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

The post Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Board Of Directors Honour Outstanding Staff With Annual Awards Of Excellence appeared first on Muskoka411.

RVH is one of only 76 hospitals worldwide and just 13 in Canada to receive this honour through the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). This places RVH in the top 10 percent of participating hospitals globally for surgical quality and patient safety.

ACS NSQIP is the world’s leading surgical quality program, using rigorous, risk-adjusted data to measure performance in eight clinical areas including mortality, surgical site infection and pneumonia. RVH’s recognition reflects excellence across the full continuum of surgical care—from preoperative planning to postoperative recovery.

“This achievement is the result of incredible teamwork and commitment,” said Dr. Dorotea Mutabdzic, NSQIP Surgeon Champion, RVH. “Over the past three years, we’ve focused on reducing infections and improving recovery. Thanks to the dedication of our surgeons, nurses and the entire surgical team, patients are experiencing better outcomes than ever before.”

As the largest program in Simcoe Muskoka, RVH performs approximately 15,000 surgeries every year in ten operating rooms—making it the busiest and most comprehensive in the region. RVH supports smaller partner hospitals and provides advanced procedures locally, so patients don’t have to travel far for complex care.

Guided by RVH’s Vitally You strategic plan, the surgical program is driving innovation, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement. Already a provincial leader in cancer surgery wait times and advanced interventions, RVH is setting the standard in orthopaedics, general surgery, and minimally invasive techniques.

This recognition is another milestone on RVH’s path to becoming an Academic Health Sciences Centre. It reinforces the hospital’s commitment to attracting top surgical talent, creating exceptional learning opportunities, and most importantly, ensuring every patient receives world-class care close to home.

The post RVH Earns International Recognition For Surgical Excellence appeared first on Muskoka411.

Between Leaf & Light is a 43-minute immersive soundscape created specifically for RVH by artist Scott Rogers and the curatorial collective CMBT (Co-conspiracy Means (to) Breathe Together), a group of artists who are also cancer patients. Installed in one of the centre’s busiest waiting areas, the piece weaves together layered field recordings of birdsong, creating a gentle listening experience.

“Art in a hospital is about caring for the mind, body and spirit,” says Gail Hunt, RVH President and CEO. “Our patients and their families deserve spaces that offer comfort, a place to pause, a moment to breathe, and the opportunity to support one another.”

The composition uses open-source bird recordings native to the same time zone as RVH, spanning from Peru to northern Ontario and Québec. It brings together resident, migratory and tropical species in a collective soundscape that is both grounding and uplifting, easing the emotional weight that many patients and their loved ones carry.

From the start, the project was shaped by a deep, personal understanding of the cancer patient experience. CMBT is comprised of Kara Hamilton, Patricia Ritacca and Yan Wu, all of whom are both cancer patients and arts professionals. Having navigated diagnosis and treatment themselves, they are united in the belief that art can communicate, heal and transform, creating environments where we can all be in harmony together.

“As cancer patients ourselves, our curatorial team has spent many hours in clinical spaces—often waiting, often anxious,” says Yan Wu. “This inaugural project grew from a desire to shift that experience—not to escape it, but to reimagine it. We see art as a kind of inspirational distraction, something that can gently interrupt the passive rhythms of treatment with moments of curiosity, agency, or wonder. RVH felt like a natural partner—not only because of its vibrant cancer centre, but also because of its visionary approach to integrating art throughout the hospital. Their commitment to thoughtful, even transformative art in clinical spaces inspired us to push what art in healthcare can be.”

Between Leaf & Light was made possible thanks to the generous support of the City of Barrie, and the contributions of longtime RVH patient Tracey Barker, whose voice, story and presence carried the project from vision to reality.

“Tracey’s support and insight helped bring this installation to life,” says Frances Thomas, RVH’s Senior Art Curator. “She believed in the power of this project, and before she passed away, she was able to experience the first moment the waiting room was filled with birdsong.”

