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Hospital Update from Matthew Lawson, GBGH CEO

The past six months have been very busy for Georgian Bay General Hospital!   

In June, we broke ground on a 2,500 square foot addition that will house our new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. Since then, we have made dramatic progress, including setting up the site, excavation, fortifying the foundation and footings, connecting plumbing, exterior framing (walls & windows), roof supports and drainage system installation. 

In December, the focus switched to interior framing and drywall, mechanical and electrical rough-ins and the installation of radiofrequency shielding in the MRI room.  

The shielding is critical, as the invisible magnetic field created by the MRI is always present and is never turned off. The strength of the magnet is 30,000 times the gravitational pull of the Earth, and the pull is exerted on almost all metal objects, causing them to ‘fly’ toward the machine.  For this reason, GBGH must also invest in equipment that can safely operate within the MRI space, including a stretcher, ventilator, vital signs machine and cleaning equipment.  

As the interior renovations begin, we are simultaneously working on renovating a space for Digital Mammography. GBGH is currently the only hospital in Simcoe-Muskoka that does not have a mammography program, but there are thousands of women in our community who are eligible for regular screening.  This program will make this important diagnostic technology available closer to home, resulting in increased screening rates, earlier detection, and better outcomes. We anticipate this program will be up and running later this year. 

I want to extend my sincere thanks to our donors and community for making these important developments a reality for our hospital and our patients. You are making a difference here, and we could not do this without you. 

Staff Spotlight: Erin Kominek

We interviewed Erin Kominek, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiorespiratory and Laboratory Services about adding Mammography services at GBGH. 

What is your role in the Mammography program?  

As the manager of the program, I oversee the daily operations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, from scheduling and patient care to compliance with regulations and quality standards. I also work closely with the team to ensure they feel supported and to ensure that we deliver the highest standard of care to our patients. 

Why is GBGH focused on adding Mammography services? 

Our region has some of the lowest screening rates, and this can negatively affect patient outcomes.  The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) has a target of 90% of patients diagnosed within 7 weeks of an abnormal screen. Currently, only 61% of North Simcoe OBSP patients are meeting that target due to wait times, travel and other barriers to access.  

Is the hospital ready to add Mammography? 

GBGH is in an excellent position to launch a mammography program!  We’re opening our MRI in early 2025 and have invested in a breast imaging coil, which is crucial for applying to the Ontario Breast Screening Program as a high-risk site.  

We already have a certified breast imaging technologist on staff, which means we have the expertise needed for program planning and mentoring new staff.  

And, thanks to the generosity of donors through the GBGH Foundation, we have more than 85% of the funds needed to purchase the Digital Mammography technology (with both 2D and 3D capabilities) and renovate space within the hospital. We anticipate starting renovations in spring 2025. 

What will the program be like?  

Making excellent care personal is deeply woven into our program planning. We will offer various appointment booking options: by phone, email, and online self-booking. For those who may struggle with planning ahead, we’ll have drop-in screening assessment days. And, we also recognize the challenge of taking time off work, so we will offer extended hours to accommodate patients outside of regular working hours.  

The space itself will also make the whole experience as welcoming and comfortable as possible, with the use of selective paint colours and artwork, private waiting and change rooms, and allowing patients to wear buttoned or zippered shirts instead of hospital gowns.  

For more information about mammography at GBGH, please visit https://gbghf.ca/mammography/