FALL 2020 ISSUE
our community is our foundation.
Historic $2 million donation
earmarked for diagnostic imaging
When they moved to Gravenhurst as permanent residents, they weren’t sure they would find the same quality of health care as in the city.
A local couple from Gravenhurst has
The visits to the emergency department
made the largest single gift from a living
alleviated any doubts. Since then, the
donor in the history of the South Muskoka
Grays have found a local doctor and
Hospital Foundation (SMHF). The $2
dentist. “Along with the rest of the health
million gift, from Bary and Brenda Gray,
care team at the hospital,” says Bary, “we
is a game-changer for the diagnostic
really feel we couldn’t be in better hands.”
imaging department at South Muskoka
Why such a generous gift? “Quality
Memorial Hospital. In recognition of their
health care and a well-equipped hospital
extraordinary gift, the imaging department
are so important to a community,” says
will be renamed the Bary and Brenda Gray
Brenda. “We feel very fortunate to be in
Diagnostic Imaging Department.
the position to show our gratitude in this
This generous donation will be used to
way.”
purchase new ultrasound and radiology equipment
including
a
new
SMHF Executive Director Colin Miller
digital
says, “Many people don’t realize how
radiology (x-ray) unit and new ultrasound
important donors are to the range of
units, as well as upgrades to the rooms. The current x-ray unit is partially digital but also uses cassettes that require additional processing to digitize the images. The new units will allow an image to be taken
“Quality health care and a wellequipped hospital are so important to a community. We feel very fortunate to be in the position to show our gratitude in this way.”
services a community hospital can offer,” he explains. “The Grays’ generosity will benefit the South Muskoka community for many years to come.”
and within seconds, the technologist will know if it is acceptable. The new units are remarkably ergonomic, meaning less fatigue for its operators. And most importantly, the image quality will be much better, ensuring faster and more accurate diagnosis.
our hospital
during a shift change,” recalls Brenda, “yet Bary received
In March, when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, Ontarians wondered if the crisis that had overwhelmed health care systems of countries overseas would be experienced here at home. Fears of the unknown rose as the first Canadian coronavirus cases were announced.
prompt and caring attention from good-natured staff.”
What was happening inside our hospital at that time?
The generosity of the Grays’ gift came after two visits to the emergency department when Bary suffered an urgent health issue. The couple was overwhelmed by the excellence of the care and attention Bary received. “Both times we arrived
The Grays have enjoyed many years in Muskoka. Initially, they vacationed in Gravenhurst, golfing and staying at a local resort. They decided to build their retirement home in 1999, but used it as a casual residence for 10 years until Bary was ready to retire in 2019.
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