Rooted in RVH’s strategic plan, Vitally You, the awards highlight the people and teams who bring the organization’s values to life each day through acts of compassion and kindness, a commitment to collaboration, the courage to think differently, and a drive to continuously improve the experience of patients, care partners and colleagues. Whether at the bedside, behind the scenes, or supporting the broader community, their contributions help shape a culture where people feel valued, supported and inspired to do their best work.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our congratulations to this year’s award recipients,” said RVH Board Chair Kimberly Matheson. “They demonstrate what is possible when talent, compassion and purpose come together. Through their everyday actions, they inspire those around them and strengthen our culture, all while helping ensure patients and care partners receive the very best care. We are deeply grateful for the impact they make across RVH.”

Recipients are selected by the Board through a peer nomination process. For 2026, there were 102 unique individual and team submissions, illustrating the depth of talent within the organization and a shared commitment to excellence that continues to move RVH forward.

The 2026 RVH Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence winners are:

Team Up Award (Individual)

Natalie Baks – Patient Service Clerk, Oncology-Outpatient Clerical

Team Up Award (Team)

Regional Privacy Team

Be Kind Award

Andrea Bertram – Senior Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT), Interventional Radiology & Angiography/Interventional

Do Great Things Award

Emily House – Decision Support Consultant, Decision Support

Inspire Trust Award

Tammy Crews – Registered Practical Nurse, Medicine Treatment Clinic

Be Bold Award

Joy Greene – Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Navigator, Oncology Administration

Excellence in Volunteering Award

Cyrille Couvrette – RVH Volunteer

Excellence in Care (Professional Staff) Award

Dr. Mark Lewis – Chief, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

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The Board has tremendous gratitude for all that Donna has done, and continues to do, for Hospice Muskoka and extends our best wishes for a wonderful and very well-deserved retirement.

In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Donna joined Hospice Muskoka as NP-Medical Director at Andy’s House, Ontario’s first Nurse Practitioner Led Hospice, which opened with three funded beds delivering much needed palliative care in south and west Muskoka.  The following year, she took on an expanded role, adding Executive Director to her portfolio and earlier this year became CEO.

Donna built and currently leads a team of staff and volunteers who oversee the ten beds at Andy’s House and numerous community programs, including a new program, Andy’s House at Home, which brings palliative care into your home.  We applaud Donna’s vision and tenacity in advocating for palliative and end of life care.  She has led the organization to its current position of excellence, achieving full accreditation from our governing body, Hospice Palliative Care Ontario, in the delivery of residential palliative care, community programs and grief and bereavement.

In her notice to the Board, Kearney shared “It is time for me to pass the torch to the next leader who will carry forward the Board’s next strategic vision,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and the community, and for the extraordinary commitment of the people who make this work possible every day.”

Over the next six months, as Donna continues to lead Hospice Muskoka with her hallmark passion and commitment, the Board will conduct a recruitment process to find the talent required to lead our organization into its next chapter.

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“The hospital has replaced its 12‑year‑old mammography machine and added a second, fully equipped mammography suite. Together, these upgrades double CGMH’s mammography capacity and introduce advanced diagnostic capabilities that extend well beyond traditional screening,” says Michael Lacroix, CGMH President and CEO. The second suite will focus on in‑depth assessments and will offer contrast‑enhanced mammography – an important tool for improved cancer detection, particularly in patients with dense breast tissue.

With this addition, CGMH will be among a select group of hospitals in Ontario offering contrast‑enhanced mammography, expected to be fully implemented by Fall 2026.

Key enhancements for patients and the community include:

• 3D‑guided (stereotactic) biopsies for greater precision in targeting abnormalities

• Contrast‑enhanced mammography to highlight potential cancers by tracking contrast dye within breast tissue (beginning Fall 2026)

These advancements are especially valuable for identifying cancers that may be hidden within dense breast tissue and not visible on ultrasound. At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful goal: to detect breast cancer at an earlier stage, supporting less invasive surgery and more effective treatment options.

“The expansion also allows one mammography unit to focus primarily on screening mammograms, helping reduce the growing waitlist and increasing access to breast‑screening services through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). In the past fiscal year alone, CGMH performed 7,645 mammograms, including 5,670 for OBSP patients,” says Jamey Gilroy, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and Echocardiography.

CGMH extends its sincere thanks to the generous leadership of the late Teri Yamada and her husband Doug Moxon, who matched donations up to $375,000 through the 2024 Tree of Life campaign. Additional thanks go to 100+ Women Who Care, South Georgian Triangle, for their $25,500 contribution, and to every community member whose support helped bring this innovative technology to our hospital.

