THSA History
The Tobermory Health Clinic Auxiliary was established in 1982 with Peter Dean serving as its first president. In the ensuing years, the Health Clinic Auxiliary evolved into the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary (THSA), an incorporated registered charitable organization. The objectives of the THSA are: to assist health professionals, their staff and patients with the provision of health care services to residents of the former Township of St. Edmunds; to provide health care services to the public; and to educate the public as to the availability of health care services.
The Auxiliary is a volunteer-run organization and is comprised of a board of directors and a general membership of approximately 60 members (as of 2013). There are five executive positions: president, past president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. General meetings are held four times per year and the board of directors meets on an as-needed basis, typically four or more times per year. When specific projects are identified, sub-committees are created to manage these projects and report back to the general membership.
As in any successful organization, strong leadership is the key factor in maintaining interest and achieving objectives. Tobermory is fortunate to have had many talented individuals step forward during the past 30 years to take on these leadership roles, including the following:
Presidents: Pete Dean, Shirley Johnstone, Pete Dean (2nd term), George Adams, Hazel Garlock, Pete Dean (3rd term), Judy Willson and Ron Columbus.
Vice presidents: Shirley Johnstone, Kathleen Hollis, Jan Gleason, Pete Dean, Bill Porter, Barb Taylor, Judy Willson, George Adams, Bill Wright and Rob Davis.
Secretaries: Cathy Wyonch (Robins), Nora Dean, Carol Reaney, Bill Bishop and Pat Columbus.
Treasurers: Holly Smith (Dunham), Bettie (Tom) Adams and Joan Carmount.
Initially, the Tobermory Clinic was part of a trilateral hospital organization serving Tobermory, Lion's Head and Wiarton. In June 1985, the three medical facilities were officially referred to as Bruce Peninsula Health Services. Funds raised through special events and donations were collected under the Bruce Peninsula Health Services’ charitable number; monies raised specifically for (or donated to) the Tobermory Clinic were reserved for the Tobermory area or dispersed as directed by the Health Clinic Auxiliary.
The Auxiliary often received requests for the purchase of medical and related equipment for the Tobermory Clinic. They also donated equipment to the Grey Bruce Health Centre in Owen Sound, the Wiarton Hospital and the Lion’s Head Hospital. In addition, funds were donated towards the construction of the new hospital in Wiarton and for land and marine emergency communications equipment for the Tobermory Clinic.
During the 80s, the Tobermory Clinic experienced a period of growth and development. The Ministry of Health announced plans to expand the emergency room at the Tobermory Clinic and to install an elevator in the Lion's Head Hospital (1988). The clinic had also developed an excellent reputation as a teaching facility for student doctors. However, housing the student doctors for up to two months at a time proved to be difficult. The doctors in Tobermory made a request to the Auxiliary to construct a residence on the clinic property to house student doctors. The Auxiliary agreed and Winston Hollis was named as the project coordinator. The sod-turning ceremony was held on June 11, 1991.
While fundraising efforts had been ongoing, the estimate of $50,000 to $60,000 for the doctor’s residence sparked a new flurry of fundraising activities. Dinners, dances, Nevada tickets, a mailing campaign, yard sale, golf tournament and a new fall dinner fundraiser were some of the activities that raised money towards the construction.
Two significant events that started during the fundraising campaign of 1991 became annual Auxiliary ‘traditions’. The Clinic Yard Sale became one of the highlights of the summer. Residents began putting away items for the upcoming yard sale almost as soon as the previous sale had ended and items were stored until the next year. Residents, cottagers and tourists alike lined up on sale day for treasures, books and items of interest. This event continued until 2012 and, over its twenty year lifespan, thousands of dollars was raised for health services in Tobermory.
This was an event that brought forth the ‘best’ of the Auxiliary: all of its members were on board to assist with preparation and staffing of the event, as well as the dismantling and disposition of unsold items and ongoing storage until the next sale. Although everyone in the Auxiliary played a role, those at the forefront over the years included: Bettie (Tom) Adams, George and Betty Adams, Norm and Ginny Reid, Ken and Barb Taylor, Bill and Eileen Bradley, Bill and Wanda Strosberg, Ken and Joan Carmount and Judy Willson
The inaugural Fallfest Dinner was held in October 1991 and this event continues to be an important community activity as well as a vehicle for raising funds for the Auxiliary. This annual October event regularly draws up to 200 individuals from throughout the peninsula. The main course has always been generously donated each year; it was a tradition started by the Lighthouse Restaurant (the Kritikos family). During 1996, Pete and Nora Dean stepped in and continued this practise for a number of years until it was taken over by Vi and Lloyd Adams. The rest of the meal - from salads to desserts – as well as the initial preparation and final cleanup are undertaken by the members of the Auxiliary.
