FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 30, 2009

Second Family Physician Recruited to Community in 2009

ALLISTON, ON – The Alliston Family Health Team, the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (PRRC) and Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) take pleasure in announcing that Dr. Hanadi Hassan has been recruited to the community as a family physician. She is the second doctor to join the Family Health Team this year.

Dr. Hassan was a medical officer in the Hematology Department in Khartoum Teaching Hospital and was a teaching assistant in a Dept. of Pathology in Om Durman University in Sudan. She was also a family physician in Dubai for seven years before completing her family medicine specialty at the University of Toronto.

“Dr. Hassan is a very welcome addition to the Alliston Family Health Team and brings unique skills and experience which will complement the group. Dr. Hassan had experience in our clinic this summer and Dr. Oswaldo Ramirez, in particular, has worked hard to recruit her to Alliston. Dr. Hassan’s primary interest is to establish a family practice in the clinic,” said Dr. Theodore Fischbacher, lead physician at the FHT.

Remi Welch, Chair of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee welcomed Dr. Hassan on behalf of the entire community.

“Our residents, and especially those on the doctor waiting list, will be glad to hear that Dr. Hassan has joined a practice here, making it not one, but two family physicians have been recruited to the community this summer,” said Welch.

Dr Hassan will also provide inpatient care at Stevenson Memorial Hospital when her patients are admitted to the medical surgical unit.

“We welcome Dr. Hassan to the SMH team and we know she will be supported by everyone here at Stevenson,” said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of the hospital.

He also thanked Dr. Ramirez and the Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP) for their involvement in bringing Dr. Hassan here during her residency.

“The teams at Stevenson and at the Alliston Family Health Team made it very appealing to come and work in the community,” said Dr. Hassan. “I look forward to providing patients with comprehensive health and wellness care,” she said.

Residents who do not have a family physician in the community may call (705) 435-3377 extension # 3202 to add their name to a waiting list. The only things required are a name, the number of people needing a physician and a telephone number. Callers are asked to be brief and to spell their last names. The line is maintained by the hospital as a service to the community and names are given, in the order in which they are received, to the first physician able to take on new patients. There are currently over 800 names on the list, all of whom will be called and advised to make an appointment. 

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For more information contact:
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Physician Recruitment Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 25, 2009

GP Anaesthetist joins Stevenson Memorial  

ALLISTON, ON –Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) and the community’s Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (PRRC) are happy to announce that Dr. James Lo has joined the hospital as a GP Anaesthetist.

Dr. Lo  received his BSc from the University of Toronto in 2002 and his MD from Queen’s University in 2006. He did part of his Rural Family Medicine residency in Alliston with Dr. Lester Affoo in 2007. Dr. Lo completed a fellowship in GP Anaesthesia in June and provided locum services at SMH this summer.

“I was first introduced to the community through the Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP) while I was still in training.  I had a great time learning from Dr. Affoo and meeting lots of friendly faces in Alliston,” said Dr. Lo crediting his recruitment to the community, physicians and staff at SMH.

“After my training, both Dr. Affoo and Dr. Jack Park encouraged me to consider Alliston as a place for practice, and I took their advice.  Since I started working at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, I have found that the staff are very friendly, even more so than I have remembered from a few years ago.  I am delighted to become part of this family, joining the hospital on a permanent basis.”

Gary Ryan, President and CEO of SMH noted that Dr. Lo’s skills support other physicians at the hospital, as they provide care to the community.

"We welcome Dr. Lo to our medical staff. Our anaesthetists provide an exceptional service to all of our patients who need anesthesia for surgical, obstetrical or other procedures and Dr. Lo is an excellent addition to a great team", said Ryan. 

Dr. Lo is also taking occasional shifts in the Emergency Department and the Ryan said that was welcome news. “There is a shortage of ER physicians across the province and so we are grateful that Dr. Lo has also agreed to assist in that department.”

