Georgian Bay General Hospital officials believe community support will help the hospital weather COVID-19's effects until provincial funding becomes more apparent.
"We're really happy to be here today to take the opportunity to thank you for your generous donation in recognition of the hospital," said Gail Hunt, president and chief executive officer, GBGH, who dropped in virtually at a recent Tay Township council meeting to accept the cheque for $25,000.
Things have really changed for the hospital since COVID-19 started, she said.
"We've had to make a lot of changes at the hospital as you see on the news on a regular basis, including buying equipment to be able to make the hospital a safer place for patients and staff," said Hunt while talking to councillors via Zoom.
At the beginning of the pandemic, she said, the hospital shut down surgical and elective procedures and visitations.
"Now we're at the much harder part of reopening those things in a staged safe approach to keep everybody safe," said Hunt, who adding it's a continuous journey.
"It's been an expensive journey to do all this. All the hospitals in the province have experienced a lot of hardship coming along with this. The dedication of community members and municipalities that have been so generous during this time to assist us has been important."
She added that although the government has announced funding for hospitals, money has yet to reach them.
"And we don't actually know how much (COVID-related) will be covered," said Hunt. "We have a horrible suspicion that because of the amount of money this has caused the healthcare system, that we will not have our equipment costs funded that we've had to purchase to be ready for COVID in our community."
And that is why, she said, the hospital is thankful for municipal and community support.
"Thank you for making us a priority in the budget, and for your dedication to ensuring the success of the hospital in this community," said Hunt.
Mayor Ted Walker concluded the presentation with a comment: "We realize how important the GBGH is to Tay and the entire area and it's sure good to know we have that facility available to us for a whole bunch of reasons."
