Celebrating Three Years of Partnership: Stronger Together for Better Care
October 09, 2025
This December marks three years since Alexandra
Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) in Goderich and South Huron Hospital (SHH)
in Exeter came together under the Huron Health System (HHS). Guided by a shared
mission to deliver excellent, person-centred care, the partnership has
strengthened local healthcare by combining resources, expertise, and
innovation.
Key Successes Over the Past Three Years:
- Uninterrupted Emergency Care: Both hospitals have maintained 24/7 emergency services with no
closures.
- Expanded Local Services: SHH has increased access to mental health supports, surgical
consults, and diagnostic imaging.
- Improved Mental Health Care: Faster psychiatric consults and stronger community partnerships
have reduced wait times.
- Coordinated Diagnostics: While SHH prepares for the outcome of an application to the
Ministry of Health for a new CT scanner, 60% of patients requiring imaging
were referred to AMGH, ensuring timely care.
- Exemplary Standing:
Both hospitals achieved Accreditation Canada’s highest recognition for
quality and safety.
Rural hospitals face unique pressures—limited resources, staffing shortages,
and aging infrastructure. By coming together, AMGH and SHH have protected and
strengthened local care, built resiliency, and created a system where patients
remain the priority.
Both
hospitals are grateful for the ongoing support they have received from their
communities. It’s a clear reflection of how important local healthcare is to
the people they serve. That strong connection was recently recognized through
South Huron Hospital’s nomination for a Business of the Year Award, an honour
that highlights the trust and value communities place on accessible,
high-quality rural care.
With a strong foundation and clear vision, HHS continues to evolve with the
changing needs of the community—listening, learning, and building a healthier
future for all.
“Ontario’s healthcare
system is in crisis,” said Brian Heagle, Board Chair of HHS. “HHS is
confronting that harsh reality with a focus on lasting, positive changes. By uniting the strengths of both hospitals,
HHS is elevating the quality of patient care at each hospital. By joining
forces, HHS is amplifying both hospitals' voices to advocate for greater impact
with the Ministry of Health. As part of the HHS leadership team,
the Common Board is passionate about governance and collaborating to find
better ways forward for regional healthcare. HHS exists to achieve a healthier future for all."
“This partnership isn’t
just about sharing resources—it’s about ensuring both hospitals thrive.
Together we’ve faced challenges, made real progress, and are preparing for an
even stronger future,” said Jimmy
Trieu, President & CEO of HHS.
Commitment to Rural Healthcare:
As Chiefs of Staff Dr. Sean Ryan (SHH) and Dr.
Shannon Natuik (AMGH) affirmed in HHS’s Annual Report: “Hospitals are cornerstones of their communities. By working together,
we will continue to strengthen rural healthcare and ensure the best possible
patient-focused care.”
Business of the Year:
Both hospitals are grateful for the ongoing support they have received
from their communities. It’s a clear reflection of how important local
healthcare is to the people they serve. That strong connection was recently recognized
through South Huron Hospital’s nomination for a Business of the Year Award, an
honour that highlights the trust and value communities place on accessible,
high-quality rural care.
Looking Ahead:
With a strong foundation and clear vision, HHS continues to evolve with
the changing needs of the community—listening, learning, and building a
healthier future for all.