“We are glad that Dr. Lo felt welcome when he did a rotation here,” said Remi Welch, Chair of the PRRC. “His comments will encourage the entire community to become part of the effort to bring more physicians to our area.  “We welcome him back into practice here and wish him well.”

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For more information contact:
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Physician Recruitment Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 19, 2009

Announcing a New Family Physician

Alliston Family Health Team, the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee and Stevenson Memorial Hospital are very pleased to announce that Dr. France Palao has been recruited to the community as a family physician.

Dr. Palao was a physician in the Philippines and completed a two-year family medicine residency at the University of Western Ontario. She has a special interest in women's health, care of the elderly and diabetes.

"We're delighted to have Dr. Palao join our team," said Dr. Theo Fischbacher, lead physician of the Alliston Family Heath Team. "When Dr. Palao provided us with locum services this summer, the entire staff felt she would be a great asset to the clinic and we're glad she chose to join us."

Remi Welch, Chair of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee said that Dr. Palao's arrival was welcome news for the entire community.

"As an underserviced community, with 15,000 residents needing a family doctor, we celebrate the arrival of each new physician. So on behalf of the PRRC and our entire community, I welcome Dr. Palao." said Welch.

"I am happy to be joining the practice in New Tecumseth and will work with the team to serve the community's health care needs," said Dr. Palao.

Stevenson Memorial Hospital will also benefit from Dr. Palao's skills, as she provides care for patients admitted to the medical surgical unit.

"Having Dr. Palao here to take care of her patients, helps us in our goal to provide compassionate, skilled and timely care to our community," said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of the hospital. "We know she will be welcomed by our staff, physicians and volunteers and we wish her all the best."

For more information contact:
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Physician Recruitment Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

For Immediate Release - Media Alert

H1N1 Influenza A - Important Information for Our Community

Alliston, Ontario (November 2, 2009) - With the emerging threat of a Phase 2 H1N1 outbreak across the Country, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is tracking an increased amount of patients experiencing flu-like illness throughout our community. As a result, Stevenson Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department continues to see a steady stream of patients with symptoms of influenza-like illnesses.

Please be aware that the Hospital will NOT be providing H1N1 vaccinations to the community. Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has set up clinics in order to provide vaccinations to community members. For information on where these clinics are located, please go to http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Home.aspx or call the Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or 1 877-721-7520.

Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza A include:

- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever, chills
- Muscle and joint pains
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Eye pain

We are asking the community to self-assess prior to seeking medical attention. If you are experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms that do not require urgent, immediate care, you are advised to make an appointment with your family physician or contact TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 for advice. 

If your condition worsens and you require immediate care, please seek medical attention immediately.  Patients coming to the Emergency Department will be limited to having one support person accompany them. At times, it may be necessary to separate patients from their support person to help prevent the spread of infection. In cases of a child with influenza-like illness, one parent will be permitted to accompany their child.

At this time, Stevenson’s Visiting Hours are 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and these hours will be strictly enforced. Should incidence of H1N1 continue to increase and affect the daily operations of the Hospital, Stevenson may be forced to restrict visitor access to the Hospital.

Visitors are expected to self-screen upon coming to the hospital and must practise proper hand hygiene by cleaning their hands with the alcohol hand foam provided upon entering and exiting the hospital, and before entering or exiting a patient room. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Individuals can help prevent the spread of the flu by following a few simple infection control practices, such as:

·         Good hand hygiene by washing your hands well and often
·         Sneeze and cough into your upper sleeve
·         Stay at home and limit contact with others when you are ill.

For more information contact:
Mary Beth Hennin
Infection Control Practitioner
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 2868

Official Grand Opening Of The CT Suite

Construction is complete and the doors of our CT Suite are ready to officially open. Thanks to the overwhelming support fromour Community, StevensonMemorial Hospital is proud to be able to provide advanced diagnostic testing right in our own community through the addition of the CT Suite.

Join us as we celebrate this importantmilestone for our Hospital and Community.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 5:30 p.m., 200 Fletcher Crescent, Alliston

Tented Area adjacent to Hospital
Complimentary Parking will be provided.
Please park in the parking lot across fromLions Pavilion.

