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News Releases 2008
Stevenson Memorial Celebrates 80 Years Of Service To The CommunityOfficial Re-Opening of Birthing Unit Highlights the CelebrationFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO – After 80 years of serving the community, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is active and looking forward to an exciting future. On Friday September 5, the hospital will be holding a celebration and official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Birthing Unit, which re-opened on April 21, this year. Stevenson Memorial has seen many changes and will celebrate its history and accomplishments while paying tribute to the marvellous community that has supported the hospital. Activities start at 3.30 pm and include greetings from dignitaries, an address from the Board, tours of the hospital, games for children and light refreshments. The community, current and former staff, physicians, volunteers, friends and families are invited to attend the event, which will take place on the front lawn of the hospital from 3.30 to 5.30 pm. -30- For further information contact: Please note, Media are invited to attend the first tour with dignitaries at approximately 4.15 pm, after the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Obstetric Patients at SMH To Be Redirected August 24 to 28FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stevenson Memorial Hospital has been very excited about the re-opening of the Birthing Unit. Our one Obstetrician Gynaecologist (OB/Gyn) has been kept very busy and we are thrilled that over 70 babies have been born in their community, close to home. As noted in the Expert Panel Report of May 2007, having 24/7 care 365 days a year is the optimum, but total coverage may not be achievable with only one physician. The consensus in the community was that the Birthing Unit should be re-opened and the hospital should give advance notice if there were going to be times when an OB/Gyn would not be available. To assist in providing continual coverage, SMH aggressively searched for locum Obstetricians (physicians who fill in for another physician) and increased its pool of locum doctors from 2 to 10. In addition, Stevenson Memorial is actively seeking a second obstetrician to join Dr. Barrett in providing care to our community. Stevenson Memorial has committed to keeping the community informed and working with all physicians, midwives, nurses and caregivers, to tell patients of any times when they might have to be re-directed to other birthing centres. In spite of our best efforts, a redirection will be necessary. The SMH Birthing Unit will be re-directing patients requiring obstetrical care during the following time frame: August 24 from 700 hrs (7 am) to August 28 at 1930 hrs (7.30 pm) 2008. Should patients have questions about our services during this time period, they can call Sherry at (705) 435-3377, ext 2348 and/or speak with their caregiver. Stevenson Memorial is making every effort to provide continuous service and appreciates the ongoing support and understanding of the community. -30- For more information contact:
Southlake and Stevenson work together to make "Aging at Home" a reality(Newmarket, Ontario – August 11, 2008) As the population continues to age and grow, Southlake Regional Health Centre and Stevenson Memorial Hospital have recently received funding approval from the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) to implement several Aging at Home initiatives. The initiatives are designed to deliver new, innovative geriatric healthcare services that will enable seniors to continue living independently within their own homes. "Being independent and living in your own home is important to everyone, especially as we age," said Gary Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer at Stevenson. "We are pleased to have received the support from the Central LHIN that will enable both Stevenson and Southlake to introduce new services that are targeted at supporting the healthcare needs of the elderly." The funding will be used to introduce the following new programs and support services at Southlake and Stevenson and in the areas of Aurora, Bradford, Georgina, Newmarket, New Tecumseth, Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa and Innisfil:
"We are thrilled to have received the funding to make it possible to provide the absolute best care for our aging population," said Dan Carriere, President and Chief Executive Officer at Southlake. "We're particularly excited about the introduction of the Geriatric Emergency Management Nurse, as it will support our promise to decrease emergency department wait times for everyone." Through the province's Aging at Home strategy, community living options for seniors will expand dramatically, with a wider range of home care and community support services available to enable people to continue leading healthy and independent lives in their own homes. $1.1 billion in funding over four years will be invested through the province's 14 LHINs. - 30 - Media Contact:
New Membership Structure Announced For Stevenson Memorial HospitalFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ON. – The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Mark Rochon, announced today new measures for information sharing and engagement with the communities served by the hospital and a new corporate membership structure. "This new model is a 21st century design that balances the needs of engaging the community with the Board's obligations under the Local Health System Integration Act and the need for a Board comprised of directors with the requisite skills required to manage a complicated organization," said Mr. Rochon. "Delivering the highest possible standard of health care in a public hospital requires the constant juggling of scarce resources." The new system provides for the following three objectives:
The new model of membership will create two types of members: Voting members and Advisory Members (non-voting). The voting members will be the current Board of Directors (17 people) and they will elect Directors, approve by-law amendments, appoint the auditor and request special meetings of the membership. Advisory members will receive notices and financial statements, have the right to attend the annual meeting, nominate individuals for consideration as members of the Board and members of Committees and serve as an advisory group to provide advice (at a minimum semi-annually) to the SMH Board and CEO. On the request of not less than 10% of the Advisory Members, they may request the Board Chair to hold a special meeting of members. Two advisory members along with a municipal representative will be members of the Board's nomination process. "We need a process that guarantees community engagement and the two-way exchange of opinions and information, but is balanced against the needs of operating a public hospital and ensuring that single interest groups are not allowed to takeover the facility," stated Mr. Rochon. "We also need a governance structure that will attract the best possible Directors from the community." The Board will be required to advertise for directors when vacancies occur by inviting members of the public to declare their interest in becoming a director. The Board will review how this overall structure of governance has worked to promote community engagement at Stevenson Memorial in 5 years time. "After carefully reviewing options for governance in collaboration with the Supervisor, we believe this new model is the best option for Stevenson Memorial Hospital," said SMH Board-designate Chair Ted Vandevis. "Our Board includes a strong mix of people from the hospital's service community and we will be very diligent in seeking regular input and advice to help guide our decisions," he added. It is also proposed that the Board Chair and CEO make an annual presentation on progress in achieving the strategic plan of the Hospital and related priorities and challenges to the Municipal Councils of Bradford West Gwillimbury, New Tecumseth, Essa, Innisfil, Adjala-Tosorontio, Mono and Mulmur. Other transparency measures will include the continuation of open Board meetings, posting Board meeting minutes on the hospital website, periodic town hall meetings and an annual report to members. Stevenson Memorial Hospital is a fully accredited facility located in the community of Alliston, Ontario, within the Town of New Tecumseth. The Hospital offers a wide scope of medical and surgical services to a catchment area including Adjala-Tosorontio, Canadian Forces Base Borden, Essa, Innisfil and New Tecumseth. - 30 - For more information contact:
Ophthalmology Team At SMH The Third Team In Canada To Perform Ground Breaking Eye SurgeryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ALLISTON, ON - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is proud to announce that Dr. Baseer Khan and a team at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) recently became the third team in Canada to perform a Canaloplasty, a minimally invasive procedure, which provides the hope of managing glaucoma without medication or major surgery. Glaucoma, a group of diseases, results in optic nerve damage and is the second highest cause of blindness worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The innovative procedure was pioneered in South Africa and first performed in Canada by Dr. Ike Ahmed. It uses micron-sized catheters and fiber-optic guidance technologies to access key structures within the eye. Improper drainage of the Schlemm's canal of the eye causes interocular pressure and the optic nerve is damaged. In Canaloplasty, a microcatheter is used to access and dilate the Schlemm's canal of the eye. Then a suture is attached to the microcatheter, placed within the canal and tightened to keep the dilated canal open, allowing for proper drainage. It is outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes. Glaucoma cannot be cured and damage cannot be reversed, but Canaloplasty prevents further damage and loss of sight. Dr. Khan was recruited to the Ophthalmology Program at SMH in 2006. He completed a Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Fellowship at the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto in 2006 with three preceptors, including Dr. Ahmed. In addition to his SMH practice, Dr. Khan is a lecturer at the University of Toronto and is also on Staff at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. "The team at SMH provides exceptional service to ophthalmology patients. The awesome skills and flexibility of the nurses, as well as the support from the SMH administration made this milestone possible. Their professional approach made Stevenson Memorial the best choice for my first Canaloplasty," said Dr. Khan. To date, Dr. Khan has performed seven procedures at SMH. Patients have experienced excellent visual recovery with significant reduction in eye pressure, which arrests the progression of glaucoma. "It's great that Stevenson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Khan were available to get this urgent procedure done so quickly," said patient, Gary Christo. "The care was impressive and I have a noticeable difference in my left eye now." "This is a prime example of quality of service being much more important than the size of a facility. We are happy to be able to provide this groundbreaking procedure to patients within our LHIN and beyond," said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial. "We are all very proud of Dr. Khan, the SMH team and this accomplishment," he added. -30- For more information contact: Photo shows Dr. Baseer Khan at SMH.