Each year, RVH’s Cancer Centre sees more than 146,000 visits, each one a part of a deeply personal journey. The installation reflects RVH’s ongoing mission to reimagine and transform the care experience for all patients, not just clinically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

“At RVH, we don’t just want to treat people — we want to care for them,” says Hunt. “That means being bold enough to try new things, creative enough to imagine what’s possible, and compassionate enough to centre everything we do around the lived experiences of our patients and teams.”

Between Leaf & Light will continue to fill the cancer centre’s waiting room with birdsong through to the fall. As the first installation of its kind, RVH has been gathering feedback—and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. More than 80 patients and caregivers have completed surveys, many expressing with heartfelt enthusiasm that the soundscape is delivering precisely what it was intended to. It’s the team’s hope that this pioneering project will inspire similar initiatives in cancer centres across the province, and the country.

In honour of the patients and families who use the space, members of the public are asked not to visit the waiting area directly. Instead, a video about the installation — featuring clips of the audio, behind-the-scenes reflections from the artist and curatorial team, and the late Tracey Barker — is available on RVH’s website:https://www.rvh.on.ca/about-rvh/artrvh/.

The post Where Art Meets Care: RVH’s Immersive Soundscape Brings Comfort To Patients appeared first on Muskoka411.

From now on, all patients who register at RVH will now be asked if they wish to self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) and if they would like to be referred to the Indigenous Patient Services (IPS) team. This change is not just about new questions at registration, it is about honouring identity, building stronger relationships, and enabling culturally appropriate care.

“As the largest healthcare centre in the region, it is our responsibility to change the way Indigenous people receive and perceive care, by building trust, addressing barriers to care, and improving health outcomes through culturally safer practices that respect the dignity and traditions of all people who walk through our doors,” said RVH President and CEO Gail Hunt.

To prepare for the launch, the IPS team developed and led thoughtful, in-person training sessions with patient service and registration clerks to help them better understand the importance of honouring identity, and to build their confidence and knowledge to answer patient questions with respect, clarity and kindness. It is our intention to bring these powerful training opportunities to more staff across the hospital over the coming months.

Honouring Indigenous Identity in Healthcare is one step of many towards reconciliation that RVH is purposefully taking. In particular, this initiative addresses two of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s health-related Calls to Action: #19 which calls upon the Canadian government, in consultation with Indigenous peoples, to establish measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and #22 which calls upon those who can effect change within the Canadian healthcare system to recognize the value of Indigenous healing practices and use them in the treatment of Indigenous patients.

“RVH cannot advance its bold vision for expanded and equitable healthcare in the region—or fulfil its purpose of Making life better, with the care you need, close to home—without working alongside partners like the Indigenous Health Circle (IHC) to ensure Indigenous patients receive the respect, understanding, and care they deserve,” said Hunt.

The post New RVH Initiative Supports Healthcare Equity for Indigenous Patients appeared first on Muskoka411.

PureHealth Pharmacy returned as this year’s broadcast sponsor, generously matching all gifts made during the day, up to $50,000.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the support from our community this holiday season,” says Mary Anne Frith, Chair of the Keep Life Wild Campaign and Vice-Chair of RVH Foundation’s Board of Directors. “This year has been tough economically, so seeing so many step up for RVH patients—giving whatever they could—is truly inspiring.”

The broadcast ran from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., raising an incredible $81,000 during the live show. Donations continued to come in through the night, bringing the total to more than $88,000.

Funds raised from the Keep Life Wild Radiothon will help RVH grow and enhance clinical programs, including cancer, cardiac, kidney care, mental health, trauma, and stroke care, while increasing access to advanced care close to home.

“Every gift makes a difference,” says Mary Anne Frith. “With mail delays, we’re especially grateful to our radio partners for helping us show how donor support impacts patient care and offering the community another way to give back.”

If you’d like to support world-class patient care close to home this holiday season and get a tax receipt, consider making a gift online at KeepLifeWild.ca or calling 705-739-5600 before December 31, 2024.

