Tag Archives: Almonte General Hospital

MRHA welcomes James Hildebrand as new VP of Capital Development and Support Services

James Hildebrand
James Hildebrand. Photo credit: Submitted.
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The Mississippi River Health Alliance (“MRHA”) is pleased to announce the appointment of James Hildebrand as Vice President of Capital Development and Support Services. Hildebrand, a seasoned leader with 30 years of expertise in healthcare capital planning, facilities management, and support services, succeeds Randy Shaw, who retires following a distinguished career marked by transformative contributions to healthcare across the region. 

Hildebrand’s career spans both national and international leadership in complex healthcare projects. His expertise includes major hospital redevelopment, sustainability initiatives, and optimizing support services—all aligning with MRHA’s commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and advancing community health.

“James’ extensive experience and leadership in healthcare development make him an invaluable addition to MRHA as we expand our facilities and services,” said Brad Harrington, MRHA President and CEO. “His commitment to patient-centered care and collaborative approach are a perfect fit with our organization’s mission and values.”

Prior to joining MRHA, Hildebrand served as Director of Redevelopment, Facilities, and Support Services at Quinte Health, where he led the creation of the innovative 100,000-square-foot Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital—the first North American hospital constructed entirely from mass timber, utilizing a hybrid geothermal and solar power system. His other achievements include leading major capital projects at the University of Ottawa and Cambridge Memorial Hospital, as well as a $1.2 billion healthcare expansion at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar.

“I am honoured to join the Mississippi River Health Alliance and to work alongside talented teams to enhance facilities and services that make a real difference in our patients’ lives,” said Hildebrand. “My goal is to build on MRHA’s strong foundation and advance projects that support sustainable growth and high-quality care for our communities.”

In his role with MRHA, Hildebrand will oversee capital development and support services, guiding critical infrastructure projects that enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient experiences across Almonte General Hospital, Carleton Place District Memorial Hospital, Fairview Manor, and Lanark County Paramedic Service.


In welcoming James Hildebrand, MRHA also celebrates the remarkable career of Randy Shaw, whose nearly 25 years of dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on healthcare in the region. Randy’s tenure is distinguished by his pivotal role in uniting Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Fairview Manor (FVM) into a single healthcare campus—a transformation that preserved FVM and expanded essential services for the community. He also led the redevelopment of the Carleton Place Emergency Department and fostered partnerships that broadened access to vital healthcare resources. Known for his collaborative spirit and commitment to patient-centered care, Randy has been instrumental in strengthening MRHA’s healthcare services. MRHA and the entire community extend heartfelt gratitude to Randy for his exceptional service and dedication, and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement and future endeavors.

President & CEO of Mississippi River Health Alliance announces plan to step down in 2024

Mary Wilson Trider.
Mary Wilson Trider. Photo credit: Submitted.

Mary Wilson Trider, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mississippi River Health Alliance, has shared with the Allied Boards of Directors her intention to step down in the Spring of 2024. The recruitment process for a new President and CEO is underway.

“First and foremost, thank you to Mary for her stellar leadership over 13 years with the Almonte General Hospital, Fairview Manor and Lanark County Paramedic Service, and more than 7 years with the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital,” notes Allied Boards Chair Lyman Gardiner.  “Mary’s accomplishments over the years are numerous.  Her leadership has supported and guided the creation and development of the Mississippi River Health Alliance, which provides patients, residents, and families with the very best health care close to home. We are grateful for her dedication to the organizations, and to those we serve.”

The Board has retained the services of Jon Stungevicius of Waterhouse Executive Search and will commence a comprehensive national search for our next President and CEO to build on Mary’s legacy and lead the MRHA in the next phase of our journey.

“Over the next several months, Mary will continue to lead the organizations and support key initiatives underway such as the new CT Scanner in Almonte and the redevelopment of the Emergency Department in Carleton Place,” adds Mr. Gardiner.

Article Submitted.

