ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is thrilled to announce that the Hospital's Birthing Unit will re-open on a full time basis effective 8:00 am, April 21, 2008, with Dr. Alison Barrett as the lead Obstetrician.

Dr. Barrett received her Medical Doctorate from the University of Toronto in 1991 and received her fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1996.

For the past 11 years, Dr. Barrett has been working in Waikato, New Zealand. She is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland Medical School and a guest lecturer on Midwifery at Waikato Polytechnic. Dr. Barrett is a breastfeeding advocate and is described as "passionate about, and committed to, women's health in all aspects."

The SMH Birthing Unit attracted the attention of the entire community and beyond, when it closed in December of 2006. Both a Board appointed Committee and an Expert Panel provided by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care recommended a reopening of the unit, provided that SMH could deliver consistently safe, quality care to labouring mothers during all phases of their birthing experience. The hospital accepted the recommendations and initiated a partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre (Southlake) to provide integrated services. Stevenson Memorial has been engaged in an intensive search for the right physician to lead the unit. Other measures have been put in place and enhancements have been made so that low risk births can once again take place in the Alliston Unit. Women identified as having the potential for high-risk labour and delivery will continue to be redirected to Southlake or other area hospitals.

"The re-birth of the unit is made possible by joint efforts from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Stevenson Memorial, Southlake, the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, and a very active community. It is a result of an unwavering dedication to providing the best health care possible to the community," said Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO at SMH. "We're excited about the births that will take place in the community."

"It was important to find a physician who shared the philosophy of a multi-disciplinary team and had the energy and commitment to re-building an excellent service here in Alliston," said Dr. Trevor Hunt, Interim Chief of Staff. "It has taken a while, but we believe it will be worth the wait and the community will be rewarded for their patience."

"There is an amazing amount of community spirit here," said Dr. Barrett. I have already noticed that the area is filled with an extraordinary group of people and the birthing unit has impressive support.  I look forward to providing care for the community, so that mothers can have their babies close to home."

Sylvia Biffis, Acting Chair of the newly formed community-based SMH Maternal Child Advisory Committee welcomed Dr. Barrett on behalf of the community.

"The Committee would like to extend a very warm welcome to Dr. Barrett and her family. We are looking forward to working together with Dr. Barrett in creating a leading multi-disciplinary family centred maternity care unit at Stevenson Memorial Hospital," Biffis said.

 Equipping the unit is also very important to the success of the Maternal Child Program. The SMH Foundation has committed to raising the $350,000 needed for equipment for the Birthing Unit.

"We are confident that the community will continue the drive to make the Alliston Birthing Unit re-open with a sustainable program and we look forward to their support, because it is with their support that we are able to make this wonderful announcement today," said Ryan.