Please RSVP your attendance by October 16, 2009 to: 705-435-3377, ext. 1702

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2009

Stevenson Memorial Welcomes Full Time Radiologist

ALLISTON, ON – Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce that Dr. Giovanni (John) Bruno has been recruited as a full time radiologist for the hospital. 

Dr. Bruno received his MD in 1980 and attained his Fellowship in Radiology in 1989. He has worked in Ontario for several years and was instrumental in building the radiology program in Huntsville where he was a Diagnostic Radiologist until 2007.  Dr. Bruno began practicing at SMH on July 6.

Gary Ryan, President and CEO at SMH noted that the arrival of the Radiologist coincided with new services being offered at the hospital.

“Dr. Bruno brings with him an incredibly high level of expertise and is just what we need at Stevenson now that we have the new CT Scanner,” stated Gary Ryan. “We welcome him to the staff and look forward to his leadership and proficiency in our Diagnostic Imaging Department.”

The Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Department provides X-ray, Ultrasound, Mammography, Bone Density and CT Scanner services at the hospital and is utilized by inpatients, Emergency and outpatients.

“I am happy to be joining the team at Stevenson Memorial, especially at this exciting time when the new CT Scanner has been put into place,” said Dr. Bruno. “I offer my skills to the community and will work to build the Diagnostic Imaging program. I look forward to meeting many new people from this area,” he added.  

For more information contact:

Kathryn (Kate) Mooij

Physician Recruitment Coordinator

Stevenson Memorial Hospital

(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

Stevenson Memorial Hospital Corporation

Notice of Annual Meeting 

The Annual General Meeting of The Stevenson Memorial Hospital Corporation will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Millpond Café, 106 Victoria Street West, Alliston.

The agenda will include: Reports of the Board Chair, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff; Hospital Auxiliary, and Hospital Foundation as well as the tabling of the financial statements for 2008/2009, election of directors, and other business as may be required.

All Advisory Members and interested community members are invited to attend.  Please RSVP to Sharon Knisley at (705) 435-3377, extension 3200 or sknisley@smhosp.on.ca by Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

UPDATE - May 29, 2009

 H1N1 Confirmed in One Patient

Symptoms Mild and Patient Fully Recovered

Stevenson Memorial continues to use heightened surveillance for flu-like symptoms in response to the worldwide issue of H1N1 flu virus.  

Since April 23, 2009, a total of seven patients have presented to our ER department with flu like illness and all the patients were tested for Influenza. Test results on all seven have been received and there is one positive result for H1N1 flu virus. The patient had presented with influenza like illness and did have recent travel outside of Canada. The patient’s symptoms where mild in nature and did not require admission to hospital. The patient has made a full recovery.

Please be aware that it is MANDATORY for everyone to wash their hands on entering and exiting the hospital and mental health centre, as well as when going into or out of a patient’s room. We require full compliance from everyone entering and exiting the hospital and Mental Health Centre.

If you are feeling unwell on the day of your appointment, please call the area you are scheduled to visit for further instructions.

 Emergency Services
Anyone coming to the Emergency Department who is exhibiting signs of flu-like symptoms is asked to wash their hands, immediately put on a mask and then immediately notify the Registration Desk or the nurse.

 Visiting
Visiting hours are from 2 to 8 pm. People who are ill should not be visiting patients.

For general information on H1N1, please call Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 . For general information on H1N1, we recommend that you visit one of the following trustworthy websites or call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520.

·         Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit  http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Home.aspx

·         World Health Organization at http://www.who.int/en/

·         Community and Hospital Infection Control Association at http://www.chica.org/

·         Centre for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

·         Public Health Agency of Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

·         Pan American Health Organization at http://new.paho.org/hq/index.php?lang=en

For further information please contact:
Sharon Knisley
Executive Assistant to the CEO
(705) 435-3377 ext 3200

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2009

HEIGHTENED SURVEILLANCE AT STEVENSON MEMORIAL
Routine Care Continues 

ALLISTON, ON. - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) has been screening patients for Febrile Respiratory Illness since 2003. After receiving the first notification about Swine Influenza A H1N1 cases in Mexico on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, SMH took immediate action to increase routine surveillance measures to include screening for Severe Respiratory Illness.

