Funding Commitment from Ontario Government
Chris Hodgson, M.P.P., Victoria-Haliburton-Brock was on hand to officially  announce the Ontario Government's funding commitment in the amount of $29,502,436 for Ross Memorial's expansion project. "Our government recognizes the importance of the Ross Memorial expansion in our community," said Chris Hodgson, "and this commitment ensures that we have the health care we need for our growing and aging population."

"This is great news for Ross Memorial Hospital," says Brenda DeKoker, Chair, Ross Memorial Hospital Board of Governors. "This $29.5 million from the Province is a key component of the funding of this project. The expanded Ross Memorial will enable the Hospital to better accommodate the growing health care needs of the residents of this region, with increased services being provided in a larger and much-improved facility."

"We very much appreciate this significant contribution from the Province of Ontario," says Anthony Vines, President/CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital. "The support of the Government, the City of Kawartha Lakes, our community and the Hospital Auxiliary, together with the contributions both financially and toward the planning of these new facilities by our staff and physicians has been of paramount importance to the success of our endeavours. We are most grateful that so many are so committed to turning our plans into reality."

Guest Speaker: Dr. Robert Watson
"Changes and Challenges", a historical look at Ross Memorial, was presented by Dr. Robert Watson, who has been a physician/general surgeon at the Hospital for more than 42 years. On many occasions, it has been said that Dr. Watson in the embodiment of the spirit of the Ross and at times, has been referred to as "Mr. Ross, himself."

Dr. Robert Watson came to Ross Memorial in the summer of 1952 as an intern. "In that year, I had a sense of pride for my achievements and accomplishments, love for my associates and friends, and apprehension for the future. I also knew that Ross Memorial was a remarkable place and I wanted to come back."

He completed his training at the University of Toronto and returned to Lindsay and the Ross in 1960, at the time when a new addition to the Hospital was being completed. This addition included a new emergency department, operating rooms and recovery.

Dr. Watson spoke about the introduction of universal pre-paid health care in 1956 and the influence of diseases on the world population. He remembered Ross Memorial as a teaching hospital, with its nursing school being one of the best in the province, and talked highly of Ethel Reid, who was the third nursing superintendent at the Ross, and who bought fruit and made preserves for the Hospital's kitchen. Dr. Watson talked of how the war affected the Ross, changes in radiology, diagnostic imaging and orthopaedic surgery. He also noted that general surgeons did most everything including urology, gynaecology, trauma and orthopaedics.

Looking at the present and into the future, Dr. Watson spoke of how Ross Memorial is moving towards regionalization, working closely with other hospitals in our region. He also mentioned the importance of maintaining Canada's health care system and the universal pre-paid health care that was introduced so many years ago. He believes in continuing research to fight against disease and that, in the wake of September 11, 2001, health care needs to prepare for potential crisis.

Trustees: Parting, Re-Elected, New
At the Annual General Meeting, appreciation and thanks were extended to parting Board members, Gord Evans, Bill Morris, Rick Denyer and Helen Boston for their dedication and commitment to the Ross.

Officials welcomed Valmay Barkey, Al Goard and Marg Fevang as they were re-elected to the Ross Memorial Hospital Board of Governors for a further term of two years.

Three new trustees including Margot Fawcett (newly elected Auxiliary President), James Johnstone (Oakwood) and Ed Robertson (Bobcaygeon) were also welcomed to the Board.

Helen Marjorie Joblin Memorial Scholarship Award Presentations
Congratulations to Della Hare and Angela Wilson who both received a Helen Marjorie Joblin Memorial Scholarship Award yesterday, at the Hospital's Annual General Meeting. This $1,000 scholarship award is available to qualified Hospital employee who must provide evidence to the Scholarship Committee that confirms their acceptance by a university or college in Ontario to undertake full time studies in either a diploma nursing program leading to the designation of a Registered Nurse, or a program leading to a nursing degree.

Della Hare came to Ross Memorial in May 1985 as a Non-Registered Nursing Assistant on the surgical floor. In June 1985, she transferred to the Continuing Care Unit as a Registered Nursing Assistant (now known as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)). In August 2000, Della became a temporary full-time RPN in the Continuing Care Unit. She has just completed her second year in the Registered Nursing Program at Fleming College in Peterborough.

Angela Wilson came to Ross Memorial in November 2000 as a temporary part-time Nursing Clerk in Nursing Administration. In February 2001, she transferred into a casual part-time RPN position on the surgical/paediatric unit. Angela is currently in her 3rd semester of the Registered Nursing Program at Centennial College.

Special Presentations to Retiring Auxiliary Co-Presidents, RMH Auxiliary
Special presentations were made to retiring Auxiliary Co-Presidents, Helen Boston and Linda Sheppard, who have enthusiastically offered their time, energy and talents to provide leadership and guidance to all of the volunteers at the Ross. Collectively, Helen and Linda have provided more than 23 years of service to the Auxiliary. "This is our opportunity to thank you both for your dedication to the Auxiliary and this Hospital," said Brenda DeKoker. "Each of you has previously held the position of President of the Auxiliary and you both stepped up to the challenge again, this time as Co-Presidents. This not only illustrates your commitment and your willingness to go above and beyond for what you believe in, but also your ability to work together as a team. You are role models for both the Auxiliary and for us at the Ross."