The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation is celebrating the arrival of a new Jaundice Meter for the Obstetrical Department at GBGH, thanks to a $15,200 donation from the Rotary Club of Midland.
A jaundice meter is a non-invasive device that measures bilirubin levels through a simple scan of a baby’s skin, eliminating the need for routine blood draws in many cases. Since jaundice is a common condition in newborns, testing is essential for every baby to help prevent complications.
“The first days with a new baby should be filled with bonding, not additional stress,” says Alex Hogan, interim manager, surgical services, ambulatory care, obstetrics, telemedicine & medical device reprocessing at GBGH. “The Jaundice Meter provides immediate results at the bedside, so our team can quickly identify concerns, and monitor babies more consistently and more gently.”
The donation reflects the Rotary Club of Midland’s long-standing commitment to local health care. Since 1999, the Club has contributed more than $430,500 to the GBGH Foundation, helping to fund the hospital’s trauma room, dialysis program, mammography services, MRI project and other critical equipment investments.
“One of Rotary’s guiding principles is service above self, and supporting health care close to home is one of the most meaningful ways we can serve our community,” says Shawn Nielsen, past president, Rotary Club of Midland. “We are proud to support the purchase of this jaundice meter and invest in the best possible start for newborns and their families.”
The important donation is part of the Foundation’s We See You: Inside and Out campaign, raising funds to strengthen health care in North Simcoe.
“Community support is at the heart of the We See You campaign, and this gift from the Rotary Club of Midland is a powerful example of that generosity in action,” says Victoria Evans, senior key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation. “Every piece of equipment funded through philanthropy represents neighbours helping neighbours. By investing in this new technology, Rotary is helping newborns and their families feel seen, supported and cared for during some of life’s most important moments.”
To learn more about the We See You campaign, visit: https://weseeyougbgh.ca/.
Photo (from left): Michelle Blake, interim director, Clinical Services, GBGH; Darryl Lalonde, club director & Shawn Nielsen, past president, Rotary Club of Midland; Victoria Evans, senior key relationships officer, GBGH Foundation; and Alex Hogan, interim manager of surgical services, ambulatory care, obstetrics, telemedicine & medical device reprocessing, GBGH.