Stevenson Memorial continues to use this heightened surveillance for flu-like symptoms. Staff leaders are meeting regularly and are prepared should the phase of Pandemic Alert be raised by the World Health Organization.

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) at SMH. One patient did present with flu-like symptoms and a history of travel. Testing of that patient’s swabs is taking place and the patient is now resting at home.

 The routine delivery of patient care is not affected. Members of the public that have a test, clinic visit, or surgical operation scheduled at Stevenson in the days ahead, are advised that it is safe to proceed as scheduled. However, SMH does require that all persons follow the instructions posted at all entrances and frequently perform hand washing on entering or exiting the hospital and the patient’s rooms. Persons feeling unwell on the day of their appointment should call the area they are scheduled to visit for further instructions.

 Anyone coming to the Emergency Department who is exhibiting signs of flu-like symptoms is asked to wash their hands, immediately put on a mask and then immediately notify the Registration Desk or the nurse.

People who are ill should not be visiting patients.

 Updates relating to incidents of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) will be posted regularly on the Hospital’s website at www.smhosp.on.ca and recorded on the Hospital’s SRI Hotline at 705-434-5160.

 The public can obtain information on SRI/Swine Influenza A (H1N1) by calling Simcoe Muskoka’s Health Unit at 705-721-7520, extension 8809. For general information on SRI/Swine Influenza, the hospital recommends the following trustworthy websites.

·         World Health Organization at http://www.who.int/en/

·         Community and Hospital Infection Control Association at http://www.chica.org/

·         Centre for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

·         Public Health Agency of Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

·         Pan American Health Organization at http://new.paho.org/hq/index.php?lang=en

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For more information contact:
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext 3254

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2009

Gastroenteritis Outbreak Over At Stevenson Memorial Hospital

Alliston, Ontario – A gastroenteritis outbreak declared at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) on April 11 is officially over. The outbreak was declared after a number of patients and staff on the Medical Surgical Unit exhibited symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Special measures were put in place to limit further spread to patients and visitors were not allowed on the Medical Surgical Unit for a period of approximately 24 hours.

After controlling the outbreak and with no new admissions on the Medical Surgical Unit, family members were allowed to visit their loved ones on Sunday. Contact precautions were still in place and visitors and staff wore gloves, masks and gowns.

Today, the outbreak status has been lifted and visiting hours have returned to normal. The infection is still prevalent in the community and we remind the public that if they are ill they should not be visiting people in health-care facilities.  People may unknowingly bring the infection into hospital when visiting sick relatives or friends. The Hospital will continue to be vigilant in their infection control practices and surveillance to ensure no further illnesses.  

“Our staff who always do a stellar job, worked quickly and constantly to contain this outbreak,” said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial Hospital. “Effective hand washing also helped to keep the illness from spreading,” he added.

”The staff at Stevenson Memorial Hospital worked very quickly and effectively to bring this outbreak under control,” said health unit Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Colin Lee. ”The public health unit and the Hospital worked hard together to minimize the risk to hospital patients and the general public.”

Proper Hand Hygiene is one of the best ways to fight the spread of disease.  People should always wash their hands with soap and warm water or alcohol based hand rub for at least 15 seconds.  They should ensure their hands are clean before preparing or eating food, after using the washroom, and before or after any person-to-person contact. Alcohol hand sanitizer is available throughout the Hospital and visitors are reminded to clean their hands before visiting their loved ones.

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For further information contact:
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2009

Gastroenteritis Outbreak Closes Medical Surgical Unit To Visitors At Stevenson Memorial Hospital 

Alliston, Ontario – Stevenson Memorial Hospital is currently experiencing an increased number of patients with symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea on the Medical Surgical Unit. After consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the Hospital has decided to declare a Gastroenteritis Outbreak.  Investigations into the cause are ongoing.

