
of staff and emergency physician, GBGH. “We are taking all precautionary measures to protect
patients and do not want anyone to delay care – whether it may be a visit to our Emergency
department, an elective procedure or a diagnostic test. If you are experiencing a health concern,
it’s a concern to us too.”

With certified infection prevention and control experts, cleaning professionals and clinical
education resources on staff to guide the hospital through all safety measures, the hospital
remains one of the safest places within the community. GBGH has enhanced cleaning measures
between procedures and is ensuring that all persons entering the hospital are screened, comply
with hand hygiene practices, wear a hospital-provided mask and follow physical distancing.

“The right care in the right place at the right time is critical as untreated or undiagnosed health
issues can become more serious over time,” adds Dr. Ralhan. “Although it’s uncertain how long
the pandemic will continue, the community can remain certain that the hospital will continue
providing safe, exceptional care through all the services we offer.”

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

Influenza A outbreak over on GBGH’s 1 North unit

May 22, 2019 – An outbreak of influenza A on the 1 North Complex Continuing Care, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Unit at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) has been declared over, in consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. GBGH met the criteria for the outbreak to end based on the hospital remaining without additional cases for eight days, measured from the last patient case on May 14.

“Our team took quick action to prevent the spread of the flu from the two confirmed cases to other patients on 1 North and throughout the building,” says Dawn Major, chief performance officer, GBGH. “This had a significant impact on reducing the spread of infection. Our outbreak management team was very diligent in ensuring infection prevention and control practices were followed so we could reduce the length of the outbreak, therefore reducing the risk to other patients on the unit.”

In quick response to the two lab-confirmed cases, the hospital immediately implemented enhanced infection prevention and control measures including increased housekeeping, use of personal protective equipment, and meticulous hand hygiene practices. Visitation instructions for 1 North have now been removed.

“We know there is still flu circulating in the community, even though it may seem late in the season,” says Janine Duquette, infection prevention and control practitioner, GBGH. “As part of our standard practice for visitation, we always ask that people do not visit patients if they are unwell and/or experiencing flu-like symptoms.”

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 Contact:

Jennifer Moore

Communications Officer, GBGH

705-526-1300 ext 5177

moorejen@gbgh.on.ca