Annual Lake 88 Radiothon for Local Healthcare Raises $122,475

Lake 88 Radiothon
Lake 88's Jamie Cybulski, Adam Weekes, Brian Perkin and Bob Perreault. Photo credit: Submitted.

The Annual Lake 88 Radiothon for local health care has raised $122,475 for local hospitals and community health care centres. And we can’t thank you enough. 

Lake 88 Radiothon Founder Brian Perkin said once again, the community stepped up. “It’s been an incredible rush to see so many people supporting the local hospitals and community health centres. It’s just incredible the support that comes in and of course, all those donations are greatly needed.” 

The radiothon ran for 12 hours from 6am until 6pm on October 12th and saw Lake 88 hosts joined by physicians, nurses, patients, family of past patients, valued volunteers and healthcare administrators, all working together to increase the awareness of local health care programs and raise the money need to fund them and hospital equipment and supplies. 

Lake 88’s Grant Deme and Adam Weekes. Photo credit: Submitted.

The station once again partnered with the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation, the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation, as well as Country Roads Community Health Centre, ConnectWell Community Health and Rideau Community Health Services.   

This is the fifth time the major healthcare fundraiser has been held by Lake 88 (now a division of ‘My Broadcasting Corporation’), and Lake 88 operations Manager Bob Perreault said our listening area lived up to its reputation. “This is what we see in Lanark County, the hospitals and community health centres put out a call and residents, businesses, service clubs, they all answer it. It makes it possible for our healthcare providers to deliver the world-class healthcare we need.” 

The Lake 88 Radiothon for Local Healthcare has now raised just over $600,000 for local health care in its five-year run. Planning for the sixth annual Radiothon will begin shortly.

Article submitted

Vendor chosen for CT Scanner Project at Almonte General Hospital

The GE HealthCare Revolution Ascend CT Scanner
The GE HealthCare Revolution Ascend CT Scanner. Photo credit: Submitted.

Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, GE HealthCare Canada has been chosen to provide the new CT Scanner at Almonte General Hospital. The first patients will be welcomed by late spring or early summer next year.


“GE HealthCare has an excellent reputation and extensive experience in the healthcare field,” noted Mary Wilson Trider, President & CEO.  “They are providing a turnkey solution including design work and renovations as well as supplying and installing the equipment.”

The Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation is fully funding the project with its commitment of $3.2 million and has already raised $1.8 million. Generous donors have committed an additional $700,000 in pledges and the Foundation’s Cabinet, under the leadership of Seth Richards, is working with the community to raise the final $700,000. “We are grateful,” said Rob Scott, Chair of the AGH FVM Foundation. “Many years ago, Hospital leadership identified CT scan as the most important piece of diagnostic equipment needed to continue to provide the best quality care here at AGH. This community, through its generous support of our Foundation, made it happen.  The health of hundreds of our residents will be impacted by this new CT starting next spring and for many years to come – and that’s something we can all be proud of.”

Computerized tomography (CT) scans use x-rays and computers to create cross-sectional, 3D images of the body. The pictures show detailed, thin ‘slices’ of the body, providing faster and more accurate diagnosis. Once operational, the CT Scanner will be an important diagnostic tool close to home and will support reduced wait times across the region.

Detailed drawings are now being finalized for the building permit application and final Ministry of Health review. Minor renovations to relocate the Ultrasound Room at AGH will pave the way for construction to begin. Additional technologists will support the new equipment. 

Article submitted.

Paramedic service review

Lanark County Paramedics
Lanark County Paramedics Gord Cobus and Bryan Pollock. Photo credit: Submitted.

County Council received an update and overview of the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) from Mary Wilson Trider, President and CEO of Almonte General Hospital and Carleton Place District Memorial Hospital. The service is operated by Almonte General Hospital on behalf of the County. County council approves the annual budget, collective bargaining mandate, response time plan and service enhancements.

Wilson Trider outlined the number of vehicles, mileage and replacement intervals, as well as crew complements and equipment found in the vehicles. Total patient carrying calls were 15,914, with the highest volume from the Perth base at 5,029. She said the service is currently staffed by a chief, deputy chief, commander, four superintendents, two administrative support staff, 51 full-time paramedics and 53 part-time paramedics. “Paramedics perform more delegated medical acts than any other health-care professionals, other than a physician,” she said.

