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.