Page 11 - GBGH Foundation Newsletter - Winter 2026

STAFF SPOTLIGHT:

JACQUIE BELCOURT

We interviewed Jacquie Belcourt, Manager of Pharmacy, about what
a pharmacy renovation will mean for patients and staff at GBGH.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO
HERE AT GBGH?
I have worked in the Pharmacy at GBGH for 21 years, 20 years as the manager. The pharmacy team supports patient
care across the entire hospital by preparing and managing medications safely and accurately. This covers everything
from oral unit dose medications to sterile compounds for injection. Our work distributing medications touches every
patient who comes through GBGH. I’m proud to be part of a team that plays such a critical role in patient care.

CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT WHEN YOU SAW FIRSTHAND HOW YOUR WORK MADE A PATIENT OR FAMILY FEEL TRULY
CARED FOR? HOW DO EXPERIENCES LIKE THAT MOTIVATE YOU EVERY DAY?
One moment that stuck with me was a patient whose pain was difficult to manage, even using a patient-controlled
analgesia pump. The pharmacist worked closely with the patient, family, and the care and pharmacy teams to modify
medications and doses to ensure the patient was comfortable, even coming in on their day off to ensure the patient
felt supported. Knowing that our teamwork helps to support patients and families at difficult times is incredibly
motivating.

THE UPCOMING PHARMACY RENOVATION WILL BRING IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS FOR PATIENTS AND STAFF. CAN
YOU DESCRIBE WHAT CARE LOOKS LIKE TODAY, AND HOW IT WILL CHANGE ONCE THE RENOVATION IS COMPLETE?
Today, our Pharmacy team prepares more than 350,000 medication doses each year. Although we have made
modifications to accommodate technologies that enable best practices and support our commitment to safety and
meeting standards of care, our space was built for a staff of 3 in the 1970s. The pharmacy now employs 23 staff.
While we are committed to safety and care, physical space is often a barrier.

Once the renovation is complete, we’ll have a purposefully designed, modern space with a sterile compounding facility
and secure narcotics storage that meets today’s highest safety standards and supports our staff. These changes will
help us work more effectively, reduce risks, and ultimately ensure patients receive the safest care possible.
WHY IS DONOR SUPPORT SO IMPORTANT FOR PROJECTS LIKE THE PHARMACY RENOVATION, AND HOW DOES
IT ALLOW YOU TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT CARE FOR LOCAL AND SEASONAL PATIENTS?
Donor support makes projects like this possible. Hospital funding doesn’t cover equipment or significant capital
investment, so community generosity directly impacts our ability to modernize and grow. Because of donor support
through the We See You Campaign, we’re building a future-ready pharmacy that can meet the needs of both our year-
round community and the seasonal patients who rely on GBGH. It’s an investment that strengthens safety, efficiency,
and care for everyone.

To our donors and community, please know that your generosity truly makes a difference every single day, and we
are so grateful.

To learn more about our We See You
campaign, please visit WeSeeYouGBGH.ca

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