Wilson Trider highlighted the community para-medicine program, which is “an evolving a flexible health-care model that allows paramedics to operate in expanded rolls outside of traditional 911 response.” Community paramedics focus on connecting patients to primary care, completing post-hospital follow-up care, integrating with public health and home health agencies. In 2022, 371 new patients were enrolled and 3,553 visits completed. The program currently has short-term provincial funding.

Council also learned the results of a successful ambulance service review, which is conducted every three years to ensure a service is meeting or exceeding Ministry of Health requirements. “It requires a score of 90 per cent to be successful,” Wilson Trider said, noting LCPS scored 99.19 per cent.

Article by Brian Turner

An open letter to the community from your healthcare workers

Dear friends and neighbours across Lanark, Leeds and Grenville,

Our communities are facing a very concerning increase of COVID-19 cases. The Omicron variant is here, and it is increasing the pressures on our already fragile health system.

Every person carrying the Omicron variant is infecting more than four other people. By comparison, anyone with the Delta variant currently infects only one other person. We are also seeing increasing volumes of other sick and injured people in our hospitals.

As your local doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, we need your help. We cannot safely navigate the weeks ahead without you.

Please follow these important safety precautions:

  • Get vaccinated, including a third dose. A third dose improves efficacy of the vaccine, meaning if you do contract COVID-19, your symptoms will be milder. This is better for you and our health system. Visit https://healthunit.org/health-information/covid-19/protection/vaccine-clinics/ for clinic information.
  • Keep a safe distance when with others from outside your household.
  • Wear a mask indoors when near those from outside your household.
  • Wash your hands well and often. This reduces transmission of all viruses and germs.
  • Please limit social gatherings or keep them small. This is a hard message to share. We all want to celebrate the holidays with our friends and loved ones. But we cannot let our guard down; we must all work together to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.
  • Screen for symptoms of COVID-19 daily.
  • Stay home, isolate, and get tested if you have any symptoms, even mild symptoms.
  • If you are a close-contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case but have not yet been contacted by public health, please self-isolate and get tested.

Please help to ensure that our community can continue to seek emergency and time-sensitive care.

We are committed to doing our part, by keeping our hospitals safe through adherence to strict infection control and cleaning practices and ensuring we follow the important public health guidelines – such as getting vaccinated.

We’ve done this before, and we can do it again. We’re grateful to those in our communities who have been vaccinated and continue to follow these important safety guidelines.

Please stay strong. We need your help to relieve the pressure on our health care system so we can continue to treat those who need help over the winter season.

Signed, your health care teams at,
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
Almonte General Hospital
Brockville General Hospital
Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital
Kemptville District Hospital
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital

Proof of vaccination required for visitors

Proof of vaccination

Beginning October 7th, visitors to Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) will need to be fully vaccinated.  AGH and CPDMH are aligning with other hospitals in the Champlain region to introduce the mandatory vaccination policy.

“Visits from family and caregivers contribute greatly to a patient’s quality of life and well-being and we need to take every precaution to keep our patients, staff, and community safe,” notes President & CEO Mary Wilson Trider. “This new policy aligns with the provincial vaccination directions for healthcare and other organizations.”

Visitors who are not fully vaccinated (having received 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior) will not be permitted to enter the hospitals unless they qualify under a limited number of exceptions. Full details can be found on the hospital websites at www.agh-fvm.com/visitors and www.cpdmh.ca/visitors.  Regardless of vaccination status, no patient will be denied care or service. 

Other visitor guidelines, such as a maximum of designated visitors for each patient, restricted visiting hours, screening at entry, mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing continue. We will continue to assess the situation and adjust our visitor policy accordingly. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

For the latest updates about COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, please visit the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit website at www.healthunit.org.  For the latest updates on what we are doing to keep patients safe, please visit our websites at www.almontegeneral.com/coronavirus and www.cpdmh.ca/coronavirus.  Those who need proof of their vaccination status can download a receipt at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/.

