It would be an understatement to say that the healthcare landscape in Ontario
is going through a transformation in fact a seismic shift is occurring. One
that focuses on putting patients at the center of their care, improving their
experience, and enabling more connected care and Markham Stouffville Hospital is
poised to lead the way in the face of the changes that lie ahead. This past
year 2018-19 has been an incredibly successful year for the hospital. We were
thrilled to launch our new strategic plan care beyond our walls, this plan
builds on the incredible growth and success that we have achieved to date
and positions us well to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Last spring Markham Stouffville Hospital joined four other hospitals to form the
reactivation care center a hub of specialized restorative care for
alternate level of care of patients. We also pioneered Canada's first alongside
midwifery unit offering women more choice for birthing with a midwife in a
relaxed comfortable and friendly environment and in late November the
hospital received the highest award possible from accreditation Canada,
exemplary standing, recognizing our high standards around quality safety and
efficiency. The hospital went live with a shared electronic health information
system with two other hospital partners. We continue to plan for the future of
the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital while investing in its maintenance so that
patients can continue to receive vital health care services in their local
community and we are excited to begin offering our patients same-day joint
surgery so that they can recover in the comfort of their
home. By all accounts 2018-19 has been a terrific year for our patients our,
community, and the hospital. Our success this year could not have been possible
without our biggest strength our people, our compassionate staff, our gifted
physicians, and our dedicated volunteers.
For approximately the last year and a half I've been suffering severe pain in
my right hip. The pain level scale one to ten, ten being extreme I
would place mine at eleven. It would limit me on physically what I could do,
but the hardest was really the mental because the pain was actually 24/7.
The pain that I was suffering previously was immediately gone. It has given me my
life back both mentally and physically and I'm
excited.
Generous community support is the reason that thousands of patients and families
can count on Markham Stouffville hospital for exceptional care close to home.
Last year the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation raised twelve point seven
million dollars to fund life-saving equipment, critical technology, and
strategic priorities that enable our hospitals growth and continued
innovation. 2018-19 was truly an extraordinary year and the community
support is an essential part of our success. Some highlights include a
dedicated team of Markham Stouffville Hospital physicians, clinicians, and
hospital supporters embarked on an adventure of a lifetime when they
summited Mount Everest base camp to benefit world-class surgical services at
Markham Stouffville hospital. We unveiled the Shakir Rehmatullal cancer clinic an
amazing milestone as our first external naming in honor of Shakir's monumental
donation inspired by the extraordinary care here. Thanks to donor funding one of
our MRI magnets was upgraded ensuring more patients can get MRIs when they
need them and with thanks to you 2,000 patients received bear-hugs through the
foundation's bare necessities Giving Program that raised funds to purchase
equipment that government funding doesn't cover. Whether a $50 teddy bear
that provides comfort to a patient or a 7-figure transformational gift every
dollar counts and has a real impact on Markham Stouffville hospital and the lives
of our patients at the heart of our community is generosity and for that we
are truly grateful thank you.