An ER treatment room at the Southampton Hospital.
by Jane Glenn | December 12, 2025
A "snapshot" of the growing demands and a look back at the impact of community support for regional healthcare this past year was presented to Council at the December 8 regular meeting. Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation Executive Director Tracy Murray gave an overview of 2025 and a preview of the next four years.
The hospital acquired "four auto-dispensing units for in-patient and ER at a cost of nearly a half million dollars," Murray outlined. "In-patient renovations are completed, including an accessible patient shower and expanded nurse station, lab equipment, funding for staff education as well as a new ventilator for the ER, renovations to create a negative pressure room were all projects and equipment supported in 2025," she added.
In terms of numbers, there were 18,000 hospital visits this year, up from 16,000 two years ago. "We need to keep care close to home and keep pace with the needs of our region," Murray emphasized.
Looking ahead, from 2026 to 2029, an estimated $3 million will be required each year for equipment replacement, enhanced services and facility updates, said Murray, adding that while government funding is critical, it does not cover equipment costs.
"Fundraising and philanthropy is the piece that lets us modernize equipment, introduce new technology and improve the patient experience in ways that would not otherwise be possible," Murray said. Events in Saugeen Shores are always well-attended and sponsorships remain strong, she added, illustrating to Council that the community "cares deeply about their hospital and regional healthcare systems."
The Light the Way (LTW) campaign has been crucial in raising funds since it raised $26,000 in 1999, its inaugural year, and now averages around $250,000 annually. All told the campaign has raised $3.2 million.
This year's LTW goals are to purchase four essential digital systems used in patient care, pacemaker monitoring, bed movement and digital imaging. "These are the kinds of things that don't always make the headlines, but they make a real difference in how quickly and safely we can move patients through our hospital," Murray explained. The campaign is on until December 31.
Another major event, the annual Radiothon in partnership with 97.9 The Bruce and now in its 10th year, took place yesterday, on December 11, and raised $195,000, bringings its total raised to nearly 10.6 million.
As for 2026 plans, Murray said their Gran Fondo Lake Huron cycling event has seen approximately 1000 participants and is setting a goal of raising half a million dollars this year. And the addition of the Saugeen Shores Home & Cottage Show should further help "create a strong rhythm of events that both supports Brightshores hospitals and contributes to the vibrancy of Saugeen Shores."
Mayor Luke Charbonneau thanked Murray and noted that "not only do you raise a lot of money but you do it in a way that makes the community better, so many great events that people enjoy and incidentally, raise money for the hospital."
For more information, visit www.smhfoundation.ca.