Article submitted

Radiothon aims to fund healthcare equipment need

Lake 88.1 Radiothon
Photo submitted.

Thursday, October 14, 2021

‘Supporting our frontline workers by giving them the tools they need’

Local healthcare officials, doctors, nurses, patients and volunteers will take to the airwaves of Lake 88.1 Radio on Thursday, October 14th for a live 12-hour fundraising ‘Radiothon’ in support of our local hospitals and community health centres.  

The station is once again partnering with the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation, the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Foundation, the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation, as well as Country Roads Community Health Centre, ConnectWell Community Health and Rideau Community Health Service. 

The event will be the third major healthcare Radiothon for Lake 88, which is now a division of ‘My Broadcasting Corporation’ after owners Brian Perkin and his wife Jennifer sold the station earlier this year.  Perkin, who continues as General Manager, says a full day of interviews and information segments has been planned to increase the awareness of local health care facilities and to highlight specific equipment needs that require funding.

Perkin says, “As we prepare for this year’s event, we need to remind everyone that our local hospitals must raise funds on an on-going basis to pay for their equipment. Even though our governments have spent significant dollars on COVID-19 care, it’s still necessary for our hospitals to fundraise so they can buy the equipment they need to provide quality healthcare.” 

Perkin states that one of the little known facts about healthcare funding is that each hospital in Ontario is funded by a general budget that pays for heat, hydro, maintenance and the salaries of nursing and support staff.  He adds, “That budget does not cover the purchase of medical equipment to provide patient care.  Items like medication pumps, surgical equipment and vital signs monitors are all purchased from funds donated by members of the community – not through provincial dollars.”

The list of equipment needs this year is a long one.  The Urology Department at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital requires new surgical equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the kidney and bladder at a cost of over $225,000.  

The Almonte General Hospital & Fairview Manor Foundation needs a ‘Point of Care’ I-STAT analyzer to give Physicians immediate results to blood work and fundraising continues for AGH’s new CT Scan unit.

The Carleton Place District Memorial Hospital requires more than 100 pieces of patient care equipment, totaling approximately 2 million dollars, for use throughout the hospital including the new Emergency Department building.  

And support is needed for program and services provided by Country Roads Community Health Centre in Portland and Westport, ConnectWell Community Health in Lanark and Carleton Place, and Rideau Community Health Services in Smiths Falls and Merrickville. 

On Radiothon day, the on-air hosts will share stories from some incredible patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed and saved thanks to the generosity of local donors. The excitement of Radiothon day will also be shared online at lake88.ca.  From 6am to 6pm, the phones will be manned by foundation staff and volunteers who will take donations from listeners wishing to support any or all of the local hospital foundations and community health centres. 

As Dr. Peter Roney, former Chief of Staff at PSFDH says, “Anyone who lives in this region of Eastern Ontario will have a very high likelihood of personally benefiting from the equipment funded through local donations.  Most of us will make use of our local hospitals at some point in their lives.  So when you make a donation, you are making a donation to yourself and your family.”

Article submitted

Marc Giles and local hospitals big winners after Win2021 lottery

Marc Giles
April Bean, Al Roberts, Leslie Giles(In car), Marc Giles, Keith Bean and Robyn Arseneau. Photo submitted.

Marc Giles of Carleton Place is the grand-prize winner of the Win2021 Hospital Lottery. Giles’ winning ticket number 105254 was announced July 8th at 7 p.m. by Keith & April Bean of Bean Chevrolet. The Beans are the presenting sponsors of Win2021 and provided the 2021 Chevy Blazer. Approximately $145,000 will be split by the Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation and the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital Foundation.

When contacted about his win Giles said, “My Dad said we should get tickets because he likes supporting the local hospitals.” Giles also went onto also say they’d hope to win too because, as he told Keith Bean, he’s long admired the Blazer RS.