By February 1992, the construction of the new doctors’ residence was almost finished. Auxiliary members volunteered to do the painting; however, the kitchen cupboards, flooring and electric heaters had yet to be installed. By the March Auxiliary meeting, all of the remaining tasks had been completed. Many groups stepped forward to provide labour, buy furnishings and supply appliances. The open house for the new doctors' residence, and recent renovations to the emergency room at the Tobermory Clinic, was proudly held on July 22, 1992.
During 1993, plans were made to complete the lower level by adding a storage room, washroom and a large meeting room. Local contractors who had volunteered their labour to build the residence were asked to submit a tender for finishing the lower level; the work was completed that year. A boardroom table and chairs were donated from the former Wiarton Hospital.
The first Auxiliary meeting of 1994 took place in the new meeting room. The Auxiliary decided to allow health-related groups to use the basement of the doctors’ residence for meetings at no cost. The residence building was completely paid for through donations, fundraising and donations of time, labour and material from members of the community. Over the next few years, requests for minor renovations to the clinic and the purchase of additional equipment, as well as furnishings for the doctor's residence, were all fulfilled.
Until this time, most of the funds raised continued to be channelled through the Bruce Peninsula Health Services (BPHS) bank accounts. However, there were concerns the Tobermory Health Clinic Auxiliary did not have enough control over its funds. In April 1996, representatives from BPHS attended an Auxiliary meeting to answer questions. They explained how donations designated for the Tobermory clinic were credited to that particular account. If funds were designated for BPHS or generically identified as funds donated to a “charity of choice”, the monies were directed into the BPHS general account. Funds needed for Tobermory-related health care items were paid for from the ‘Tobermory account’. If the requisite funds needed for a particular item was more than was currently available, the additional funds were taken out of the BPHS general account.
Despite these assurances, the Auxiliary decided to seek legal advice as well as information and guidance from the Hospital Auxiliary Associations of Ontario (HAAO). The Auxiliary had previously been an associate member of the HAAO (1991-92) and rejoined in 1997.The Regional Director of the HAAO recommended applying for charitable status and offered to help. She advised the Auxiliary to notify BPHS they were planning to apply for registered charitable status and that the by-laws would need to be amended in order to safeguard the Auxiliary’s funds. The Auxiliary was successful in receiving its official charitable status in 1998 and, although it was given a charitable number, the Auxiliary remained part of the Grey Bruce Health Services Foundation until its incorporation in 2011.
Between 1999 and 2002, two major projects affecting health care in the Northern Bruce Peninsula were identified. A new heart rate monitor was urgently required for the Lion’s Head Hospital at a cost in excess of $50,000. Auxiliary members Ken Carmount and Bill Strosberg lead the fundraising efforts for this important piece of equipment and were successful in raising the entire amount from the Tobermory area. In addition, significant repairs and upgrades were needed at the Lion’s Head Hospital in order to bring it up to the required standards. The fundraising target of $2 million dollars was established and the Tobermory Clinic Auxiliary became an integral partner in this project.
Fundraising efforts throughout the years continued to provide medical equipment and allow for minor repairs and upgrades to the existing Clinic. In addition to the annual yard sale and Fallfest Dinner, the Auxiliary also raised funds through the weekly summer bingo for several years (before transferring it to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary).
By now, hospital services throughout Grey and Bruce Counties had amalgamated and the Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) assumed ownership and maintenance of the Tobermory Clinic. The land housing the clinic and doctors residence was owned by the Municipality of Northern Bruce. The original clinic, built in 1974, had been renovated, expanded, upgraded and ‘patched’; it was nearing the end of its useful life. Discussions began about the necessity of building a new clinic in Tobermory in order to satisfy the future needs of the community.
In 2007, medical services at the Tobermory Clinic underwent a substantial shift. An application submitted by the Tobermory and Lion’s Head physicians was approved by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care; the physicians, nurses and staff members were now known as the Peninsula Family Health Team.
