Quinte Health

08/29/2025

On August 29, 2025, colleagues, family, Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) representatives, and community members gathered outside the Belleville General Hospital Emergency Department to unveil Shannan’s Light — a permanent monument that honours the life of nurse Shannan Hickey and raises awareness about intimate partner violence.

The ceremony took place the day before what would have been Shannan’s 28th birthday. Shannan, a compassionate and skilled nurse who had a gift for making people feel cared for and seen, tragically lost her life to intimate partner violence in May 2024.

“Shannan was more than a nurse; she was a bright light who touched everyone around her,” said Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health. “While her loss has left a deep hole in our hearts, this monument ensures her light will continue to shine — reminding people that there is hope, that help is here, and that no one should ever suffer alone.”

The Shannan’s Light monument, situated in front of the Emergency Department — a place where many come in moments of crisis — is designed to send a powerful message to survivors of abuse: You are not alone. It also serves as a call to action. Across Canada, a woman is killed by her intimate partner every six days. In the Quinte region, police respond to hundreds of domestic violence calls each year, though many incidents go unreported. Behind every statistic is a life — each one irreplaceable.

Quinte Health’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Program (DVSARP) operates 24/7 to provide medical care, emotional support, and advocacy to survivors of abuse. Services include safety planning, forensic evidence collection, and connections to shelters, police, and community resources. The monument features a QR code linking directly to DVSARP resources, making it easier for anyone in need to quickly access help.

Shannan’s Light was a shared vision of ONA and Quinte Health, brought to life with generous contributions from Campbell Monument, who helped make the vision a reality.

Read more: https://quintehealth.ca/news-story/shannans-light-honouring-a-nurse-raising-awareness-inspiring-hope/

08/29/2025

We’re excited to invite you to our next Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Community Update (virtual)!

Join us for an exciting update on the new PECMH! The mass timber arrived in late June—and we’re already seeing the second floor taking shape!🏥💙

You’ll hear from key leaders who will:
🔹 Share updates on construction progress
🔹 Preview what’s ahead this fall and winter
🔹 Highlight how the new facility will enhance care for our community

📅 Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
⏰ Time: 4 p.m.
✉️ Register: https://quintehealth.ca/news-story/save-the-date-join-us-for-the-next-pecmh-virtual-community-update-september-30/

Don’t miss this chance to stay informed, inspired, and involved. We can’t wait to share what’s next! Let’s keep building the future of health care—together.

08/28/2025

As Quinte Health prepares for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH), it’s the dedicated team members behind the scenes who continue to make a lasting impact today.

Tim Wilson, a member of the Hospitality Services team, and Joe McKenzie, part of the Maintenance and Facilities team, are two such individuals. Through their commitment to cleanliness, safety and seamless operations, they help ensure PECMH remains a safe and welcoming space for patients, families, and staff—every single day.

“We’re dealing with aging plumbing, outdated infrastructure, and equipment that’s long past its prime,” Joe shared. “You never know if it’s going to be a leaking pipe, an elevator acting up, or heat pumps backing up.”

As Joe keeps systems running, it’s Tim and his Hospitality Services colleagues who ensure that PECMH is a clean, welcoming place to receive care. That effort is evident to every patient and visitor who walks through the doors.

“It’s not just about keeping the hospital clean—it’s about being part of a team that supports one another, no matter the role,” Tim explained. “I take pride in what I do at PECMH. Whether I’m jumping in to lend a hand or making the hospital shine, that pride is what I carry home at the end of the day.”

Both Tim and Joe are excited about what the new hospital will bring—for staff, patients, and the broader community.

“The infrastructure will finally match the level of care our teams are delivering,” said Joe. He notes that while the team will still be needed to respond to the unexpected, having modern systems and equipment will allow them to focus less on emergency fixes and more on preventative care and efficiency.

Tim sees the transition to the new hospital as a positive challenge. “The new hospital won’t just be a new building—it’ll be a whole new job for all of us. New layouts, new routines, and new ways of working together,” he says. “I’m excited for the challenge. It’s a chance to take everything we’ve learned and do it even better.”

Team members like Tim and Joe—working with care and pride—remind us that health care is truly a team effort, from the boiler room to the bedside.

Learn more: https://quintehealth.ca/news-story/together-we-build-pecmh-team-spotlight-featuring-tim-and-joe/

As Quinte Health prepares for the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH), it’s the dedicated team members behind the scenes who continue to make a lasting impact today. Tim Wilson…

08/27/2025

A heartfelt thank you to the Prince Edward District Women's Institute for their generous donation of stuffed toys and bags for our youngest patients at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH). These thoughtful gifts will bring comfort and smiles to children visiting the Emergency Department at PECMH!

Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation
Prince Edward District Women's Institute

08/26/2025

“I recently had some interactions with Rorey in the BGH emergency department. My wife was really sick and I took her to the hospital to try and get her some treatment.

She ended up having emergency surgery after a couple of days in the hospital (she had to have her gallbladder removed), and she is on the mend now.

I wanted to let you know that Rorey was incredibly professional and not just with my wife but with his other patients.

He was caring, calm and very kind to my wife and, despite her being in a great deal of pain, it certainly made a difference.

I hope Rorey is enjoying his profession, which I know can be very challenging yet rewarding. I know he probably doesn’t hear that he’s doing a great job and making a difference, but we certainly got to witness his passion for his work.”