“This milestone reflects what is possible when our community comes together to invest in better health care today and into the future, as we work to bring Tomorrow’s Hospital for South Georgian Bay to fruition,” says Sandra Taylor, CGMH Foundation President and CEO.

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“I am deeply honoured to have earned the confidence of my fellow Board members in being named Chair,” said Ms. McKinnon. “This role carries a significant responsibility, and I am committed to serving the organization in line with our values of integrity, humility, and accountability, while building on the culture of teamwork and trust at the Board table.”

First elected to the Board in June 2023, and having served as 1^st Vice Chair for the past two years, Ms. McKinnon was elected to a second 3-year term at Tuesday’s Annual General Meeting which will carry through until June 2029.  She succeeds Lawrence Pietras who served as Board Chair for the past two years and will remain on the Board for one additional year.

Ms. McKinnon brings extensive experience in healthcare governance, finance, and audit. Over the course of her career, she has worked with numerous hospital clients, leading external audits and developing deep expertise in hospital funding models and the broader healthcare system.

“This is an exciting and pivotal time in the history of OSMH as we plan for a new hospital.  I look forward to working closely with the Board and hospital leadership to navigate this critically important next chapter, always guided by our Mission to provide high-quality compassionate care to the communities we serve,” said McKinnon. 

McKinnon was one of four current Board members re-elected to new terms at Tuesday’s AGM.   Ryan Spurgeon, who will fill the role of 1^st Vice-Chair, was elected to a 3-year term along with Ian Gordon, who joined the Board in 2025.  Sheila Clark was elected to a 1-year term to complete her final year of eligible service, while the Board welcomed Diane Flanagan for an initial term of two-years.

The Board also took time to acknowledge the service of Ken Brownlee who provided more than ten years of expertise and volunteerism to the Boards of the Hospital and Foundation.

Click here to view the 2025-26 OSMH Annual Report.  

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The extended schedule for up to 16 hours per day is designed to improve access to diagnostic imaging, reduce wait times, and support better patient outcomes across the Muskoka region. This expansion has been made possible in part through the Government of Ontario’s continued investment in healthcare, including $1 million in funding from the Ministry of Health for 2025/2026.

“This is an important step forward for healthcare in our communities,” said Cheryl Harrison, President & CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. “By expanding MRI availability, we can serve more patients, sooner, helping accelerate diagnosis and treatment planning closer to home.”

From July 2025 through May 2026, the MRI program has already demonstrated strong impact, completing 2,890 scans. With extended hours now in place, MAHC expects to further increase capacity and better meet growing demand.

Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka, welcomed the expansion as a positive development for local healthcare access. “Our government has been working hard to expand access to essential healthcare services across Ontario, and I’m very pleased to see this investment supporting increased MRI capacity right here in Muskoka,” said Smith. “This is great news for patients and families in our region who will benefit from faster access to important diagnostic care closer to home.”

Patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider about MRI referrals.

To learn more about MRI services in Muskoka, including how to access imaging and what to expect, visit: https://www.mahc.ca/areas-of-care/diagnostic-imaging/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/

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Throughout the summer, more than 75 public beaches across Simcoe Muskoka are routinely monitored and tested for E. coli bacteria. Elevated levels of E. coli can increase the risk of illness and infection for swimmers. When bacteria levels exceed Ontario’s recreational water quality guidelines, a swimming advisory is issued and remains in effect until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe for swimming. In rare cases where a significant health or safety risk exists, a beach may be closed.

Because beach water quality can change quickly due to weather and environmental conditions, recent test results may not always reflect conditions at the time of your visit.

“We’re really encouraging people to check in before they get in,” said Karen Kivilahti, program manager, Safe Water. “While our testing provides important information, beachgoers should always assess current conditions and make informed decisions before entering the water.”

Heavy rainfall can wash bacteria and other contaminants, including animal waste and garbage, into lakes and along shorelines. To reduce the risk of illness, SMDHU recommends avoiding swimming for 24 to 48 hours following significant rainfall. If you do enter the water, avoid submerging your head and never swallow lake water.

Strong winds and large numbers of swimmers can also affect water quality by stirring up sand and sediment, which may increase bacteria levels. A simple rule of thumb is: if you cannot see your feet while standing in waist-deep water, bacteria levels may be higher than usual.

Warm, shallow water and wet sand can create conditions that allow bacteria such as E. coli to multiply more easily. Beach visitors are encouraged to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer regularly, especially before eating.

In addition to bacterial testing, beaches are monitored for environmental conditions that may affect public health, including blue-green algae blooms, floating debris, excessive weed growth and cloudy water.

