Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) is planning to build a new operating room (OR).
The NHH Foundation is celebrating a donor’s gift of more than $2.5 million, which will be used to construct and equip a fourth OR at the Cobourg hospital, which serves west Northumberland County residents.
The gift from the William B.G. Humphries’ Radlett Foundation of $2.538 million was directed towards the foundation’s Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care campaign. Having a fourth operating room is a priority project identified within that campaign.
“The development of a fourth OR aligns with NHH’s strategic plan’s first priority — bringing care close to home,” said Susan Walsh, NHH president and CEO, in a media release.
“The addition of a fourth OR is not only an expansion of services, but also positions us to continue growing in tandem with the community of west Northumberland County. We are grateful for support from donors like Mr. Humphries, whose generosity helps to support the development and vitality of NHH.”
William (Bill) Humphries, who passed away in 2020, supported many charities over the years. He anonymously made contributions, and he was known more behind the scenes as “a man of his word, whose quiet generosity would positively impact the lives of many,” the NHH Foundation noted.
Upon his passing, Humphries named three trustees to oversee the Radlett Foundation, a foundation Humphries established to continue his charitable endeavours. The trustees co-ordinated this recent donation to the hospital.
“Bill was a discreet gentleman,” said trustee Don McQuigge.
“When we were discussing the possibility of a gift to support a new operating room at NHH, we asked ourselves, what would Bill do? We felt that the benefits this gift could have on the lives of so many people, from a variety backgrounds, was something he would stand behind. We are pleased to be able to direct and co-ordinate this gift and to be able to celebrate his legacy in this way.”
The foundation said the construction of the new OR will begin this year.
“This gift is a huge step forward in our campaign and a true boost of confidence for our volunteer team as we continue to work towards our goal,” said Hank Vandermeer, chair of the Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care campaign.
“It has shown the magnitude of generosity that exists in our community. We are incredibly thankful.”
More than 20 years ago, the foundation embarked on a journey to build “a world-class facility” to serve the surrounding communities. NHH opened in 2003.
“Our community is not the same as it was in 2003,” the NHH Foundation noted.
“The demand for our hospital’s services is changing and growing as our population continues to increase and age. Now is the time for us to act, to prepare to meet our future head on by joining together to support our Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care campaign. With your help, we will raise $25 million to fund crucial redevelopment, essential new programs, and life-saving technology at NHH.”
Learn more about the Exceptional Community, Exceptional Care campaign at itstimenorthumberland.ca.
