(Newbury, ON) –Four Counties Health Services (FCHS) celebrated 50 years of service to the patients and community of the four counties area on June 9 and 10, 2017.
Over the course of the two day event, hospital departments proudly showcased their services to visitors taking part in hospital tours. As an integral part of the tour, the lobby prominently displayed a historical timeline of key FCHS milestones.
Friday events focused on honouring the rich history of the hospital. The FCHS Auxiliary organized a successful Strawberry Social, and the FCHS Staff Association organized a reunion for past and present physicians/staff/volunteers. Numerous vintage cars were on hand for visitors to view on the grounds of the hospital. The hospital also remembered Dr. Ross Gillman who served at FCHS for over 46 years. Dr. Gillman’s widow and sister were on hand to participate in a tree planting ceremony on the property in his memory.
Saturday events celebrated the community that FCHS proudly serves. Glencoe Lions hosted a delicious BBQ, visitors’ toured emergency vehicles on hand for the event, and McNaughton’s Home Hardware organized a fair to entertain the children. Voiceprints choir from Glencoe entertained with a performance filled with Canadian-themed music to honour our country’s sesquicentennial. As a special treat, an ORNGE helicopter landed in the afternoon to the delight of the crowd, offering participants a chance to see the inside of the helicopter. True to its nature, the helicopter had to leave the celebrations early, as its services were required to transport a FCHS patient to London.
Many hospital and elected officials were present to share formal words of recognition and congratulations to FCHS on reaching the 50-year milestone of providing patient care. Those participating included: Neil MacLean, Board Chair, Middlesex Hospital Alliance, Monte McNaughton, MPP Lambton—Kent—Middlesex, Bev Shipley MP Lambton–Kent–Middlesex, Diane Brewer Reeve of the Village of Newbury, and Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO, Middlesex Hospital Alliance. To commemorate this event, a cornerstone will be placed in the courtyard at FCHS. Inside the cornerstone, memorabilia from the hospital, FCHS 50th anniversary celebrations information, and collectibles commemorating our country’s sesquicentennial will all be placed in a memory box to be opened in 2067.
Neil MacLean, Board Chair, Middlesex Hospital Alliance
“FCHS has continued to evolve over the years and has partnered with many organizations to provide excellent care close to home. Our Board continues to support this vibrant organization which, over the years, has served to support the health of the rural communities across Middlesex, Elgin, Lambton and Kent counties. The hospital is a vital part of our community and we strive to meet our mission, “to provide the care we would expect for our own families”.
Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO, Middlesex Hospital Alliance
“I was delighted to see many of the FCHS family, both past and present, participating in the events. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who was instrumental in making this event a phenomenal success. There is a very high degree of pride and ownership for FCHS by both the community and our staff; it was humbling to experience such an outpouring of support. This celebration is indeed a defining and golden moment in the history of our organization, and we look forward to serving our community for the next 50 years and beyond!”