Times-Advocate, 1983-11-09, Page 41Carling house pillar crumbles
Facilities become outdated
After its opening, South Huron
Hospital continued to play an active
and prominent role in the health care
of the district. Eventually, however,
it became apparent to the board that
upgrading the services must be
considered.
By 1970, the board was also faced
with the deterioration, despite efforts
to keep it up, of the Carling building,
and the fact that the emergency
facilities were now out-of-date and
inadequate to meet the ever expan-
ding needs of the community. Con-
sequently, early in 1972, plans were
made for renovations and an exten-
sion, keeping Tong -term objectives in
mind.
The plans were delayed, however,
and it took five years and eight ar-
chitectural drawings for one to final-
ly receive approval of the Ministry of
Health. Costs kept soaring until the
estimated price had reached
$2,250,000.00. When the Ministry
did send their approval it was accom-
panied by a letter advising that
government funds for such a project
were unavailable at that time. It was
the era when the crunch was on for
c'itbacks to hospitals and health
care.
In August, 1977, the board pared
down the plans and decided to 'go
it alone', feeling they could wait no
longer for government assistance.
Their decision was hastened by the
continuing deterioration of the Carl-
ing buik'ing and the new urgent
need to update the medical facilities.
The proposed addition would be
about half the size of the original,
and would cost in the
neighbourhood of $640,000.00
about half the original plan.
The decision to build without
federal or provincial aid was only
made possible because of the
sizeable capital fund, accrued
through several bequests and gifts,
interest on these funds, some money
set aside from past operating budgets
and a grant of $152,000.00 from
Huron County Council.
It was the first project of this
magnitude to be completed in On-
tario using only private and local
funds.
eesi ?/Vjjhes
South Huron
Hospital
in Exeter
on your
30th
Anniversary
Hoffman's
Dashwood
l�ortruittCudoni
South Huron Hospital
In Exeter
on their
30th
Anniversary
Tieman's Furniture
and Hardware
Dashwood 237-3681
Page 30
New addition increases services
The opening of the expanded
medical facilitiesin June 1979, drew
plaudits from all who attended the
ceremonies.
The building, which replaced the
former Carling house, housed the
emergency departments with three
treatment and examination rooms,
one complete with Ohio medical
walls, the latest equipment to handle
cardiopulmonary distress.
A new radiology department was
also installed as was a larger
laboratory designed to.provide for in-
creases in laboratory tests.
Another much needed feature was
an elevator to provide transportation
to the lower level which housed the
new physiotherapy department
with four patient treatment areas, a
fully equipped gym and a whirlpool
bath.
The new administration centre
contained the offices for all ad-
ministration and business staff. A
CUTTING RIBBON —
ing of new addition
large waiting room and a gift shop
was included for the benefit of pa-
tients and visitors, alike.
With expanded services, coupled
Fred Darling and Dr. Garnet Leitch cut ribbon at open -
with support provided by hospitals in
London and Stratford, the medical
care of this area is equalled by few
communities in the world today.
Congratulations to South Huron Hospital
We congratulate South
Huron Hospital on their
30th Anniversary. The level
of service provided to the
community is certainly one
of which we all can be
proud.
4011Ik
PEPSI
Nor
Tuckey Beverages Ltd.
Page 31