14 hours ago
‘Because of you' campaign re-launches in hopes of bringing new hospital to New Tecumseth
The Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation is re-launching their 'Because of you' campaign setting a bold goal to put a new hospital in New Tecumseth, Ont. Here are the blueprints. (Supplied)
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation is re-launching their 'Because of you' campaign setting a bold goal to put a new hospital in New Tecumseth.
The foundation has doubled their fundraising efforts to $80 million - the new facility is expected to be 150,000 square feet, three times the size of the current hospital.
Taya DaNeef, who works in the emergency room at the hospital says a new building would be a welcome sign to those who work the front lines. 'We were built for 7,000 visits, we're over 35,000 in the E.R.,' said DaNeef. 'Every single year with the same footprint that we were originally built for.'
With a growing population in Simcoe-Grey, DaNeef added that more space is needed.
'We are still doing hallway medicine which is not great for privacy or for care,' said daNeef. 'It doesn't allow for private conversations between patients and families and physicians.'
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation
The Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation is re-launching their 'Because of you' campaign setting a bold goal to put a new hospital in New Tecumseth, Ont. Here are the blueprints. (Supplied)
The 'Because of you' campaign has been relaunched to streamline fundraising for a new hospital with the total cost now more than $400 million.
Frank Cerisano, CEO of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation is hoping to rally the community to raise funds for the new building.
'We want to stay focused on the $80 million,' said Cerisano. 'We want to get as many supporters as possible, big or small, involved, engaged,' asking people to be part of this newer vision.
Brand new goal means a brand-new design with plans including 47 private rooms in the hospital.
Cerisano added the relaunch has brought more people together in hopes of achieving that goal.
'What else is different is that our new volunteers are new donors, the momentum on this campaign is just building and keeps on going,' said Cerisano.
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
The Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation is re-launching their 'Because of you' campaign setting a bold goal to put a new hospital in New Tecumseth, Ont. (Supplied)
The province will pay 90 per cent of the total cost to build leaving the remainder up to the hospital and community.
Brian Saunderson, MPP of Simcoe-Grey, said hospitals play a crucial role in the region.
'Hospitals are a part of the critical DNA in a local health care ecosystem and with that we get the doctors, frontline staff, family health teams,' said Saunderson.
MRI machines, C-T scanners and more diagnostic equipment are all part of the plan - if the community can raise enough.
'Whether it's from lemonade stands, kids are bringing in their $5 that they're getting for their birthdays, or the big donors, every single dollar has accounted for something new for our hospital.' Said DaNeef.
Wednesday's relaunch raised $7 million to kickstart the fundraiser. If the campaign hits its target, construction could begin by spring 2006 with hopes of opening a brand-new hospital by 2029.
