Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation launches $43 million Because of you...we can Campaign
On October 1, 2019 the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation (SMHF) launched the Because of you, we can Campaign in support of Stevenson Memorial Hospital’s (SMH) redevelopment project, Health Information System and annual equipment needs.
The $43 million campaign marks the largest capital campaign in the history of the SMHF.
Key supporters and members of the community were on hand to celebrate this milestone for the SMHF, including:
- George Cornell, Warden, Simcoe County
- Tom Lake, Executive Vice President, Honda of Canada Mfg
- Sylvia Biffis, Nottawasaga Foundation and Campaign Cabinet Chair
- Cathy Loblaw, President and CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities representing T.P. Loblaw and the Loblaw family
- Jim Wilson, MPP, Simcoe-Grey
- Mayor Rick Milne, Town of New Tecumseth and Council members
- Mayor Sandie Macdonald, Essa Township and Council members
- Deputy Mayor Bob Meadows, Township of Adjala-Tosorontio and Council members
Three organizations have already made transformative, lead contributions towards the redevelopment project. The County of Simcoe has committed $10 million, as part its funding commitment to Simcoe County Hospital Alliance, the Honda Canada Foundation has committed $4 million and the Nottawasaga Foundation has committed to donating $1 million.
To date, over $20 million has been raised, with another $1 million expected in gifts and pledges by the end of this year, bringing the campaign to nearly 50 per cent of its $43 million goal.
“The County of Simcoe is committed to ensuring our residents have access to world-class health-care services, treatment options and facilities, said County of Simcoe Warden, George Cornell. “Between 1994 to 2031, the County has committed a significant $107 million dollars towards our area hospitals including our $10 million pledge to help redevelop Stevenson Memorial Hospital. This is an important campaign and we wish everyone at Stevenson the best of luck as they work towards their fundraising goals.”
“The Honda Canada Foundation is pleased to support redevelopment at Stevenson Memorial Hospital,” said Tom Lake, Executive Vice President, Honda of Canada Mfg. “The hospital has served our community well, but it’s time to make it a modern and innovative facility for the residents of New Tecumseth and beyond.”
“As a family and business operating in this community for over 50 years, we are privileged to have accessible hospital care close to home and work,” said Sylvia Biffis, Capital Campaign Chair and Director of Conventions, Nottawasaga Resort. “Although it is small, Stevenson is mighty, servicing thousands of families and a vibrant workforce, but our care cannot be compromised with outdated infrastructure and restricted space. Now it is time for a bold redevelopment because our growing community deserves an upgrade of space, technology and equipment.”
SMH received a $500,000 planning grant in February, 2018 and was named in the April 2019 provincial budget, as well as in the most recent P3 Market Update as a capital project in planning.
“Having our hospitals mentioned in April’s budget and now again in the 2019 P3 Market Update is a very positive sign of the Ford Government’s commitment to healthcare and hospitals in our riding,” said Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson.
The $166.7 million redevelopment project includes a revitalized Emergency Department, doubling the square footage of the hospital and tripling the amount of parking space. Refreshed outpatient rooms, birthing suites and Laboratory space is also included in the submission.
The current facility has not undergone a redevelopment since it was built in 1964. The Emergency Department was designed to meet the needs of 7,000 visitors annually and currently serves close to 40,000 visitors a year. By 2031, the population SMH serves is expected to grow from its current 75,000 to 100,000, putting increased pressure on the hospital to manage its lack of space.
“Our staff, physicians and volunteers deserve a hospital that provides the space and technology they need so they can continue to provide high-quality health care to our growing community,” says Jody Levac, President and CEO, SMH. “I have been advocating for a redevelopment for many years with the support of MPP Jim Wilson and our lead donors and supporters, but we need to do more. The support of our entire community is critical in the success of receiving an approval and moving forward with revitalizing our Hospital.”
SMH is also in the process of implementing its new Health Information System, Meditech Expanse. Phase 1 of the implementation took place on December 1, 2018 and included implementing a new electronic medical records system in partnership with Markham-Stouffville Hospital and Southlake Regional Health Centre. Physicians and medical professionals have seamless access to patient information across all three sites, improving patient safety and supporting faster diagnosis and treatment. Patients now have access to their health care information 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the new Patient Connect portal.
The hospital relies on the support of the community for enhancements to infrastructure, equipment and technology as the government does not provide annual funding for these critical needs.
“Today, we are embarking on a bold, $43 million campaign to support the community portion of the capital costs – equipment, technology, and renovations – that are essential for this transformative redevelopment and the annual priority equipment needs. Today, we invite the community to join us on this historic journey so that, together, we can revitalize this invaluable resource – our local hospital,” says Tanya Wall, Executive Director, SMHF. “We are grateful to all of the donors who have supported the campaign so far, allowing us to reach halfway to our goal.”
For more information about how you can help and get involved, please visit www.transformingstevenson.ca