The post Keep Life Wild Radiothon Rallies Community To Raise More Than $88,000 For Patient Care At RVH appeared first on Muskoka411.

Ms. Dewar was recognized for leadership in her profession and community, as well as her impact on RVH Foundation’s drive to achieve the $100M goal for its Keep Life Wild campaign.

“We are deeply proud that Katie’s leadership and skills have been recognized on the international stage,” said Pamela Ross, RVH Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “This achievement reflects the exceptional teamwork of our entire staff team, our volunteers, and Team RVH. It’s a testament to our collective commitment to excellence as we rally the support of our generous community to bring world-class care to the region. We celebrate this success as a reflection of what we, RVH and the community, can achieve together.”

Ms. Dewar’s nomination and win was supported by the team at RVH Foundation, RVH colleagues, Keep Life Wild Campaign Cabinet members, and the Boards of Directors for RVH and RVH Foundation. Together, this group is working to raise $100 million to help RVH grow, end hallway medicine, long waits and drives somewhere else for care.

The post RVH Foundation Staff Member Recognized With Global Award appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Colorectal Cancer Resource and Action Network’s (CCRAN) inflatable Jumbo Colon will be on display at the Georgian Mall, 509 Bayfield Street, Barrie on the lower level near the food court on Monday, June 24 from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The Jumbo Colon is an immersive and interactive walk-through reproduction of a human colon where visitors are guided by audio/visual screens to see and feel the various pathologies of the colon, including polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and the different stages of colon cancer.

“Colorectal cancer is largely preventable with appropriate screening, yet it still remains one of the top three causes of cancer deaths in Canada. Prevention and early detection with stool samples or colonoscopy is far easier than the treatments which include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation,” says Dr. Kyle Fortinsky, Gastroenterologist at RVH and Cancer Care Ontario, Regional Lead for Simcoe-Muskoka.

Come out the see the Jumbo Colon and learn more about colorectal health. When colorectal cancer is caught early, 9 out of 10 people can be cured. In Simcoe Muskoka 34 per cent of eligible people are due for their screening.

Call the Simcoe Muskoka Cancer screening hotline 1-866-608-6910 to find out how to get screened.

The post Learn About Colorectal Cancer Prevention And Screening At The Jumbo Colon Exhibit appeared first on Muskoka411.

“I purchased tickets because I believe supporting the local hospital and healthcare is important,” says Wagg. “My husband had an experience where he needed urgent care and thanks to RVH he is still with us to celebrate this win.”

The monthly draw supports the Auxiliary’s $5-million pledge to RVH’s Keep Life Wild Campaign, which aims to assist in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s (NICU) much-needed expansion. As a Level 2 NICU, RVH provides the highest level of care in our region for babies that arrive as early as 30 weeks.

A planned re-design and expansion of the NICU will give families additional space, more privacy, along with updated and additional specialized equipment for resuscitation, ventilation, and monitoring.  In the meantime, the Auxiliary continues to look for additional ways they can support RVH.

“We are so excited to receive such great on-going participation in our 50/50 draws,” says Lise McCourt, RVH Auxiliary President. “And because of the incredible response from our community, the Auxiliary is able to go above and beyond our pledge to the campaign and provide funds to purchase the first of three isolettes being donated to the NICU to replace ones that are outdated.”

The next grand prize draw takes place on May 30. Throughout the month, $40,000 will also be given away in three early bird draws.

Tickets can be purchased until 11:59 p.m. on May 29 online at rvhauxiliary5050.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the lotto booth in RVH’s food court (Level 1) Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.; at Mayes-Martin Ltd on Vespra Street, Barrie, Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or by visiting our volunteers at the Georgian Mall on Saturday, May 25, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

A special thank you to April’s sponsor, Northshore Tree Experts.