This change resulted in a major modification in the services provided and the level of care offered to residents (permanent and seasonal) as well as the many visitors to the area. Existing services to the area would continue under the new Family Health Team, including: pulmonary function tests, laboratory testing, minor day surgery, exercise stress testing and mental health counselling. New services would include enhanced management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Electronic medical records were also introduced and physicians could connect to the GBHS system to receive reports on their patients wherever the care was provided throughout the GBHS hospitals. The Peninsula Family Health Team (four physicians, a nurse practitioner, social worker and several clinic nurses) worked closely with GBHS and the Ministry of Health to transform the Clinic and integrate this new approach to community care.
Of major significance however, was that under this new model, the physicians would no longer provide emergency care in the Tobermory clinic. Although the Family Health Team doctors would continue to see same-day or urgent care patients in Tobermory, the limited role that the Tobermory clinic had played in supporting emergency care locally was now shifted southward to the Lion’s Head hospital, where the equipment, medications and staff are available to support patients in an emergency.
In spite of this setback, discussions continued regarding need for a new clinic building in Tobermory. Building plans were developed and discussions took place with the Ministry. Consultants were hired and fundraising efforts ramped up. Two residents – Tom Williamson and Adrian Verwegen – rode their bikes from Victoria BC to Tobermory, raising more than $30,000 in support of the new building fund. Support was obtained from the Municipality and a resolution was passed to commit $350,000 towards the cost of the new Tobermory Health Clinic project. Despite these achievements, by 2009, the project had lost momentum. Recommendations from the Ministry regarding the size and type of building required made the costs prohibitive for any practical funding.
During 2010, Ron Columbus was elected president of the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary; Bill Wright became its vice president; Joan Carmount was re-elected as treasurer; and Pat Columbus was chosen as secretary. The relationship with Grey Bruce Health Services officially ended. The name of the Auxiliary was changed to the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary and a motion to discuss incorporation was passed. Under new leadership, the Auxiliary also revisited the issue of constructing a new building and decided to make one more sustained effort to construct a new facility. Motions were passed to proceed with building the new medical facility without involving the “Ministry”.
A building committee was established with Pete Dean as Chair and the project’s requirements and timelines were established. Members of the building committee included Ron Columbus, Jack Schenk, Ken Carmount, Rob Davis and John Zych. A model of a new $1million dollar medical facility was presented at the 2010 Fallfest Dinner and the community feedback was very positive.
An assessment of funds available to meet the $1million goal was undertaken: the Municipality had previously committed $350,000; the Auxiliary had amassed $320,000 from previous donations and fundraising events; and the Bruce Peninsula Health Services had $52,000 from prior donations and events. It was felt that the remaining shortfall of $280,000 could be achieved through local fundraising.
On March 14, 2011, a delegation to the Council of the Municipality formally asked for approval to proceed with the project. Council chambers were packed for the presentation, with close to 100 supporters from Tobermory in attendance. Two weeks later, council voted to approve the project and to vest control of the entire construction project to the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary. Once again the chamber council was full with supporters from Tobermory in attendance. Before the day was over, two Tobermory businessmen, Rick Peacock and Brent Robins, each pledged $25,000 towards the project. John Frances of the Bruce Peninsula Press also donated a significant amount of money and offered the services of his paper for advertising, promotions and many other services. These three major donations to the project demonstrated the enthusiastic community support. Fundraising was off to an excellent start!
At the April 2011 general meeting of the Auxiliary, several important motions were passed: to proceed with building the new medical facility; to authorize the building committee to spend up to $280,000; to proceed with plans and construction; to proceed with fundraising plans; and to name the new building Tobermory Health Services.
A fundraising committee was formed with Rob Davis as Chair; its members included Lois Letcher, Roger Shantz, Sandi Hoffer, Christine Chisholm, Jace Weir, Les Csengeri, Beth MacPhatter, Rick Lane, Cathy Robins and Judy Adams. Fundraising plans were proposed and quickly put into place. A preliminary fundraising dinner took place on St Patrick's Day and the official kickoff began with a whitefish dinner on May 21, 2011.