For the protection of our patients, visitors, staff and the community, the hospital is implementing enhanced infection prevention and control measures. The following precautions have been put into place and will be strictly enforced until further notice:

• NO VISITORS WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE MEDICAL SURGICAL UNIT (At the discretion of the Team Leader, visits to palliative and critically ill patients may be considered.)
  
• THERE WILL BE NO ADMISSIONS TO THE MEDICAL SURGICAL UNIT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
  
• ALL PATIENTS HAVE BEEN PLACED ON CONTACT PRECAUTIONS AND STAFF ARE PROVIDING CARE WITH GLOVES, MASKS AND GOWNS
  
• ENHANCED CLEANING AND DISINFECTION HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED

Persons using the other services within the hospital are asked to maintain a high level of hand hygiene, by cleaning their hands with alcohol based rub on entering and exiting the hospital, as well as when moving from one area of the hospital to another.

Family and friends of inpatients may contact the Medical Surgical Unit for information, but should be aware that patient care is the priority. When our nurses are attending to patients, calls may have to be returned later in the day.

We thank the community for their patience, cooperation and understanding.

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For more information contact:
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2009

Inaugural SMH Advisory Membership Meeting

To Take Place April 27, 2009

ALLISTON, ON. – The Board of Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce that the inaugural meeting of the Hospital’s Advisory Membership will take place on Monday, April 27, 2009 at 7 pm at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre in Alliston. Admission to the meeting is through Advisory Membership.

There will be information on the opportunities and challenges ahead and Advisory Members will be asked for their comments on the Vision and Mission of Stevenson Memorial Hospital. The report of Mark Rochon, former Supervisor at SMH, will be available, as well as the Hospital’s financial statements and the Accountability Agreement signed with the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). All of these are also available on the SMH website at www.smhosp.on.ca 

Advisory members receive notices and financial statements, have the right to attend the annual meeting and serve as an advisory group to provide advice to the SMH Board and CEO. At the meeting, there will be opportunities for Members to apply for, or nominate other Members for positions on sub-committees of the Board. These include the Audit, Communications, Finance & Human Resources, and Quality Committees.

“This is the first opportunity for the public to meet the Board. As we begin a new process of communication and look to the future, we value the input of our community. We encourage everyone interested in health care and SMH to join the Advisory Membership and show their continued support for their community hospital,” said Dr. Ted Vandevis, Chair of the Board.

Advisory Memberships are available in the administrative office at the Hospital. Memberships will also be sold at the door on April 27. Receipts will be provided by mail. Further information is available by calling 435-3377 ext 3200. Membership forms may also be downloaded from the hospital’s website.

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For more information contact:
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 9, 2009

Birthing Target Achieved Ahead Of Schedule

ALLISTON, ONTARIO – A nine pound, five ounce boy became the two hundredth baby born at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) since the Birthing Unit was reopened on April 21, 2008.

Henry Hawkins was delivered by Janis Dalacker and Marcia Rowat of Caring Hands Midwifery Services on Friday, March 6. He is the first child of Lindsay Moyer and Kelly Hawkins.

Gary Ryan, President and CEO of SMH, congratulated the couple on their first child and the hospital’s 200th since April.  He said every child is a miracle and wished the family well.

“Our target for the first year was set at 200 and we have achieved that in 10-and-a-half months,” Ryan said. “We are one of very few hospitals in the province that has successfully reopened an obstetrics program and it is a credit to the physicians, staff and community, that we have reached this goal.”

Ryan noted the work of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in providing direction for the inception of a regional collaborative program with Southlake Regional Health Centre. He said the shared resources had allowed the program to move forward and had provided training opportunities to staff.  The tremendous efforts of the community to reinstate the Birthing Program at SMH were also noted and Ryan thanked members of the Maternal Child Advisory Committee (MCAC) for continuing the support.

