HDGH Launches Imagine Campaign to Transform Campus with Exciting New Addition

Yesterday, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare officially launched the Imagine Campaign unveiling ambitious plans for a transformative new addition to the HDGH Prince Road campus that will enhance healthcare services for Windsor-Essex County residents.

The campaign launch took place in the afternoon of July 30th, within HDGH’s breathtaking Tregaskiss Family Healing Garden, bringing together healthcare leaders, community supporters, and campaign ambassadors to share the vision for the new Toldo Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre.

"This campaign was made possible thanks to an extraordinary act of generosity. We are thrilled to announce that the campaign was kick-started by a transformational gift of $1.5M by the Toldo Foundation," said Bill Marra, President and CEO of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. “Their commitment to improving care in our region has been a driving force behind this campaign, and in recognition of their generosity, the new Centre will proudly bear their name, The Toldo Outpatient Rehabilitation Centre.”

The Imagine Campaign represents a major milestone in HDGH's commitment to advancing healthcare excellence in the region. The newly constructed facility will be the central location for Outpatient Rehabilitative Services offered by HDGH, with care provided by healthcare experts including Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Certified Rehab Assistants along with clerks and leadership. Construction is anticipated to be finished in fall of 2025.

"Every year, hundreds of individuals in our region rely on HDGH’s outpatient rehab to regain mobility, return to work, and reconnect with their families and communities. The need for modern, accessible, and person-centered care is growing and HDGH and our specialized rehabilitation teams are prepared to meet these needs," said Barb Sebben, Executive Director of the HDGH Foundation.

Supporting the over 15,000 patient visits each year, the new Centre will boast impressive features such as: brand new exercise equipment including exercise bikes, parallel bars, slide boards, and resistance bands, to name a few; walking track; simulated kitchen to rebuild confidence while moving and completing tasks in a traditional home setting; simulated bathroom to support independence in personal care; private consultation and therapy rooms; along with direct patient drop off with an outdoor canopy.

Community members interested in supporting the Imagine Campaign can visit https://www.hdgh.org/donate or reach out directly to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation Executive Director, Barb Sebben.

Preventing Injuries and Designing Safer Workspaces

Injury prevention specialists and ergonomists play an important role in ensuring the safety and well-being in hospitals. At HDGH, their work ensures that both staff and patients are protected from preventable injuries.

From ergonomic assessments to designing safer workspaces, their work helps prevent injuries before they happen.

Learn more about how they prioritize safety in our latest blog.

Introducing: Emily Cheng, Patient Advocate and Ethics Lead

HDGH is pleased to announce and welcome Emily Cheng to our team as interim Patient Advocate and Ethics Lead.

Emily joined our team this past June, working alongside our current Patient Advocate and Ethics Lead. She will officially take over the role at the beginning of August.

Emily, a registered Social Worker by designation, has spent the majority of her career working at the Windsor-Essex Children's Aid Society within the intake and Family Services Department. Emily also supports clients, particularly those with Eating Disorders, through private practice counselling. Her most recent role saw her supporting patients and families as the Patient Advocate at Windsor Regional Hospital.

Emily shared her motivation for working in Patient Advocacy, saying, "I've seen firsthand how overwhelming the healthcare system can feel and this role provides me the opportunity to help people feel heard and supported in a system that can sometimes feel rushed or confusing."

HDGH's Patient Advocate and Ethics Lead Office can be reached by email, by calling 519-257-5111 extension 74404, or by submitting a "We're Listening" form on our website.

Feeding Families: Unemployed Help Centre donates to RCC

Healthy minds need healthy bellies. Successful programs need committed partners.

Thank you to the Unemployed Help Centre for your continued support of our Regional Children's Centre with weekly donations of fresh, healthy, and delicious foods, free for our clients and families to enjoy.

The variety of stock has been well received and appreciated by families coming into RCC for their appointments as well as by the families who receive goodie bags from their visiting in-home workers.

The Healing Powers of Music

The healing powers of music have begun filling the halls of HDGH with a new volunteer pilot program: Grace Notes.

Grace Notes welcomes a talented children’s music group, led by Ruth Wiebe, to share their gift of song with our inpatient rehab patients on select Wednesday evenings this summer.

With cheerful melodies and uplifting tunes, Grace Notes is sure to bring smiles, spark memories, and fill our spaces with harmony and hope. We are so grateful for this beautiful collaboration—and we can’t wait for patients, families, and staff to experience the magic!

Congratulations to ONA 8 Bursary Winners

Annually, ONA 8 sponsors three bursaries for members and students. This year, two HDGH members were the recipients!

Melissa Sharma, NP with the Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Team (GMHOT), is the recipient of the "Advancement of Nursing Through Education" bursary.

Brooke Campoli, RN (soon to be NP), is the recipient of the "Dagmar Ray Memorial Bursary" for her support of the work of the union as a member at large.

Also of note is Nursing Student, Kristal Jose, who is the recipient of the Ruel B. Hufano Memorial Education Bursary.

Congratulations to all of the recipients and nominees.

HDGH Staff Bring Resources to Local Youth

Throughout the past year, HDGH has been proud to join numerous community partners at organized Care Fairs that take place throughout Windsor-Essex County. These Care Fairs bring together healthcare and social services experts, along with First Responders, with the goal of giving residents the opportunity to connect with professionals and gain valuable knowledge and resources to support them now and into the future.

At the latest Community Care Fair, a special focus was placed on bringing local information and resources to our community's youth.

On Thursday, July 3rd and Thursday, July 8th, staff from HDGH's Regional Children's Centre and Withdrawal Management Services, attended Youth Care Fairs at Crowley Park in West Windsor and Reginald Community Housing in East Windsor, respectively.

Between 70-100 youth and their parents/caregivers attended the Fairs when our team shared about our programs that could support them throughout their life in good times and in hard.

HDGH has also participated in Care Fairs in Amherstburg, Lassaline and Glengarry Neighbourhoods, and in Downtown Windsor.

We encourage everyone to stop our HDGH booth to say hi and learn about services offered at HDGH at the next Care Fair.