Following the draw Keith Bean commented, “So exciting to have another draw behind us. Congratulations again to Marc and his father, Leslie. Raising money for the hospital is something that all of our employee’s really get behind. The success of this draw brings such a shot of positive energy to every member of our team and all of our amazing customers. Thank you to each and every individual who reached into their own budget and spent $35 or $100 or more for such a great cause. It’s so awesome to have two great hospitals in our community, and, with success like this it shows our community is firmly behind the men and women at our hospitals who do such significant work every day!”

“These funds will allow each hospital to purchase new or replacement equipment,” said Mary Wilson Trider, President & CEO of Almonte General Hospital and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital. “We count on our communities to help us provide safe, high quality patient care by putting the best tools in the hands of our physicians and staff. Thankfully, people are recognizing this through buying lottery and catch the ace tickets, making donations, and planning special gifts to our foundations. We’re very appreciative of all this support. We can’t thank Keith, April and Bean Chevrolet, the Beckwith Butcher and media partners, CTV Ottawa, TSN and Pure Country, enough for making this lottery possible.”

As well as the grand prize winner, Keith Nephin won the first early-bird prize of $2021 on May 4 with ticket number 107258. The second early-bird prize, a Traeger BBQ package donated by the Beckwith Butcher, was won by Wayne Langille on June 18, holder of ticket number 112543. Genevieve White-Brown drove away with the final early-bird prize, a 2021 Chevy Spark. White-Brown’s winning number was 103076.

“Both hospital foundations greatly appreciate all of the community support which has made the success of the Win2021 Hospital Lottery possible,” said Robyn Arseneau, Executive Director, Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital Foundation.

“From our donor partners and event sponsors to ticket purchasers, this success would not have been possible without each of you!” added Al Roberts, Managing Director, Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation.

With the conclusion of the third car lottery, the total of funds raised through this joint fundraiser presented by Beans is approximately $430,000.

The Win2021 Hospital Lottery was licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (License Number #RAF1204604).

Article submitted

Ottawa Valley Family Medicine Obstetrics Program launches new website

FMOB team
The FMOB team includes (l-r) Dr. Ursula McGarry, Dr. Amy Toderian, and Dr. Julie Stewardson. Missing: Dr. Nathalie Slaney. Photo submitted.

Women in Lanark County, the Ottawa Valley and west Ottawa now have a new resource to support their low-risk pregnancy care. The Ottawa Valley Family Medicine Obstetrics team (FMOB) has launched a new website – – www.ottawavalleyfmob.ca – which provides a complete overview of the program, as well as a variety of resources for families.

“We wanted to create a website that provided reliable and accurate information to women in our community,” explains Dr. Julie Stewardson. “We also wanted to increase awareness of care options for pregnant women in our region and provide them the information they needed to advocate for their care.”

Members of the FMOB team have privileges at Almonte General Hospital. Patients benefit from a family medicine philosophy focused on whole person care, including access to a social worker and dietitian.

The team includes Dr. Julie Stewardson, Dr. Ursula McGarry, Dr. Amy Toderian, and Administrative Assistant Sandy Guppy. The group is being supported by Dr. Nathalie Slaney for four months, from January to the end of April 2021.  These family physicians have specialty training in family medicine as well as obstetrics. Together, they have 48 years of cumulative experience delivering babies. The team is also skilled in newborn care and provide care for Moms and newborns at delivery and in the first days of life.

Almonte General Hospital is the only rural hospital in this region providing a full range of low-risk obstetrical services, including 24/7 coverage by an obstetrician and pain management services.  Our multidisciplinary team includes Obstetrician/Gynecologists, Family Physicians, Midwives, specially- trained Nurses and Anesthetists.  The unit has five private postpartum rooms with their own washroom and shower, two labour and delivery rooms, showers, and an operating room for cesarean sections. Our Diagnostic Imaging team offers a full range of advanced ultrasound services and patients can book ultrasound appointments by calling 613-256-2514 ext. 2114. For details, please visit our website at www.agh-fvm.com.

Article submitted