BGH announces new board leadership, top doctor and surplus operating budget at annual general meeting

Brockville, ON – June 28, 2021 – On June 24, Brockville General Hospital virtually hosted their annual general meeting. After a challenging year, the agenda included BGH’s many achievements, including a surplus operating budget, the opening of the Donald B. Green tower and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

But it was the professionalism, teamwork and compassion shown by staff, physicians and volunteers that was the heart of the meeting.

Guest speaker, Steve Clark, MPP Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, recognized the commitment and dedication of BGH’s staff, physicians and volunteers over the past year.

“This past year, BGH has consistently gone above and beyond to provide exceptional care to patients and families in our community,” said Clark. Clark also shared a message from Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, who recognized the importance of a Team Ontario approach to overcome the challenges hospitals faced through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Board members also recognised the many accomplishments achieved, including;

• Building on strong partnerships to host the local assessment and vaccination centre,
• The opening of the Donald B. Green Tower, an over $180 million expansion, in October 2020,
• The launch and ongoing implementation of the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Ontario Health Team,
• Accepted 50 patients from across Ontario, while navigating local needs during the third wave of COVID-19,
• Improved staff engagement and workplace culture, and,
• As one of the most efficient hospitals in Ontario, a surplus 2020-21 operating budget was presented. This included addressing operational funding and historic financial pressures, thanks to the support of MPP Clark, Premier Ford and the Ontario Government.   

Board of directors

The end of the 2020-21 financial year also marked the end of Jim Cooper’s tenure as Board Chair. Cooper assumed this role in August 2017, and was instrumental in leading BGH through its many recent financial and operational successes.

“I encourage every citizen in our community to keep doing their part,” said Cooper “Celebrate the successes of our friends and family at BGH, even beyond the pandemic. Consider participating in fundraisers and volunteer. This experience was one of the best of my life! If we all do a little a whole lot gets done, do your part for your community. BGH is our hospital, and we can all make a difference!” Cooper will continue to contribute to the board as a director.

For the 2021-22 year, Michael Adamcryck, past Vice Chair, steps into the role of Chair, and Sara Piracha assumes the role of Vice Chair. Other directors include, Tom Bingham; Jim Cooper; James Eastwood, Chair of the Governance Committee; Jeremy Hobbs; Denise Kall, Chair of the Quality and Risk Committee; Catherine Macdonald; Eleanor Newman; Dave Publow; Bob Snelgrove; and Brian Van Mierlo, Chair of the Resources Committee. Non-voting hospital staff include, Nick Vlacholias, President and CEO, Board Secretary; Dr. Andrew Hamilton, Chief of Staff and Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee; Julie Caffin, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive; Dr. Karim Somani, President of the Medical Staff Association; and Dr. Kristin Finkenzeller, Vice President of the Medical Staff Association.

Welcome Dr. Andrew Hamilton as Chief of Staff

Dr. Andrew Hamilton will join BGH on July 5, 2021 as the Chief of Staff, a member of the senior leadership team and will report to the board of directors. Hamilton will work closely with his medical peers, as Chair of BGH’s Medical Advisory Committee and in partnership with other regional medical leads.

Hamilton brings a vast experience in medical administration following 15 years as Chair of Cardiac Surgery at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, 11 years as Deputy Chief of Surgery at Queen’s University and five years with College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, most recently as Complaints Chair for Surgical Specialty panels.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are proud to welcome Dr. Hamilton as our Chief of Staff,” stated Adamcryck. “Dr. Hamilton brings a wealth of experience from both clinical practice as a cardiac surgeon and leadership as the Chair of Cardiac Surgery at Kingston Health Sciences Centre. We are excited to have Dr. Hamilton working with our Board of Directors and the medical professionals at BGH.”

“BGH’s many recent accomplishments, including the opening of the Donald B. Green Tower and return of financial stability, are signals of the incredible community support and strong hospital leadership,” shared Hamilton. “I am excited to be a part of the future advancements of the hospital and patient care for the Leeds Grenville community.”

Hamilton steps into the role after Dr. Michael Fuoco assumed the acting role in April 2020.

More information about BGH, including the 2020-21 annual report and audited financial statements, can be found at our Annual Reports page.

Contact

Abby McIntyre

Marketing and Communications Specialist
Brockville General Hospital
613-341-1202
AMcIntyre@brockvillegeneralhospital.ca