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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1979-06-13, Page 38Low points and high points experienced First hospital born with struggle South Huron Hospital, which most residents take for granted, was conceived and born with struggle and has experienced both high points and setbacks in its growing years. Now, as it reaches this stage of its maturity, the people of this area who have watched over and nurtured it can continue to look upon it with justified pride. There is an old adage that says: “Anything worth having is worth working for.” South Huron Hospital is an example of that. Long before it came into being, a group of men spent much hard work and many hours investigating every angle of the feasibility of having a hospital built in Exeter. These men were Dr. J. G.Dunlop, B. W. Tuckey, W. G. Cochrane , J. H. Jones, H. K. Eilber, E. D. Bell, Lawrence Wein and C. S. MacNaughton. They made up a committee set up by the local Lion’s Club. In 1947, after a thorough study, these men were convinced that the conception of a district hospital was not only possible but even necessary. However, before delivery of the facility could come about, there were many obstacles and problems to buffet then. Not everyone agreed with the committee. There were those who doubted a hospital was really necessary; those who felt the vastness andcost of the project was overwhelming for such a small community. Still others felt the hospital would always operate in the red and be a drain on the community. In the past, the sick had gone to London hospitals and babies were born in nursing homes staffed by midwives and local doctors. Why change the pattern? some argued. But while others debated and criticized there were the few who firmly believed in the dream of a hospital for South Huron and who were convinced it could be done. So, it was that in March, 1949, E.D. Bell and C. S. MacNaughton spon­ sored a resolution at a Exeter Lions Club meeting empowering the hospital committee to obtain plans and set up a promotion campaign for funds. The estimate was $175,000 for a 25 bed facility with $75,000 available in grants. Plans were made to form a Hospital Association, representative of people from the area. This was done in two weeks, but it was the Exeter Lions Club who fathered South Huron Hospital and who FIRST OFFICIAL BOARD — many of whom were responsible for the hospital being erected are seated from left: Harper C. Rivers, hospital manager; Ulric Snell, chairman of the building committee; Elmer D. Bell, Q.C., chairman of the board; Richard N. Creech, treasurer and finance committee chairman; Luther J. Penhale. Back row: Elgin Rowcliffe, B.W. Tuckey, Albert J. Traquair, Henry C. Beaver, publicity chairman Charles S. MacNaughton, Eric McIlroy, William Ellerington. Other members were W.G. Cochrane, C.E. Shaw, acting treasurer and Dr. J.G. Dunlop. Page 4 provided a good deal of the initial funding through monies raised from frolics, drivers and raffles. Original Association Members of that original association were: E.D. Bell, chairman; W.G. Cochrane, secretary; R.N. Creech, treasurer; C.E. Shaw, acting treasurer; C.S. MacNaughton, A.J. Traquair, L.J. Penhale, William Ellerington, Henry Beaver, Eric McIlroy, H.C. Rivers, Ulric Snell, Elgin Rowcliffe and Dr. J.G. Dunlop. These men met hundreds of times and spent hundred of hours planning the project, conducting a finance raising campaign, delving into specifications and regulations, in­ terviewing and consulting architects and government departments. It was an arduous and, at times frustrating task. Selecting a site was one of the major considerations. First Site Rejected June 1950, found the funds up to the $100,000 mark. A general meeting of subscribers was called to discuss the location of the proposed hospital. Problems such as sewerage, water supply, accessibility, etc., had already been investigated. It was agreed that Riverview Park was the most desirable site and the Exeter council intimated it would consent to the use of the park. However, early in 1951, a movement began which changed that decision. Citizens began cir­ culating petitions to save Riverview Park for a recreational area. Hun­ dreds of names supported the petition which was presented to Exeter council who then recinded the motion to deed the park to the Hospital Association. In hindsight, this seems like a sensible move but at the time it was a terrible blow to the Association. Other sites were considered but each presented difficulties. The second blow came when tenders were issued for the con­ struction. Prices had soared to over $300,000, twice the first estimated cost and far above the community’s financial resources. Dark Days August, 1951, found the Association facing its darkest days. It publicly admitted the project was at a stand still and presented four proposals to subscribers: 1. Abandon the project; EXETER LIONS CLUB — was among the first major contributors to the hospital building fund and president A.J. Sweitzer, second from left, is shown presenting a $10,000 cheque to C.E. Shaw acting treasurer. The money was raised jointly by the Exeter and Grand Bend Lions through a raffle held on a cottage at the resort. Building committee chairman Ulric Snell, left, and secretary W.G. Cochrane watch the presentation. 2. Postpone building in the hopes costs would go down; 3. Finance the building through increased sub­ scriptions and municipal grant; 4. Provide accommodation in a lesser form. At the lowest ebb, two silver edgings appeared in the clouds. One was the availability of the Carling Estate which was offered for sale at $16,500, and the other was the ap­ pearance of Helge Jensen, a local contractor with a scheme to cut costs to the bone. The architects and the Ontario department of health were neither convinced with the location nor what they considered a bizarre way of building and they advised against the scheme. Undaunted, however, the Association had resourgence of enthusiasm and decided to go ahead. The Carling property on Huron Street was purchased, the depart­ ment of health officials were per­ suaded to relax regulations making the use of the old house possible, and was also persuaded to give its sup­ port to the hospital building project. January, 1952, Helge Jensen was appointed construction supervisor and workmen began preparing the grounds at the Carling estate for the excavation. The Association, meanwhile, launched its mammoth $50,000 door- to-door campaign in Exeter, Stephen, Usborne, Hay,Bosanquet McGillivray Hibbert, Tuckersmith and Hensail. Both campaign and work went well and as the hospital neared completion, H. C. Rivers was appointed full-time manager. Built By the People for the People Everything that went into the hospital except the basic design and the actual construction was done by co-operative citizens in their spare time. Community leaders organized campaigns for funds; volunteer canvassers conducted the drives; businessmen purchased materials from sympathetic suppliers and manufacturers, and local labourers worked on the construction The first milestone in the life of South Huron Hospital was reached January, 1953 when the Hon. MacKinnon Philipps, minister of health for Ontario, officially opened the doors. Role Study Continued from front page basement space could not be used to full capacity since an elevator had never been provided. It also suggested a retainer wall be erected to alleviate damage from floods such as was caused in 1969. However, the principal recom­ mendation of the Master Program was that because of its location, South Huron Hospital must continue its active treatment role and must provide better emergency treatment for strangers and local residents alike. Improved facilites and medical staff coverage were urgently recommended in the emergency department. It also suggested a program of redevelopment should be staged over the next ten years to provide 1) emergency and x-ray services and a physiotherapy department and 2) replace the old building and its services. After studying this Master Plan of the hospital consultants, the local board made the decision to go for­ ward with plans for a modern building to house up to date emergency and out patient depart­ ments.