On Friday, May 9, the Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital (HGMH) celebrated 60 years of providing healthcare and community services to the region. The celebratory event was attended by current and former hospital board members and staff.
The 60th-anniversary event was open to all members of the community and to those interested in the hospital’s future plans, past achievements, and ongoing commitment to patient care. The HGMH employs more than 180 regular staff members, 50 medical staff and more than 100 volunteers.
Chief Human Resources Officer Kayla MacGillivray welcomed attendees to the celebration by recounting how the HGMH has been a central point for local healthcare. She elaborated by highlighting how friends and family members were treated at the hospital and the quality of care they received.
J.F. Adams, who served as CEO of HGMH from 1967 to 1994, told The Review, “I’m pleased to see the amount of progress the HGMH and its staff have achieved over the hospital’s lifetime. I’m proud to see the dedication that the current leadership is providing to modernizing and expanding local healthcare services.”
Board Chair Dr. Stuart Robertson thanked previous members of the board who guided the hospital along its current path and emphasized that “everyone works so hard to maintain our high standards. I thank the doctors, the nurses, the custodians, and administrative personnel for all of their work and dedication.”
Between speeches, Cornwall country band Two for the Road entertained guests with country and rock hits, while some attendees took to the dancefloor.
Current CEO of HGMH Robert Alldred-Hughes thanked his team for their service over the years and looked forward to building upon HGMH’s legacy.
In response to a previously submitted question, Alldred-Hughes explained that the HGMH remained committed to delivering high-quality, publicly funded care, with no intention of moving toward privatization.
“Despite ongoing challenges related to limited government funding—which we see the reality of every day—we continue to maintain essential services through disciplined financial stewardship, strategic partnerships, and focus continuously on operational efficiency. We also work closely with Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health to explore the sustainable solutions available to us,” Alldred-Hughes said.
Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Stéphane Sarrazin told attendees, “As we look to the future, I remain committed to working with all of you to ensure that HGMH has the resources and support it needs to continue growing and serving our region.”
Staff and volunteers from the Glengarry Memorial Hospital Foundation (GMHF) encouraged attendees to support fundraising efforts for the purchase of a CT scanner for the diagnostic imaging department at the hospital.
GMHF volunteers explained, “For patients requiring advanced diagnostic care, a CT scanner is often essential to detect serious health conditions. However, our local hospital currently lacks this crucial equipment, forcing long waitlists at other facilities.”
Donations toward the CT scanner project can be made at hgmhfoundation.org or in person by visiting 20260 County Road 43 in Alexandria.
Photos by Philip Oddi:
