Page 6 - GBGH Foundation Newsletter - Winter 2023

AN UPDATE FROM GBGH

PRESIDENT AND CEO
MATTHEW LAWSON

Over the past year, GBGH has continued to experience an operating or approved MRI, securing a commitment
growth and change as we adjust to a new normal for one has been a priority GBGH for some time now.
working among ongoing challenges like a pandemic Our hospital is continuously planning and growing our
spanning more than three years, a nation-wide health services to align with community needs so we knew the
human resources shortage and unprecedented patient demand for an MRI was substantial. Every year, nearly
volumes at our hospital. 4,000 patients are travelling elsewhere in our region and
beyond to receive one.
Despite all the challenges we’ve faced, there have also
been many positive accomplishments. Then there are also those who don’t travel or can’t
travel – either due to the expense or logistics of getting
In March, GBGH officially opened its new Dialysis unit in
to another hospital. They are missing out on this
Midland at 611 Prospect Boulevard.
important diagnostic imaging procedure because they
are unable to make the journey. At a minimum of 40 km
In June, GBGH opened a Prenatal Clinic to provide
travel in each direction it can be a barrier to accessing
high quality, standardized care closer to home for
this necessary service, which can provide definitive
pregnant women in the community, with or without
information and assist in the diagnosis of many
a primary care provider, ensuring all have access to
conditions. Bringing an MRI to GBGH means equitable
comprehensive prenatal care.
access for local patients and that is a priority for our
In September, Freshflex was launched at GBGH to bring hospital.
patients an innovative new menu system. Since the
While our leadership team makes plans for the
new menu was launched, food satisfaction scores have
renovation to add an MRI to our facility, our Foundation
increased to 94 per cent from approximately 60 per
is beginning the work of raising the $4-million capital
cent.
that is required to purchase the machine and renovate
In December, thanks to investment in new and diverse the department. To invest in this important project,
equipment, expansion of surgical services we offer, please visit GBGHF.ca/MRI
completion of a major renovation in our device
There is no doubt GBGH and the residents of North
sterilization department and optimizing time in our two
Simcoe will be well-served through access to
operating rooms, we have been able to dramatically
MRI services, but there are even further reaching
increase the amount of surgical cases we can
implications to this welcome addition in our region.
complete. During the latter half of 2022, GBGH increased
Having MRI services available at another hospital within
its surgical volumes to 163 per cent of pre-pandemic
the Simcoe-Muskoka area translates to reduced wait
levels, meaning less travel and shorter wait times for
times across the whole region. That is positive progress
local residents.
for all and we’re proud GBGH will be part of it.
And, on December 15, we were able to share some long-
anticipated news. Our hospital – your hospital – will
receive operating funding to bring Magnetic Resonance Matthew Lawson
Imaging (MRI) services to this community. Matthew Lawson
President & CEO
Georgian Bay General Hospital
This is a game changer for GBGH because it means
care closer to home for residents of this community. As
the largest acute care hospital in the province without

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