Before heading to the beach, check the latest advisories and beach water quality information on the SMDHU website at smdhu.org/beaches. For more information about beach water safety, contact the health unit at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Presented in recognition of the essential role GBGH plays in the community, the investment reflects Tay Township’s dedication to ensuring residents have access to high-quality care close to home — today and into the future.

“Tay Township is proud to support initiatives that strengthen local healthcare,” said Mayor Ted Walker, Tay Township. “This donation reflects our commitment to ensuring our residents have access to high-quality care and to supporting physician recruitment that will serve our community for years to come.”

Funding directed to the GBGH Foundation will advance priorities through the We See You campaign, helping ensure patients and families feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their care experience. Contributions to the campaign enable the hospital to invest in essential equipment and modern technology, like new operating suite lighting and an ultrasound for vascular (IV) access.

“This kind of leadership from Tay Township has a meaningful impact on our hospital and the people GBGH cares for,” said Perry Esler, Interim CEO, GBGH Foundation. “Through the We See You campaign, Tay Township is supporting patients, families, and care teams by investing in the tools and spaces that make a real difference in the experience of care.”

The $12,500 investment in physician recruitment will help attract and retain skilled physicians to the region — a key priority in meeting the healthcare needs of a growing population and ensuring timely access to care.

“Recruiting physicians is fundamental to the long-term strength of healthcare in our region,” said Dr. Jeff Golisky, chair, Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment. “Support from Tay Township helps us offer our community as a desirable place for new and experienced physicians to practice, improving health care access close to home.”

Tay Township has demonstrated ongoing support for GBGH, recognizing that strong local healthcare contributes to a vibrant and healthy community for residents, families, and visitors alike.

For more information about the We See You campaign and how donations are making an impact at GBGH, visit gbghf.ca.  To learn more about physician recruitment in North Simcoe, visit georgianbayphysicianrecruitment.com.

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with minimal renovation, the provincially funded project aligns with the Ministry of Health expectation to expand primary care attachment capacity as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Through Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan, the province is investing more than $250 million in this fiscal year to create or expand 75 primary care teams across the province. Locally, this investment will create more than 1,900 spaces for patients currently without access to a family doctor or nurse-practitioner.

The Foley Community Centre in the Township of Seguin has been selected as the shovel-ready location for the new clinic. Seguin Township has played an essential role in supporting this expansion and will continue to work with West Parry Sound Health Centre as planning progresses to prepare the space for clinical use. The new Foley clinic site will support care delivery in a welcoming, community-based environment. Community rentals and library services will continue to operate at the centre.

“Seguin Township is proud to partner with West Parry Sound Health Centre on this important initiative,” said Ann MacDiarmid, Mayor of Seguin Township. “Access to primary care is a priority for our residents and for communities across the region. Seguin Township is grateful for the opportunity to work with our health care partners towards this shared goal.”

The expansion reflects the coordinated work of the West Parry Sound Primary Care Network, a regional primary care planning table, spear-headed by the West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team. The network brings together local primary care providers, including members of Parry Sound Family Health Team, Medical Associates, Rugged Shores Family Health, the West Parry Sound Health Centre Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, and broader health partners. This announcement marks a major achievement towards their goal of ensuring every resident in West Parry Sound has access to a regular primary care
provider.

“This partnership reflects the kind of collaborative, practical, local solution that is needed to improve patient attachment and access to care locally,” said Ellen Walker, Executive Director of the WPS Ontario Health Team “Working together, we are building a stronger and more connected primary care system for the people of West Parry Sound.”

“West Parry Sound Health Centre is deeply appreciative of the many community partners whose efforts were essential in making this expansion possible,” said Donald Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer of West Parry Sound Health Centre. “When primary care is strengthened, the positive impacts are felt across the entire health system. We commend the Government of Ontario for its commitment to expanding access to primary care. We are also grateful to our municipal partners, who responded quickly to help identify a shovel-ready location that aligns with our communities’ needs. We especially want to
thank Seguin Township for its responsiveness to this time-sensitive opportunity.”

Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan is focused on connecting every person in Ontario to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or primary care team by 2029. The plan supports the creation and expansion of teambased primary care across the province, with a particular focus on helping patients who are currently unattached gain access to ongoing, coordinated care closer to home. For communities like West Parry Sound, this approach recognizes that strong local partnerships are essential to building a more connected, sustainable primary care system that can respond to regional needs.

“I’m proud of the work being done by our local health care partners to help ensure residents across West
Parry Sound have access to the primary care they need,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry SoundMuskoka. “Thanks to support from the Ministry of Health, this new clinic site is moving forward quickly and will help connect more people and families to care close to home when it opens later this year.”

Further details about the site opening and how unattached patients can be connected to care will be shared as implementation planning progresses.

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