Over the summer, auxiliary members worked tirelessly at a number of activities, including staffing events at the Chi-Cheemaun festival and the annual Auxiliary yard sale. A mailing campaign was put in place, with a corporate donor campaign, a symbolic “Buy a Brick Campaign”, and “George's Challenge”. Funds were raised via several other events, including: two Women’s Information Network (WIN) lunches; a dinner cruise and silent auction aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun; a chicken barbeque sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lion’s Head; a dinner provided by the Princess Hotel; and the annual Fallfest Dinner. By June, 2011, $100,000 had been raised and before the end of 2011, the goal of $280,000 had been exceeded with money still coming in. In order to keep the public informed of the progress of the building, a press committee was established as well as a web-site.
Clearing of the building site began in early April, 2011 with all work done by volunteers. Construction plans were developed and reviewed with the doctors and their staff. Their input resulted in some modifications to the plan. In addition, the building was designed with space that could accommodate the hyperbaric chamber at some point in the future. By May, 2011, construction plans were finalized. The Auxiliary made a commitment to use local contractors for the building and materials as much as possible and tenders were sent out June 3. Sean Hickey of HCR Construction was hired as the general contractor. Jack Schenk, who was a key figure in the building committee and the design of the new building, volunteered as the project manager.
The sod turning ceremony was held June 18, 2011. Many dignitaries were on hand for this ceremony but the guest of honour was Lloyd Adams. Lloyd is a life-long resident of Tobermory, a charter (and active) member of the Auxiliary and played a valuable role in the construction of the initial clinic. Lloyd addressed the crowd and shared his reflections of the (medical) history of Tobermory from his early childhood days in the 1920s to the present.
Construction proceeded rapidly and by August, 2011, the exterior framing was complete. The slogan for the project was that it would be “on time, on budget and completely paid for” and every member of the Auxiliary worked very hard to make this happen. Many contractors gave generously of their time, equipment, and supplies. Local individuals donated money, time and labour to assist in any way that they could. Dr. Harpur obtained a larger potential hyperbaric chamber replacement that had previously been used in the Toronto General Hospital. It required considerable work to make it usable but arrangements were made to transport it to the new site.
At the same time, the Letters Patent for the incorporation of the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary became effective on May 27, 2011. On September 1, 2011, the board of directors met to pass all by-law changes and required motions. The newly incorporated Auxiliary would now assume all of the contracts and assets and liabilities of the unincorporated Auxiliary. Dr. Harpur had requested up to $50,000 as a separate project to complete the hyperbaric area subject to the costs of both projects not exceeding the limit of $1,069,872 for the medical facility.
Jack Schenk reported that, as of December, the new building was indeed ‘on time and on budget’ and, in addition, that several upgrades had been made. Judy Caulfeild-Browne, Wanda Strosberg, Judy Bishop, and Shirley Wright formed a committee to manage the interior design and obtain furnishings for the common areas. The official opening was planned for Saturday June 16, 2012.
At the first meeting of 2012, the Auxiliary decided to name the building Tobermory Health Services. Our symbol for many years, the Big Tub lighthouse, would become part of the sign and the logo Our Home for Health would be placed over the main entrance. The building was almost complete. The old clinic building was to be torn down (except for the hyperbaric chamber area). Landscaping still needed to be done. The doctors, with help from the Auxiliary, moved into the new building in March 2012. The Auxiliary decided to name the hyperbaric area the Dr. George Harpur Hyperbaric Facility. This was to be kept secret until the unveiling at the official opening in June 2012.
An additional project for additions and enhancements to the building and landscaping was approved. Vera Peters headed the landscaping committee. Recognition of donors and volunteers was discussed. A donor wall was proposed and the Auxiliary decided to acknowledge donors and list their names in alphabetical order, rather than by dollar amounts, in keeping with their philosophy that every donation was significant, regardless of the amount given (or the value of the services rendered). The list of donors would be imprinted onto an image of the Big Tub Lighthouse taken by Bill Caulfeild-Browne and the cut-off date would be June 16, 2012.
The official grand opening of the new facility was held Saturday, June 16, 2012, exactly one year after the sod-turning ceremony. All of the local dignitaries were again present. Speeches were made and tours of the new building and the doctor’s residence were given; a cake and refreshments celebrated the accomplishments. A booklet depicting the building process was given to each donor as a thank you for their support. Pete Dean dedicated the Dr. George Harpur Hyperbaric Facility. The building was officially turned over to the Municipality at the official opening. As promised, the beautiful new building was “on time, on budget and completely paid for” when it opened.