PACS Brings Benefits to Stevenson Memorial HospitalFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ON - Patients, physicians and the environment are receiving direct benefits from the new Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. The PACS system electronically stores, displays and distributes diagnostic images such as x-ray and ultrasound. PACS allows physicians to access patient images twenty-four hours a day from several locations throughout the hospital and will reduce wait times. SMH has been working with Southlake Regional Health Centre over the past few years to implement the high tech system. The SMH Foundation made the commitment for the project and fundraising is on-going. Implementation of the first phase has been completed and the Diagnostic Imaging department at SMH is now connected to the PACS at Southlake. Specialists, surgeons and the fracture clinic at Southlake can now view diagnostic images from SMH prior to booking appointments or having patients transferred. Ultrasound, x-ray, and bone mineral density exams completed at both sites are now available for physicians to use for comparison, diagnosis, and treatment. "Our new PACS system will have far reaching benefits, not just for patients having x-rays and ultrasound exams. Expediting diagnostic images will improve our efficiency and move patients more quickly through the ER and to appropriate levels of care. Instant connections with physicians at Southlake, and eventually over 20 other hospitals, will provide access to specialized care and help to reduce wait times for our patients," said Gary Ryan, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial. What are the benefits of PACS for patients?
What are the benefits of PACS for staff and physicians?
In addition, x-ray film and related chemicals that were generated in the Diagnostic Imaging department have been eliminated, which is an environmental benefit. Eventually, rooms that were used for the storage of equipment, chemicals and films will be made available for other purposes. "PACS is just one of the innovations that will help us to provide health care excellence to our patients. Stevenson Memorial is committed to delivering that level of service and will work with our community to obtain the necessary equipment, physicians and staff to continue doing so," said Ryan. -30- For further information contact: Stevenson Memorial Hospital Board Announces New President and Chief Executive OfficerFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ON. - The Board of Directors of Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) announced today the appointment of Gary Ryan as President and Chief Executive Officer Stevenson Memorial, effective immediately. Mr. Ryan has served as interim-President and CEO since September of 2007. "Gary Ryan has proven his commitment to Stevenson Memorial and our hospital's continued role in serving the needs of our community," said Ted Vandevis, Board-designate Chair of the SMH Board. "His service and accomplishments in working with the entire staff over the past eight months amounts to a lengthy job interview. Our Board is very confident in Gary's knowledge, abilities and style of leadership," he added. Mr. Ryan will report to the Board. He will perform his duties as President and CEO on the basis of 2.5 days per week. His remaining time will be spent in his role as a Vice President at Southlake Regional Health Centre (SRHC) with his services to SMH provided under the terms of a management services contract. Under the management services contract, SRHC will provide management and administration services to SMH while recognizing that SMH shall maintain its separate governance and the SMH Board will continue to ensure that the hospital is managed and administered according to the needs of the community and the Public Hospitals Act. The agreement requires that the appointment of the President and CEO must be approved by the Board of SMH. "Ongoing collaboration and partnership between Stevenson Memorial Hospital and Southlake Regional Health Centre is important to maximizing the resources we can bring to patients," said Mark Rochon, Supervisor at SMH. "Local Health Integration Networks expect to see a system-wide approach to health care," he added. Mr. Rochon noted that other community hospitals in Ontario have made similar arrangements, maintaining local governance while sharing resources with larger facilities, to improve services to the community. For the past 20 years of his career. Mr. Ryan has worked in health care administration at Southlake Regional Health Centre, managing a diverse range of hospital departments. Mr. Ryan is currently the Vice President for Acute Care, Rehabilitation and Complex Rehabilitation Services at Southlake Regional Health Centre. "I have enjoyed working with the team at Stevenson Memorial over the past months and look forward to tackling the challenges that we face in the coming years," said Mr. Ryan. "I have listened carefully to the staff members and the community and want to work with everyone to ensure we deliver the best possible clinical programs and also engage the system for services we need to share," he added. "This management services agreement will allow us to strengthen the relationship between the two hospitals for higher quality outcomes and to ensure the most effective use of resources," said Mr. Vandevis. "By sharing administrative and support costs, we can devote more to the most important priority of treating and healing patients," he added. -30 - For further information contact: Stevenson Memorial Hospital Receives Approval For CT ScannerFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ON. - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) today announced that it has received approval from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care for the installation and operation of a CT (CAT) scanner. "SMH has a compelling case to have a CT scanner on site and we are delighted with the Ministry approval," said Gary Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stevenson Memorial Hospital. "Our community is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada and it's essential that SMH, as a model community hospital, keeps pace with this growth and continues to deliver quality health care to residents." The CT Scanner will cost the Hospital $1 million to acquire and approximately $2 million in capital funds for construction to house the new state-of-the art technology. Capital funding for both the scanner and the construction and installation costs has been planned for in the current Capital Campaign of the SMH Foundation, "Here's to Your Good Health." The campaign has been very successful with 70 per cent of its $5 million target already raised. "Once the CT is operating on a full schedule, it will eventually eliminate the need for patients to travel to Southlake Regional Health Centre or other facilities," said SMH Board-designate Chair Ted Vandevis. "This is an exciting milestone in the Hospital's history. We applaud and thank our community volunteers and the SMH Foundation for working so hard to help make this a reality." The goal is for the scanner to be installed and operational by April 2009. Initially operating Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., it will have the capacity for 2,000 patients in its first year. Emergency scans will be available after hours for head injuries. Currently, patients requiring CT scans are transported by ambulance to other local facilities, the closest being over 50 kilometres away, with nurse accompaniment. In 2006/2007, about 350 SMH patients were referred out for CT scans. Installation plans for the CT scanner are currently being finalized, but the scanner will be located in new space contiguous with the existing Diagnostic Imaging Department and the Emergency Department. - 30 - For further information contact: Stevenson Memorial Reducing Contact PrecautionsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ON. - After on-going consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is lifting the enhanced Contact Precautions for its Medical Surgical Unit. The precautions were put in place and an Outbreak status was declared following four confirmed cases of Clostridium Difficile (C. diff.). There have been no new cases of diarrhea for over 72 hours and the decision was made, along with the public health unit, to discontinue the enhanced Contact Precautions for the unaffected patients on the Medical Surgical Unit. Stevenson will continue to monitor the unit for any new cases and will take the necessary precautions as required. Contact Precautions now apply only to the patients with confirmed C. diff., their visitors and caregivers. Contact Precautions will also apply to new or suspected cases should any arise. Heightened surveillance will continue throughout the hospital to ensure early identification of any suspect cases, should they occur. Enhanced cleaning will also continue on the rooms of patients confirmed to have C. diff. C. diff. is spread through contact. When a person touches contaminated surfaces such as toilets, handles, bedpans, or commode chairs, hands can become contaminated. If the mouth is touched without washing the hands, infection can occur. Soiled hands can also spread the bacteria to other surfaces. Hand washing remains the best protection in preventing the spread of C. diff. All visitors to the hospital are reminded to perform Hand Hygiene, by washing with the alcohol-based hand rub provided at each entrance to the hospital. It is especially important when entering and exiting patient rooms. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated for the safety of our patients, their families, visitors and our staff. Stevenson Memorial is open and all units are providing service. -30- For more information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Investigating Clostridium Difficile OutbreakFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alliston, Ontario - Stevenson Memorial Hospital is currently conducting an outbreak investigation related to four confirmed cases of Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhea (CDAD). Clostridium Difficile (C diff) is one of many germs or bacteria that can be found in feces, that in some cases produces a toxin that can cause an inflammation of the intestinal tract. These bacteria can be found in hospitals and long-term care facilities, as well as in the community. Persons receiving antibiotics may be at increased risk for acquiring an infection from C. diff. The risk increases in the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and those undergoing gastrointestinal procedures. The usual symptoms are diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. In some cases there may not be diarrhea. Blood may or may not be present in stools. Lab testing is only way to confirm the bacterium. Of the four cases, it has been determined that one patient had the infection on admission, as per the definitions outlined in Provincial Infections Diseases Advisory Committee's (PIDAC) Best Practices Document for the Management of Clostridium Difficile in all Health Care Settings. One elderly patient has since passed away and the initial report of the coroner indicates that the cause of death was not related to C. Diff. In order to prevent any further transmission of the organism to other patients on the floor and throughout the hospital, the following measures have been taken and will be strictly enforced until further notice:
The attached information has been made available on the unit to ensure all patients and their families are fully informed about Clostridium Difficile. It contains information on what we are doing at Stevenson to help prevent transmission and what they can do to prevent spread of the bacterium. - 30 - For more information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij Information On Clostridium Difficile -Toxin positive (C. Difficile) What is Clostridium difficile (c. diff)? What is C. diff disease? Who gets C. diff? How is it contracted? C. diff. cannot be spread through the air, for example, from people talking to one another. It is spread when a person touches contaminated surfaces such as toilets, handles, bedpans, or commode chairs. When touching these items, hands can become contaminated. If the mouth is touched without washing the hands, infection can occur. Soiled hands can also spread the bacteria to other surfaces. Hand hygiene remains the best protection in preventing the spread of C. diff. What is SMH doing to prevent the spread of the bacteria? Contact Precautions are designed to reduce the risk of spreading the infection which include: increased hand hygiene, the wearing of gloves and gowns by the heath care team and visitors when interacting with the patient, and increased housekeeping efforts. It is the practice of Stevenson that Contact Precautions remain in effect until the patient is diarrhea free for 48 hours, regardless of whether or not they test positive for C. diff. What are the symptoms of C. Diff.?
How is C. Diff. treated? What is the best way to prevent the spread of C. Diff.? What do I need to do at home?
Where can I find additional information? www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/disease/cdifficile.html Stevenson Memorial Hospital names Officers and Announces Structure and Membership of Standing CommitteesMay 29, 2008 - ALLISTON, ON. - The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, (SMH) Mark Rochon, announced today the appointment of SMH Board-designate Officers. The names and positions of Board Officers are Ted Vandevis, Chair; Scott Anderson, Vice Chair; and John Swinden, Treasurer. Rochon also announced the establishment of six Standing Committees and the appointment of four ex-officio SMH Board Directors. They are Beryl Burroughs, President of the SMH Auxiliary; Dr. Trevor Hunt, Chief of Staff; SMH; Dr. Oswaldo Ramirez, President of the Medical Staff SMH; and Marilyn Holmstrom, President of the SMH Foundation. "We are establishing a Board and Committee structure that involves all Directors and ensures accountability and good governance practices," said Mark Rochon, Supervisor of SMH. "I am deeply impressed by the strong leadership capabilities of this team and its unwavering commitment to ensure that Stevenson Memorial Hospital continues to deliver quality health care to residents." The Standing Committees established by the Board are closely tied to its core responsibilities. The Terms of Reference and membership of the Standing Committees will be approved annually by the Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Governance Committee. All members of the Board of Directors are expected to serve on at least one Standing Committee and each Standing Committee includes at least three elected Directors. With the exception of the Executive Committee and the Governance Committee, each Standing Committee may also include up to two additional members who are not directors of the Corporation with appropriate skills and expertise to support the work of the Committee. "Our group of Board volunteers from across the community has been working diligently during the past months with Hospital Supervisor Mark Rochon to build a strong foundation for the future," said SMH Board-designate Chair, Ted Vandevis. "We are eager to work with hospital staff, the public and our health partners around the region to deliver quality, stable services to the community." Also announced today was the appointment of SMH Board member Paul Farley, who brings legal expertise to the Board. Since 1984, Paul has served as Senior Counsel to the Professional Conduct Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario. Paul's current and past volunteer experience includes serving as Chair of the Financial Services Commission of the Ontario Advisory Board and Chair of the High School Community Council in Bradford. Biographical summaries of all SMH Board members can be found on the SMH web site in the News and Publications section under news releases for December 17, 2007 (http://www.smhosp.on.ca/). The new SMH Standing Committees, with a brief description of the primary responsibilities of each, and the members are: Executive Committee - The Executive Committee oversees the exercise of such powers as may from time to time be given to it by resolution of the Board and exercises the full powers of the Board in all matters of administrative urgency, reporting every action at the next meeting of the Board. The Executive Committee also reviews the performance of the CEO and the Chief of Staff. Current members include:
Quality Committee - The Quality Committee focuses on the quality of patient care and patient safety. The committee monitors reports and provides advice to the Board on matters related to planning, programming and policies that affect patients who utilize the hospital's services. Current members include:
Governance & Nominations Committee - The Governance & Nominations Committee will establish and review annually the Board of Directors in relation to skills, identifying any gaps in skills and expertise and vacant positions and nominate Directors for consideration by the Board. The Committee will also review and, where necessary, recommend amendments to existing Board Policies and hospital by-laws for consideration by the Board. Current members include:
Communication Committee - The Communications Committee will recommend to the Board policies and processes required to ensure effective ongoing communications and positive relationships between the SMH, its membership and the communities served by the Hospital. Current members include:
Finance & Human Resources Committee - The Finance & Human Resources Committee will recommend an annual budget for capital and operating revenues and expenditures. The Committee will also review policies guiding the effective deployment and health and safety of all staff and volunteers. Current members include:
Audit Committee - The Audit Committee will review and approve the Audit Plan and receive the Engagement letter in advance of each year's external audit. The Committee will also review and recommend to the Board for approval the Corporation's annual audited statements. Current members include:
The Board governs the affairs of the hospital and provides strategic leadership and oversight of operations subject to the Public Hospitals Act, hospital by-laws and other requirements. Oversight of SMH operations will be transitioned from the Hospital Supervisor to the Board in the near future. - 30 - For more information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij Nottawasaga Foundation Continues Support Of SMH Dialysis Unit With A $120,000 PledgeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - The Satellite Dialysis Unit at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH), is once again the recipient of a generous pledge of financial support from the Nottawasaga Foundation. Opened in 1996, the Dialysis Unit serves 26 patients and provides more than 300 treatments each month. With pre-arrangement, the Unit is also capable of providing treatments for dialysis clients who may be visiting the area. The Nottawasaga Foundation and the Biffis and Lombardi families adopted the Dialysis Unit and since 2004, their donations have helped to purchase five machines and a state-of-the-art water treatment system for the Unit. The current pledge of $120,000 will be used to purchase among other things, two new dialysis machines, four new patient chairs and an ultrasound unit. "We are very grateful that the Nottawasaga Foundation takes such a continuing and generous interest in the hospital," said David Sadleir, Fundraising Chair of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation. "Without their assistance, the hospital could not have provided the equipment that is needed in the Dialysis Unit," he said. Stevenson Memorial Hospital has received well over $1 million raised through the Nottawasaga Foundation's annual fundraising golf tournament, dinner and auction, held each July. The funds have been used to purchase equipment in several departments, allowing the hospital to continue its service to the community. "We thank the Nottawasaga Foundation for their consistent support of the hospital and for helping to keep the SMH Dialysis Unit operating at such an advanced level. Their pledge, along with other donations, will ensure that patients have continued access to this important regional service, right here in their own community hospital," said Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial Hospital.
Photo shows Members of the Nottawasaga Foundation presenting a cheque to Marilyn Holmstrom, Chair of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation in the Dialysis Unit at SMH. L - R - Don Hickson of the Nottawasaga Foundation; Marilyn Holmstrom, Chair, SMH Foundation; George McCague, Lou Biffis, Susan Biffis, Claire Albright, Nottawasaga Foundation; Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO of SMH; Sylvia Biffis, Nottawasaga Foundation; Lorraine Johnston, NP, Manager of OPD, Cardiac Rehab and Dialysis; and Shirley McCarthy, RN. -30- For further information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Fundraising Campaign Completed In Record TimeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ON. - Stevenson Memorial Hospital and the SMH Foundation are pleased to announce that the campaign to raise $312,000 for re-opening and equipping of the Birthing unit has been completed in record time. This was achieved thanks to a major gift of $160,000 from the Nottawasaga Foundation, which capped the fundraising effort. The Nottawasaga donation was combined with the generosity of the Morningview Foundation, a matching donation from the Hospital, generous support from Simcoe South District Women's Institute, Bing and Audrey Gibson, the Alliston and Cookstown Lions Clubs, family and friends of Stephanie Fletcher and many other individuals, including anonymous pledges and donations. The SMH Birthing Unit reopened on April 21, 2008 after a 16-month closure. The hospital worked towards a re-opening and enacted the recommendations of an Expert Panel appointed by the Ministry of Health and integrated Maternal Child services with Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket. Nurses refreshed their training, the Birthing Unit was refurbished and an Obstetrician was hired. To provide much needed equipment, a campaign to raise $312,000 was officially launched this March. "This truly reflects the spirit of commitment and the generosity of our community and we are all very grateful for this inspiring outcome," said Marilyn Holmstrom, Chair of the SMH Foundation. "With the re-opening of our Unit, the magnanimous donation of $160,000 from the Nottawasaga Foundation and the birth of our first baby, this has been a terrific week," said Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO of SMH. The Hospital and its Foundation recognize that each contribution from the community played a role in this great success. "The support for this unit has been fantastic and for our community to raise the needed funds in a few short weeks, is nothing short of incredible," said Holmstrom. "As we serve our growing community, Stevenson Memorial Hospital will always need and cherish the financial and moral support of its citizens. This campaign has demonstrated that we can depend on the community to share in a bright future for their hospital. We thank the SMH Foundation and everyone involved, for their tremendous efforts," Ryan stated.