The post Barrie Resident Celebrates Big Win With RVH Auxiliary Community 50/50 Draw’s Jackpot appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Our annual Smile Cookie campaign is a beloved and cherished tradition for Tim Hortons restaurant owners, team members and guests because of the amazing impact we can make together – while enjoying some delicious cookies,” says Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons. “Last year’s Smile Cookie campaign raised a record-breaking $19.7 million across Canada and I know our guests will be rallying with us again this year to support over 600 charities and community groups and the amazing work they do.”

Guests can support RVH and Hospice Simcoe by purchasing Smile Cookies or one of four adorable Smile Cookie personality pins: the Loopy, Bugsy, Starry and Squirmy Smile Cookie pins.

“Each year, we look forward to Smile Cookie Week. These treats bring a smile to so many faces, not only because they’re a fun pick-me-up, but also because they benefit our littlest patients,” says Pamela Ross, CEO, RVH Foundation. “RVH welcomes more than 2,000 babies each year and that number continues to grow as our community grows. The Smile Cookie Campaign will help us build a state-of-the-art Birthing Unit where families have the space and care they need to get off to the best start.”

“We are so thankful to the Barrie and Stroud Tim Hortons for the incredible support we receive through the Smile Cookie Campaign. The need for end-of-life care and grief support programs grows constantly,” says Kelly Hubbard, Executive Director, Hospice Simcoe. “Proceeds from this wonderful initiative allow us to continue to provide those programs and services to hundreds of people in our community every year, and we are very grateful.”

To participate in this year’s Smile Cookie campaign, guests can visit their local Tim Hortons or place an order through the Tim Hortons mobile app for delivery. Guests can also ask for a bulk order form at their local Tim Hortons restaurant for larger pre-orders.

For a full list of local charities and community groups benefiting from Tim Hortons annual Smile Cookie campaign, visit www.timhortons.ca/smile-cookie.

The post 100% Of Proceeds From Smile Cookies Sold In Barrie And Stroud Benefiting RVH And Hospice Simcoe appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Home hemodialysis provides far more flexibility for patients than in-centre dialysis and can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life,” says Dr. Murali Krishnan, Medical Director of the RVH Regional Renal Program. “The initiation of this program is a significant milestone in the evolution of care for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in this region. Now RVH, which is the youngest and fastest growing renal program in Ontario, joins the league of other hospitals offering the complete range of treatment options for patients with CKD.”

Patients opting for at-home hemodialysis, a process that involves cycling the patient’s blood through a machine that filters it, removing toxins and extra fluid before cycling it back into the patient’s bloodstream, are supported by specialists from RVH’s renal program. Each patient undergoes seven weeks of individualized training during in-centre dialysis sessions. Upon completion of the training, the patients are set up at home with an easy-to-operate dialysis machine.

June, 73, a resident of Barrie, was thrilled to be RVH’s first home hemodialysis patient.

“We are looking forward to this new chapter,” says June. “We have been well trained and have complete confidence in the program. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing like the comfort and convenience of your own home. This program gives my family flexibility with minimal expense to us, which is a real gift. We can be on our own time frame and not the hospital’s.”

June’s husband, Don, and daughter, Sue, also completed the seven-week training and will be her support team at home.

“I have to admit, when we initially began this program, it seemed overwhelming. It’s not only the dialysis equipment and medical supplies, but the responsibility that now lies in your hands. However, the training RVH provided to set up the dialysis machine and initiate and stop June’s treatment really helped,” says Don.

The RVH Regional Renal Program has almost tripled in size over the last six years, currently providing hemodialysis treatment to 189 patients from across the region. Until now, RVH dialysis patients’ only option was to receive in-centre treatment — averaging four hours, three times a week — onsite at the hospital campus or at one of its two satellite units.

“For the RVH Regional Renal Program, care closer to home is something that we strive to achieve for our patient population. Whether it is receiving hemodialysis in-centre or in a patient’s own home, we are passionate about providing our patients with their treatment modality of choice, in a location of their choosing,” says Sharon Sheard, Regional Renal Manager. “This is a very exciting time for our program and our patients.”

The post RVH Launches Home Hemodialysis Program appeared first on Muskoka411.