On June 17, 2013, the final ceremony for the opening of the new building was held. A plaque containing more than 400 names was unveiled by Rick Peacock, Brent Robins and John Frances. The Tobermory Health Services building, Our Home for Health, is a testament to the incredible expertise and generosity of the people of Tobermory with the substantial support of the rest of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. In a small way, this plaque is a testament of this generosity as well as the vision and determination of the members, past and present, of the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary.
While the new building was constructed with space for a new hyperbaric chamber (and the larger replacement unit was moved into place) there were complications. The replacement unit would require significant refurbishing to make it operational. The original chamber was left in its initial location of the old clinic and remains operational until a proper plan could be developed.
At an Auxiliary meeting in September, 2012, Dr. Harpur explained that the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society of Canada is planning to develop standards for hyperbaric medical treatment. There are 13 conditions supported by OHIP for hyperbaric treatment, such as wound healing, which have proven successful. There are plans to develop a diploma program for hyperbaric medicine and to provide courses in Tobermory to train doctors in hyperbaric medicine. There is hope that Tobermory could become a centre for hyperbaric medicine.
At the April 2013 meeting, the Auxiliary voted to support the Hyperbaric Centre, contingent upon the formation of a not-for-profit corporation to run the facility. At this time, the original hyperbaric chamber continues to be used in its original location. Although established initially to treat diving accidents, it is more commonly used for the treatment of the medical conditions recognized by OHIP. An Auxiliary committee has been formed to investigate the feasibility, costs, challenges and opportunities for completing the Hyperbaric Centre.
Each year, the Auxiliary requests a list of equipment needed for the betterment of health care in Tobermory. During 2013, the Auxiliary has purchased a mayo stand, a digital dermatology camera, an electronic eye chart, a portable ECG machine and a portable blood pressure machine. Stress testing equipment has been ordered. This will enable patients to have stress testing done locally rather than Owen Sound.
In August 2013, the Auxiliary partnered with the Peninsula Family Health Team and the Public Health Department to offer a Shingles vaccine clinic so that local residents did not have to travel to Owen Sound. 72 people were vaccinated.
Fundraising efforts continue: while the annual yard sale event has been discontinued, there are three current fundraising events: a whitefish dinner held annually on the May long weekend; the Shoreline Dinner Cruise and Silent Auction held aboard the Chi-Cheemaun each September; and the annual Fallfest Dinner, which takes place in October.
At the outset, the make-up of the Auxiliary was discussed. While the general members have changed over the years, membership levels have been fairly constant and new members have carried on with the traditions of those who first started this organization. The vice president, secretary and treasurer positions have been held by individuals who have given freely of their time, not just in these roles but also by heading sub-committees and taking on additional activities and roles on behalf of the auxiliary. The importance of these roles and the dedication of those fulfilling these roles cannot be understated.
It is important however to give special recognition to the Presidents since the formation in 1982.
Pete Dean was the initial President and completed three separate terms. In addition, Pete has been a representative on the Bruce Peninsula Health Service Board and served as its Chair. Pete was also the Chair of the building committee for the new Tobermory Health Services building.
Shirley Johnstone was the second President of the Auxiliary and after her term was completed, she remained with the Auxiliary for a number of years. Shirley was also a representative on the Bruce Peninsula Health Services Board, and served on the strategic planning committee and the planned giving committee.
George Adams was the President for five years. During George's term, the Doctor's residence was built and George played an integral role in this project. At the start of the campaign for the new building, George issued a ‘challenge’ to the community to match his donation - a very successful part of the fundraising campaign.
Hazel Garlock was President for 4 years in the mid 90's. This was a stable period for the Auxiliary. Although there were no major projects or fundraising requirements, Auxiliary members continued to be involved with local fundraising initiatives, responding to needs for equipment and continuing with minor repairs to the clinic.
Judy Willson was President for 10 years. During Judy's tenure, fundraising efforts resulted in purchases of equipment for the Clinic, renovations to the Lion's Head Hospital, Tobermory Clinic and the doctors’ residence. Judy represented the Auxiliary to the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario and was also a board member on the Grey Bruce Health Services Board.
Ron Columbus has been the President since 2010 and has just been re-elected to a second two-year term. Ron initiated and completed the process to incorporate the Tobermory Health Services Auxiliary. The construction of the new Health Services facility has been the most significant achievement under Ron's leadership - a medical facility that has been built right, on time, on budget and completely paid for.