"The personal, friendly and professional care of the Birthing Unit is truly unique and very comforting"   said Sylvia Biffis, Chair of the MCAC, who recently gave birth to a baby girl at SMH.

 "The MCAC, whose members include representation from midwifery, doula care, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit,  the SMH Director of Maternal Child Program, SMH Chief of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and other community members, is very proud of the Maternal Child Program at SMH, offering exceptional service close to home. We will continue to support the advancement of high-quality maternal child health care and we will encourage our community to make SMH their choice for bringing their babies into the world,” Biffis said.

Kelly Hawkins made special mention of the staff in the Birthing Unit who, he said, had made the birth a “great experience.”

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For further information contact:
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
(705) 435-3377 ext 3254

Photo – Stevenson Memorial Hospital and the Maternal Child Advisory Committee made a special presentation on Monday in celebration of the Birthing Unit’s baby number 200. L-R  – Lorrie Reynolds Director, SMH Maternal Child Program,  Dr. Alison Barrett, Janis Dalacker and Marcia Rowat of Caring Hands Midwifery Services, Lindsay Moyer, Baby Henry, Kelly Hawkins, Natalie Wright of Caring Hands Midwife, Sylvia Biffis, Chair of the Maternal Child Advisory Committee and Sherry Guchardi, Clinical Coordinator of the Maternal Child Program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2009

Groundbreaking a Milestone for Delivery of CT Services at Stevenson Memorial Hospital

ALLISTON, ONTARIO – Ted Vandevis, Chair of the Board of Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) told staff and supporters this morning that the groundbreaking for a CT Scanner facility was a “milestone on the road to delivery of increased Diagnostic Imaging Services at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. It is the first step towards a great goal,” he said.

The remark was delivered just before the official shovel went into the ground signaling the start of excavation for an addition to the Alliston hospital. The 1637 sq. ft. modular building will house a much needed CT Scanner. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care gave approval for the scanner in June. The cost of the scanner and the facility in which to house it totals $2.2 million. Fundraising for the project is continuing and $1.6 million is still required.

“Approximately $600,000 has been donated to the project and we thank those who have already given and will yet give to this important project. We are confident our community and stakeholders will help to complete the fundraising by the time the scanner is in place,” said Jean Baker-Pearce, President of the SMH Foundation.

Currently, over 500 SMH patients are referred out for CT Scans annually. Patients are transported with nurse accompaniment to other local facilities, the closest being 50 kilometres and 40 minutes away. An on site scanner will provide faster service and eliminate the additional costs associated with transportation and staffing.

A June target has been set for the CT Scanner to be operational at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. Initially the scanner will operate Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will have the capacity for 2,000 patients in its first year. Emergency scans will be available after hours for head injuries.  

“This is an exciting day for the team at Stevenson and we look forward to later this summer when we will be able to provide CT scanning services to our community,” said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of SMH. He dedicated the groundbreaking ceremony to the late Bing Gibson, a well-known member of the community who had provided encouragement for the acquisition of a CT Scanner.

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For more information, please contact:

Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2009

Preparations for CT Scanner Underway

ALLISTON, ONTARIO – Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is moving ahead with plans to install a CT Scanner this summer.

At their regular board meeting on February 5, the Board gave final approval for CEO, Gary Ryan, to move ahead with the project. The Diagnostic Imaging Department will have to be enlarged to accommodate the scanner. Contractors will quickly begin to prepare the ground for an addition to the existing hospital building.

“The CT Scanner is essential for patient care and having the unit on-site will reduce wait times and provide for efficient service,” said Ted Vandevis, Chair of the SMH Board.

“Fundraising to pay for the equipment, and the building to house it, is being well supported,” commented Jean Baker-Pearce, President of the SMH Foundation. “We have a lot of work to do and a long way to go, but we’re confident that the funds will be raised.” 

In the next few months, SMH Foundation volunteers will be reaching out to the general public on many levels to ensure the success of this project.

