The West Haldimand General might be a small-town hospital, but it does big things for its community.

For starters, the West Haldimand General Hospital has been finding answers to its community health problems for nearly 60 years. Opening in 1964, the local hospital provided and continues to provide urgent care and health care services. Presently, it provides these services to more than 25,000 people. Residents who live in Hagersville, Caledonia, Jarvis, Townsend, Cayuga, Fisherville, Selkirk, Nanticoke, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, all depend on West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH).

During the last four years alone, nearly 67,000 people required and used the WHGH Emergency Department (ED). The ED, which is open 24 hours, seven days a week, helps patients ranging from injuries, infections, or other serious conditions like heart-attacks, life-threatening injuries, and COVID-19.

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the hospital provided care to nearly 1500 patients who required day surgeries in 2019-2020. The hospital also performed over 10,000 x-rays, over 3100 ultrasounds, and roughly 60,000 lab tests last year. More than 3100 people used the hospital day clinics in 2020.

On March 16th, 2020, within 48 hours of the ask, WHGH opened Haldimand County's first COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The hospital hired additional staff to ensure the public would receive the highest care possible. Almost 3600 COVID-19 tests were processed between March 1st and July 31st, 2020. Currently. the assessment center sees on average between 70 to 80 people a day.

Most recently, the hospital's Mammography Unit received accreditation by the Canadian Association of Radiologists for meeting Cancer Care Ontario standards that confirm its delivery of high-quality mammography services to patients. WHGH provides patients with over 1,000 mammograms every year, thanks to the generosity of donor support.

For these very reasons, having a small-town hospital like the West Haldimand General is not just vital to its community, it is essential.  

Shortly after COVID-19 reached Canada, the community quickly realized that not all heroes wear capes, some heroes wear scrubs. People expressed love for WHGH's entire staff for braving the outbreak to help others. People across Haldimand and beyond let the hospital workers know how much they're appreciated as they continue to battle against COVID-19.

The public wrote cards to medical professionals, others placed signs of praise and encouragement on their homes. Others supported the hospital with financial support and delivered food for the workers, which was greatly appreciated. As one patient put it "I'll never take for granted my small-town hospital ever again."

The community appreciated that the staff at WHGH risked their lives while they worked through uncertainty. The health care workers remained on the job at great risk to themselves and their families. The staff held the hands of the dying when their loved ones couldn't be there. WHGH staff have worked tireless hours and have not stopped since the start of the pandemic. They do this because they understand how important it is that the communities they serve receive world-class care.

The Ontario government may fund the hospital’s operations annually, but at the heart of the hospital's foundation is the community it serves. To raise funds for equipment upgrades each year, the West Haldimand Hospital and Healthcare Foundation seek donations from the community to help purchase much needed medical equipment, from blanket warmers to an ultrasound machine, used in the hospital. The community has shown time and time again that they want to support their hospital. It takes a community to support a hospital, and they continue to do so year after year.

It's important to note that every dollar the community donates will help ensure that physicians and staff at West Haldimand General Hospital have the tools and equipment they need to provide every patient with exceptional care. While West Haldimand General recognizes that the community needs and relies on their local hospital for help, WHGH also recognizes that they need the community’s support as well.   

The hospital’s main mission is to ensure access to quality health care for everyone who enters our doors. Under the new leadership of President and CEO Lucy Bonnano, West Haldimand General is currently investigating potential development plans to ensure that patients will continue access to high-quality care for the years to come. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging on, donations to the hospital have never been more important. With your continued support, we can continue to provide exceptional care close to home. For more information or to donate, please visit www.whgh.ca or contact foundation@whgh.ca