Plenty to celebrate at NHH AGM
By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Cobourg
Ending the fiscal year with a modest surplus – instead of the forecasted deficit – was one of several good-news stories to come out of last week's Northumberland Hills Hospital board of directors annual general meeting.
Michael McAllister, chair of the board's Finance and Audit Committee, credited “internal efficiencies achieved through meticulous performance improvement, disciplined cost management and operational optimization” for NHH coming through with a $0.8-million surplus.
Completing her first year as board chair, Cyndi Gilmer spoke to key areas of growth within NHH that will support future community needs.
“Expansion is already under way – construction of a fourth operating room, replacement of critical diagnostic-imaging equipment and infrastructure enhancements in Pharmacy and Medical Device Reprocessing,” Gilmer said.
“Combined, these near-term and longer-term projects will ensure we have a hospital in future that will continue to meet the needs of the residents we exist to serve.”
Dr. Mukesh Bhargava was honoured for his eight-year tenure as Chief of Staff, with Dr. Pavel (Paul) Ketov succeeding to the position.
Competing her three-year term as president of the NHH Auxiliary, Selena Forsyth was also celebrated – for that and for her 23 years with the auxiliary. Rick Riley, the current auxiliary vice-president will assume the role of president in July.
Gavin Ivory transitioned from chair to past chair of the NHH Foundation, distinguishing himself for his service in chairing the largest capital equipment campaign in the history of Northumberland County. Carrie Lowe was welcomed as the new foundation chair.
As Dr. Kate Everdell moves into the role of NHH's General Medical Staff Association president, Dr. Marcus Cunningham will now attend board meetings on GMSA's behalf as incoming vice-president.
Gilmer expressed thanks to the entire NHH community - “our dedicated staff, physicians and midwives who live our Shared Purpose “People First” every day. Thank you to the board directors and community members for their continued dedication and commitment to local hospital governance. Finally, I want to recognize the work of our amazing volunteer partners across the hospital – the NHH Foundation, the NHH Auxiliary, and the Patient Family Advisory Council, whose work is highlighted in our Annual Report.”
Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Walsh expressed her thanks as well.
“Our hospital has grown into an organization where individuals choose to begin their health-care journey and, in many instances, remain here for their entire careers. Every member of our hospital team, including volunteer partners, has shaped NHH into a place where clinical excellence, compassion and care exist cohesively.”
A key point Walsh touched on was the increasing need for primary care in the West Northumberland community, pointing out that the 2,475 individuals who showed up at the Emergency Department with no family physician in the last fiscal year represents a 21.9 percent increase year over year.
“I am grateful for the collaborative work and recruitment efforts being driven by NHH and area partners,” she said.
“I also want to salute those primary care providers who are carrying an exceptional workload. While not large enough to meet demand, we have a wonderful community of primary care providers, and we must do all in our power to recruit and retain to support this community's needs.”
A special honour went to Port Hope resident Liane Covert, who was received the 2025 Experience Partner Award for Exceptional Service – given in recognition of an individual Patient and Family Advisory Council partners who has demonstrated exemplary volunteer service and contribution to enhancing the care experience at NHH.
A PFAC member since 2022, Covert is trained as a Personal Support Worker and has experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Her interest in service on the PFAC was inspired by her desire to destigmatize myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness and addiction. With the PFAC, she advocates for patients seeking mental health and addiction services, while helping enhance supports and accessibility for residents in the community.
According to the nomination submitted by Manager of Community Mental Health Services Jason Halliday, Covert played an active role in organizing programming for Mental Health Awareness Week. She has also “been instrumental in helping to review our mental health policies and procedures [from the client/family lens] as well as updating program forms, sharing her voice to ensure that the language in the documents is client-centred and clearly presented. Liane is a hugely valuable member of our mental health team as a PFAC member.”
