Canada's health care system was built on a shared responsibility model: the community supports the majority of the capital costs for new equipment, technology, building improvements and construction, and the government provides the day-to-day operating funds (i.e. staffing, supplies, maintenance, heat, hydro). Each year fifty per cent or more of the North Simcoe Hospital Alliance's capital budget for equipment, technology and building improvements is paid for by our generous community through donations and fundraising.

New equipment, technology, a warm and comfortable atmosphere, and well-maintained buildings enable our physicians and staff to provide the most up-to-date care and services to patients. Thanks to our community we have also been able to provide the community with new services since 1998 including CT Scanning, bone densitometry, and dialysis services.

Modern facilities and new technology are also a major part of attracting new physicians and health care professionals to our area.

More than 100 golfers and celebrities help meet the wishes of the late Sandra Schmirler, a Canadian and world curling champion, by supporting the first annual Sandra Schmirler Celebrity Invitational golf tournament held in July. The event is hosted by fellow curling champion Wayne Middaugh at the Midland Golf and Country Club and raises funds to support the North Simcoe Hospital Alliance's maternal/newborn services, a favourite cause of Schmirler.

Since 1998 gifts made to the Huronia Hospitals Foundation and our hospitals have been used in the following ways:

• $1.3 million for the CT Scan and renovations to the HDH diagnostic imaging department
• $100,000 to purchase the PGH bone densitometer
• $200,000 for equipment needed to start dialysis services in 2000
• $340,000 to renovate 2 North and 2 East patient wings at HDH
• $40,000 for new nursing stations at PGH
• $2 million for equipment and technology upgrades (new respirators, patient lift systems, vital signs monitors, computerization, rehab equipment, beds, stretchers, endoscopes and colonscopes etc.)

The Foundation and local hospitals are fortunate to have fundraising support from the volunteer groups at both hospitals. Since 1998 the HDH Volunteer Association has provided $160,000 to renovate the HDH front lobby and build a coffee bar, $50,000 for the new physiotherapy pool and $200,000 to upgrade ophthalmology surgical equipment. The PGH Auxiliary provides an annual donation to PGH to support equipment needs.

In total, more than $10 million in community support has been used to improve patient care since the early 1990's when both hospitals held capital campaigns that raised over $4 million.

Thank you for making a difference to the quality of patient care we provide.