In whatever seasons, when we either get sick or need emergency treatment, our community hospital, officially called Scarborough Health Network Foundation is always on hand to serve us.
Although it’s a public-funded institution, it still needs the private sector’s support to enhance the quality of its healthcare treatment.
Aside from donating online, in some corners at the hospital, there are donation boxes where people can drop their money.
There is one corner on the hospital’s wall, “A history of service… A tradition of caring” shows old photos of the hospital and its history. In part, it says “The Scarborough Hospital’s ability to fulfil its mission of providing excellent, patient-centered care to our community depends on the ongoing leadership and generosity of donors. Contributions made by individuals, community groups, foundations and businesses allow the hospital to purchase vital medical equipment and build new facilities. This wall honours the many generous donors who support healthcare in our community”
One early morning amid the sweltering hot sun, I walked to the Scarborough General Hospital for my regular hearing check-up.
Upon reaching the hospital, it was an immense comfort to me to enjoy the calm atmosphere of the hospital. While walking its corridors, what was noticeable was the different people being serviced by the hospital staff. There is no need to line up for patients’ registration and treatment.
“Scarborough Gen,” as some people call it, is clean and spacious.
While at the hospital, I could help myself, but I remembered being bedridden in that hospital for 6 months in 1999, undergoing chemotherapy, and then another 6 months at the Princess Margaret for my cancer.
I owed a lot to the dedicated staff—doctors and nurses who had treated and cared for me.
On a personal note, the Scarborough Gen will always be a part of my life, and I’ll be forever grateful for giving me the best treatment to my illness.
Up to now, I can hear the very words of Dr. Richard Colwil when he was initially treating me “Don’t ever give up, you give up when I give up”
I wish to see and thank him for saving my life—I owed him a lot, not only caring me but also encouraging me stay positive and keep on beating my cancer.
I met former Scarborough Mayor Frank Faubert when he had been confined to the same room where I was. His bed was next to me, and one morning I greeted him “Good morning Mayor Faubert”
So surprised, his response was “How come you know me?” Well, I said “Mayor, I’m reporter from the Bluff Monitor and I used to cover your office”.
At the time Mayor Faubert got sick, he was already one of the councilors of the City of Toronto; the former city of Scarborough had already been amalgamated to the City of Toronto.
So, before Mayor Faubert got discharged from the hospital, he gave me his calling card, and signed it, telling me “when you come to visit me at the City Hall, tell my secretary that you are my bedmate at the Scarborough hospital”
A few months later when met Mayor Faubert wife, Marlyn, I asked about how’s the mayor doing?” She told me Mayor Flaubert had passed on.
It’s heartwarming to see the dedication of the hospital staff in treating all people in the community regardless of their station in life. They all deserve our commendation and support.
Let’s join hands in supporting our “Scarborough Gen”.