McCann says that the gala is always a success, but that she has particularly high hopes for this year | Photo by B. Shakyaver
Healthcare across the country has seen challenges throughout the past few years, especially in Ontario, with funding being stretched thinner and thinner across the board.
However, if you want to hear about success in the local healthcare scene, Krista McCann, Executive Director for the South Huron Hospital Foundation says you need look no further than the foundations annual Gala.
Notable leadership changes were also announced at the Annual General Meeting in June. Pat O’Rourke retired as chair, leaving a solid foundation for the incoming Chair, Rob Tait.
Beyond the foundation, the formation of the Huron Health System, a partnership between South Huron Hospital and Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich, promises improved regional healthcare.
The foundation’s top priority remains addressing the hospital’s capital needs. In the past year, they greenlit projects totaling $750,000, including the acquisition of crucial medical equipment like a bone mineral density scanner, a chem lab analyzer, and diagnostic imaging tools.
However, she notes a significant shift in the financial landscape.
Despite the misconception that healthcare is solely a provincial concern, the local community’s generous donations underscore a prioritization of healthcare at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead to 2024, McCann acknowledged the challenges being faced by the hospitals current family clinic – a conversation which has been brought to council several times over the past year, and will continue to dominate the local healthcare scene.
Also on the docket for next year, McCann outlined ongoing efforts to fund capital equipment, potential large-scale campaigns pending ministry announcements, and continued support for the future of care at the South Huron Medical Center.
Written by: B. Shakyaver