Members of the Nottawasaga Foundation giving a cheque to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) with hospital administration, nursing staff and Dr. Alison Barrett who were all overjoyed with the donation. Funds from the Nottawasaga Foundation combined with other donations to complete the Obstetrics campaign in record time. Left to right - Lorrie Reynolds, Director of the Maternal Child Program at SMH, Obstetrician Gynaecologist, Dr. Alison Barrett, Don Hickson, Nottawasaga Foundation, Claire Albright, Nottawasaga Foundation, Susan, Lou and Sylvia Biffis, Nottawasaga Foundation, Gary Ryan the Interim President and CEO of SMH, Marilyn Holmstrom, Chair of the SMH Foundation, George McCague, Nottawasaga Foundation, Sherry Guchardi, Clinical Coordinator of the Maternal Child Program at SMH and Punnapa Hartley, OB Nurse. - 30 - For further information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
First Baby Born in the Newly Re-Opened Birthing Unit at Stevenson Memorial HospitalFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital is delighted to announce that Dylan Thomas Elliott is the first baby born in the newly re-opened Birthing Unit at the Alliston hospital. Dylan made his appearance at 10.44 am, on April 26, 2008. He is the first son and second child of Jennifer and Ryan Elliott of Alliston. Baby Dylan weighed in at a very healthy 8 pounds 14.5 ounces. He had a large gathering of family waiting at the hospital when he was delivered by Natalie Wright, a midwife with Caring Hands Midwifery Services and Mel Beaver, a student midwife. "It is a great experience with midwives and it's nice for the birthing services to be back in town where family can be present and be supportive," said mother, Jennifer Elliott. The Elliotts had their first child, Victoria, at SMH and Ryan Elliott said they were hoping their second birth could be at SMH. "We were hoping for Alliston all the time, because we had Victoria here and it was such a good experience," the proud father stated. Each birth is celebrated at SMH, but this one had special significance as it was the first birth since the unit re-opened after a 16-month closure. "Our entire hospital is thrilled about the birth of Dylan," said Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO of SMH. "We offer our congratulations and best wishes to the Elliott family and thank staff, the midwives and our obstetrician for all their efforts towards this joyous occasion." In order to re-open a sustainable Birthing Unit, Stevenson Memorial implemented the recommendations of an Expert Panel appointed by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Maternal Child services were integrated with Southlake Regional Health Centre and nursing staff refreshed their skills at Southlake. In addition, the unit was refurbished and the SMH Foundation began fundraising for $312,000 worth of equipment. In March, Dr. Alison Barrett was hired as the lead obstetrician. The Birthing Unit re-opened on April 21, 2008. "Just as there were three generations of the Elliott family here for Dylan's birth, Stevenson Memorial Hospital hopes to provide birthing services for many generations to come and we know we can accomplish this with the help of our community," Gary Ryan said. "We welcome Dylan Thomas Elliott and wish him every good thing life has to offer!" The Elliott family received flowers from the hospital, a gift basket from Beeton Pharmacy and a gift certificate from the SMH Auxiliary.
Parents Jennifer and Ryan Elliott and big sister Victoria, cuddling Dylan Thomas Elliott. Dylan's grandmother Cynthia Elliott (Sixth from right, behind Ryan), great grandparents Eric and Betty Wagner (far left at rear), Natalie Wright, the midwife who delivered Dylan ( fourth left) and Mel Beaver, midwifery student, were joined by nurses, hospital staff and Dr. Alison Barrett in the happy celebration.
Dylan Thomas Elliott with the flowers and bear from the SMH administration and staff. -30- For further information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Morningview Foundation Provides Lead Donation For Obstetrics
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