Letter

To Comment on this article Click Here

 Based on a recent Letter to the Editor, it appears that that there may be some misunderstandings in the community about the relationship between the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Hospital and how donated funds are used. I would like to clarify this and also how the Ministry of Health funds some aspects of hospitals.

 The Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation exists as an independent charity for the sole purpose of raising funds for the healthcare activities at Southampton Hospital site to the benefit of the residents of Saugeen Shores and area. We are managed by a community-based volunteer board, supported by our professional staff member. The Foundation is charged with the responsibility of raising money required for purchase of medical equipment and some infrastructure improvements to the hospital which allow it to better serve the public, since the Province rarely funds these items.  

Grey Bruce Health Services owns and operates the Saugeen Memorial Hospital along with those in Owen Sound, Meaford, Wiarton, Lion’s Head and Markdale.  Based on a “wish list” from our hospital staff and physicians, GBHS grants approval for those items that may be purchased for the hospital and then carries out the actual procurement.  SMHF pays for this equipment from our donated funds. 

GBHS approval is required because increased operational costs may occur as a result of the new equipment and this impacts on their budget, which in turn must be approved by the Ministry of Health. These operating costs are often not apparent to the public. Centralized procurement is also more efficient since standardization in equipment and better pricing through multiple purchases can be achieved.

SMHF accepts donations with and without restrictions from donors and we are committed to satisfying their wishes. Our bylaws state that donations must be directed to purchases strictly for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital unless the donors agree otherwise.  We also raise funds for equipment and services not housed in Southampton, but that are available and used regularly by Saugeen Shores residents. Only those donations specifically agreed to by the donor, such as those collected for the MRI and regional digital mammography campaign, may be used for equipment to be located in Owen Sound.

In regard to a major expansion to our hospital like the expansion of the emergency department, the SMHF is not in a decision making position.  These decisions are made by the Province. The hospital is proceeding with a smaller renovation over the next few months which will create a separate waiting area for emergency patients improving privacy in the department and expanding the laboratory. Our Foundation is supporting that important project.   

Also, along with residents of Saugeen Shores, we support the call for a new Emergency Department and are hopeful that permission will be given for a major expansion to our hospital to accommodate this facility in the not too distant future.  When these improvements are approved, SMHF will be ready to participate in the fundraising required to bring the facilities on line.  In the meantime, we will continue to raise funds to allow for the ongoing purchase of necessary equipment to keep our hospital up to date.

Mary Ann Weickert

Chair

Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation

^{for world news, books, sports, movies ...}

Friday, August 05, 2011