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Stevenson Memorial Hospital introduces Community Advisory Council

January 16, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) has announced it is introducing a new Community Advisory Council (CAC).

This will be a group of 12 community members who will work closely with SMH’s ministry-appointed supervisor, Eric Hanna.

Following recommendations contained in the recently completed investigation of the hospital, Hanna will collaborate with the new council to ensure a shared vision for the future that both supports the hospital and the needs of the community.

The council will cover topics such as strengthening governance to support collaboration, community engagement and communications plan, and insight into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the hospital. The council will provide advice to the supervisor surrounding the implementation of new collaboration efforts.

“The strength of the Council is derived from its diverse group of individuals who have volunteered to provide advice charting the future direction of SMH,” noted Hanna. “The Council has representation from the service area of SMH and is comprised of patients, healthcare professionals, new residents to the community and long-time residents all with a differing perspective, which helps to explore opportunities in an unbiased manner.”

Council members will support the supervisor by keeping community perspectives at the forefront along with key healthcare initiatives.

“As a lifelong resident, I felt it was imperative to join the CAC to ensure that the growing needs of our community are aligned with the future healthcare and redevelopment of SMH,” said Sylvia Biffis, CAC member. “Quality care and access to services is what our community deserves, and each consideration of improvement or change is paramount to the future success of SMH.”

John Nzioka, a CAC member said, “The New Tecumseth community is at a turning point in terms of population growth and business opportunities. I joined the CAC to lend my voice and experience in helping to transform SMH because I believe it’s important that the health services in our community can grow to meet current and future demands as well as reflect our changing population needs.”

Community Advisory Council members include:

• John Nzioka
• Kirsten Buligan
• Margaret Bachle 
• Richard Norcross
• Sylvia Biffis
• Kaitlyn Cosgrove
• David Sadleir
• John Pappain
• Jeffrey Verheyen
• Brian Snell
• Jocelyn Cox
• Bill Blendick

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