-A grateful family member

Learn how you can say ‘thank you’ to : https://quintehealth.ca/send-thanks-for-care/

08/22/2025

“Dr. Kankesan is a lovely gentleman and has been my oncologist for five years. I have always felt that I am in capable hands. He is a very compassionate, well-informed medical professional. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone no matter what stage of their health journey they are in.”

–Bobbi-Jo Brown

Learn how you can say ‘thank you’ to : https://quintehealth.ca/send-thanks-for-care/

08/20/2025

Jeff Williams may not wear scrubs or carry a stethoscope, but his work is deeply connected to the health and safety of everyone at Quinte Health. As a Safety Consultant serving all four hospitals, Jeff is focused on prevention, protection, and practical improvements that keep patients, staff, and visitors safe.

Recently, Jeff toured the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital emergency department with Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health, to identify opportunities and listen to staff. “Knowing Jeff is out talking to individuals and teams about safety and always thinking about how to keep our people safe is incredibly important,” said Stacey. “He approaches safety with both technical expertise and a human lens.”

Whether he’s on a safety walkthrough, investigating improvement opportunities, or collaborating with teams across departments, Jeff sees safety as a shared responsibility. “It’s not just about checklists,” he said. “Housekeeping, clinical teams, leaders, union reps—everyone plays a role. We each bring different pieces of the puzzle.”

A father of five, Jeff balances his serious day job with backyard swims with his dog, and card games with extended family.

Get to know Jeff: https://quintehealth.ca/news-story/team-quinte-health-we-all-make-a-difference-20/

08/18/2025

“I attended an appointment in the Nuclear Medicine lab on June 18. The two ladies that did my scan were absolutely amazing. They made me feel at ease, checked on me consistently throughout the entire two-hour scan to ensure my comfort, and offered some periodic comic relief as well. I cannot say enough good things about the staff and the positive experience I had that day.”

-A grateful patient

08/15/2025

Thanks to a generous $2,000 grant from the Starlight Children's Foundation Canada, Quinte Health was able to bring a little extra joy to some of our youngest patients! Our team made a quick (and very fun!) shopping trip to the Toys “R” Us in Belleville to pick out toys, games, and activities—funded entirely by the grant. These items are now brightening days and providing much-needed comfort and distraction for kids receiving care on Quinte 7 at Belleville General Hospital.

A huge thank you to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada for helping us bring smiles to patients and staff at Quinte Health!

The Foundation has also provided things like care packages—filled with necessities that might have been forgotten—a Disney+ membership, and Apple TV that pediatric patients can use during their stay.

08/14/2025

When seconds count, so does community. Thanks to a $150,000 gift-in-kind from Picton’s Base31, emergency air ambulance services are continuing uninterrupted while the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital is being built.

Base31 has generously provided the location for the temporary helipad, ensuring Ornge Air Ambulance can quickly transfer patients to life-saving care without delay.

This incredible partnership between Base31, the PECMH Foundation, and Quinte Health is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together for care close to home.

Join us in thanking Base31 for helping our community stay safe during this exciting new chapter for PECMH!

Read more: https://www.pecmhf.ca/base31-partners-with-quinte-health-and-pecmh-foundation

08/13/2025

👷‍♂️🚧 “My New Hospital” – through the eyes of our youngest neighbours 🚧👷‍♀️

Every morning at the HUB Child & Family Centre, the soundtrack isn’t just laughter and learning — it’s the crunch of gravel, the hum of machinery, and the sight of a crane building the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital right next door.

For the children, this construction is more than a project — it’s personal. High-fives from the crew, ever-changing views, and the thrill of watching “their” hospital take shape have sparked big imaginations and even bigger smiles.

This morning, representatives came together to celebrate that excitement. The kids received mini hard hats and safety vests to join the honorary build crew, and a custom “I Spy” game that will turn their daily observations into an adventure.

When asked what the hospital will be like, they didn’t hesitate:

✨ “Bright and big.”
✨ “Huge.”
✨ “Bigger… with rainbows.” 🌈

They dreamed up a kids’ space filled with toys, books, crafts, and cozy corners — a place to feel safe and happy. And when it came to messages for the construction team, the answers were simple but heartfelt:

💬 “Good job.”
💬 “Thank you.”
💬 “We love the new hospital.”

From their window-side view, these kids are watching more than a building rise — they’re seeing community in action. And we think that’s something worth celebrating. ❤️

Read more: https://www.pecmhf.ca/a-front-row-seat-to-something-big-how-a-daycare-found-wonder-in-a-hospital-build

08/12/2025

Ava, Fiona, and Kimberly (Guider) from the Girl Guides 83rd Pathfinder-Ranger Unit recently visited the Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Cancer Clinic at Belleville General Hospital with beautiful gifts in hand—handmade blankets for cancer patients.

As part of their final Trailblazer project before heading off to university this fall, Ava and Fiona and team poured over 12 hours into creating these cozy, comforting blankets. Each of them knows someone who has been impacted by cancer, and they wanted to give back in a way that truly makes a difference.

Their compassion, commitment and community spirit embody the very best of what Girl Guides stand for.

Thank you, Ava, Fiona and the entire 83rd Pathfinder-Ranger Unit, for your thoughtfulness and generosity. You've made a meaningful impact on our patients during one of the most challenging times in their lives.