Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital & Auxiliary Celebrate Centennial

(Strathroy, ON) – Have you noticed the banner hanging on the tower at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital?  SMGH and SMGH Auxiliary are celebrating their 100th anniversary on June 16, 2014, in honour of this historic milestone.

“Come and celebrate with us! Experience the unforgettable as you join in the celebrations of our centennial.  We are ready and excited to invite everyone to join us for this historic day of special programs and activities,” said P. Long CFO and Chair – 100th Anniversary Committee.

Preparations at SMGH have been underway by a dedicated group of staff, auxilians and volunteers for months for the 100th Anniversary of Centennial Celebration.  The hospital history has been mapped on a time line and the auxiliary has compiled a history book.   The Strathroy Cruisers will display their vehicles through the ages and we are also excited to have vintage ambulances and fire trucks on display as well.  Grade 5 students in the area have submitted posters depicting – ‘What does the Hospital mean to you?’ or ‘What do you think the Hospital looked like when your parents were born?’  Every department and service at the hospital has completed displays for the front lobby outlining the delivery of services past, present and future.

The official opening is scheduled to begin at 12 noon.  Highlights will include the opening of a letter and reading the message written in 1962 by Mayor Ralph Westgate, which was found in the time capsule buried when the new hospital building opened.

The SMGH Auxiliary will also be hosting their Annual Strawberry Social on the front lawn of the hospital.  Auxilians will be dressed in period costume, recreating the event from days gone by.  There are four seatings for the Social; 1:30, 2:15, 3:00 and 3:45 pm.  Advanced tickets are available from the SMGH Java Hut, Gift Shop, Foundation office or any Auxiliary member.  Tickets will also be available at the door.

“Like the Hospital, the SMGH Auxiliary has been serving the community for 100 years.  We are very excited to partner with the Hospital for this centennial celebration and invite everyone to join us for our annual Strawberry Social on the front lawn of the Hospital,” said Auxiliary President Pam Hillis.  “We also have a cookbook of our favourite recipes for sale as well as a book of the Auxiliary history to give away.”

“This Centennial celebration is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our staff, physicians, volunteers and the community to acknowledge the existence of the hospital and the services we have provided to our patients for the past 100 years,” says Todd Stepanuik, President & CEO. “One hundred years is a long time.  We have survived two World Wars, an economic recession and the computer age.   On behalf of the staff, physicians, auxiliary and volunteers   we thank you for placing your trust in us and for the privilege of caring for you and your loved ones. We look forward to providing the highest level of health care to our community for the next 100 years.”

Ken Williams, MHA Board Chair added, “The hospital is a vital part of our community.  Our heritage is one of great dedication, compassion and service to all individuals in our community and each of the communities in which we serve.  We at MHA thank you for your support and look forward to continuing to serve you for the next 100 years!“

Festivities will run until 5 pm.  Bring your entire family for food, games and activities!  Parking is free for the day.

About MHA:

The Middlesex Hospital Alliance (MHA) is comprised of two fully-accredited partner sites: Four Counties Health Services and Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital.

A progressive, team-oriented and technologically adept organization of excellence, the MHA is creating a more integrated and seamless approach to treatment by embracing and seeking out partnerships, through collaboration and investing in people. This coordinated approach helps to ensure that a high level of service is provided while reducing costs and continually enhancing quality.

Providing core acute primary and secondary hospital care, the MHA has also been recognized for establishing two notable Centres of Achievement (Orthopaedics and Diabetes Education Centre) that generate local and regional referrals.

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