Details of a formal ground-breaking ceremony will be released shortly.

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For more information, please contact:

Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext # 3254

Provincially-appointed Supervisor’s Term Ends at Stevenson Memorial Hospital

Newly-appointed Board of Directors and CEO committed to delivering safe, quality healthcare serivces to the residents of New Tecumseth and surrounding areas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2009

ALLISTON, ONTARIO – Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is now being governed and administered by its new Board of Directors and CEO. The Government of Ontario has officially ended the term of Mark Rochon, President and CEO of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, as SMH’s supervisor.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Stevenson,” Rochon said. “I’ve been extremely impressed with the progress that has been made during the last 18 months in addressing a number of issues, and I leave knowing that the hospital is moving in the right direction.”

The Ontario government appointed Rochon in June 2007 to help the hospital better meet the healthcare needs of the local community.

Rochon’s final report to the Minister presents an overview of the hospital’s previous challenges and the action that was required to move the organization forward since June. Click here to view the report.

Some of the challenges included:

• Governance and budgetary issues
• Strengthening relationships with the community
• The closure of the hospital’s obstetrics program

Significant progress has been made towards resolving these and many other issues. They include:

• Reopening the obstetrics program
• Obtaining approval for a CT scanner
• Expanding the ambulatory clinic space
• Expanding space in the Emergency Department
• Recruiting two obstetricians
• Recruiting and providing educational support to a new board of directors
• Establishing a management services agreement with Southlake, which include the appointment of a permanent CEO

“An enormous amount of dedication on the part of staff, physicians and volunteers went into achieving these improvements, and I would like to thank everyone at Stevenson for their efforts,” said Rochon. “SMH has had outstanding support from the community. It's inspiring to know that so many residents care passionately about their local hospital.”

“Mark has been fundamental to the recent success at Stevenson,” explains Ted Vandevis, Chair of the SMH Board of Directors. “We still have issues to address in ensuring the absolute best care for the community, but with Mark’s guidance, we’re certainly on our way.”

“I am very pleased with the excellent work done by Mark Rochon in his role as supervisor at Stevenson Memorial Hospital,” said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “I thank him for his commitment and dedication to improving the quality of healthcare services at SMH.”

"Rochon was tireless in his commitment to improving the quality of services at our hospital,” said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of Stevenson. “We’re extremely fortunate that we are able to benefit from his hard work and innovative solutions.”

A hospital supervisor reports directly to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and assumes the full responsibilities of the Board that governs the hospital, the hospital corporation and its officers.

Stevenson’s new CEO, Gary Ryan, along with its Board of Directors, will continue Rochon’s commitment to ensuring the stable operation of the hospital so local residents can access the best possible healthcare.

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For more information, please contact:

Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-3377 ext. 3254

Stevenson Memorial Welcomes New Year’s Baby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2009

ALLISTON, ONTARIO – A 3552 gram (seven pound 13 oz) boy was the first baby born at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) in 2009. He is the son of Susan and Andy Bui of Cookstown. 

Baby Bui made his appearance at 1956 hours (7.56 pm) on Saturday, January 3, 2009.

The family received a commemorative certificate and gift book from the hospital, as well as a gift certificate from the SMH Auxiliary, a basket of baby items from the Alliston Lions Club and a gift bag.

“This little boy is an amazing miracle of life and at Stevenson Memorial we are privileged to be a part of his birth. We welcome him to the community and wish him and his family all the very best,” said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of SMH.

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For more information, please contact:

Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Community Relations Coordinator
(705) 435-6281 ext. 3254

Photo shows Susan Bui holding her son, the first baby of 2009 for Stevenson Memorial Hospital. On Sunday, Judith Andrade RN, Beryl Burroughs, President of the SMH Auxiliary and Dr. Sam Olupona, the attending physician, were on hand to congratulate the parents with a presentation of gifts and special certificates. Baby Bui arrived at 7:56 pm on January 3, 2009 and weighed into the world at seven pounds 13 ounces.