Norfolk General Hospital Simcoe Ontario

04/24/2026

👋 Meet Carol, a dedicated volunteer at the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH).

This National Volunteer Week, we are proud to spotlight volunteers like Carol, who help residents stay active, connected, and engaged.

For nearly a year, Carol has been volunteering at NHNH, supporting activities and spending time with residents.

Carol assists with arts and crafts, games, and social activities. She also helps bring residents to and from programs, giving her time to talk with them and listen to their stories. For many residents, these moments are the highlight of their day.

“I love interacting directly with the residents,” she says. “I enjoy hearing their stories, laughing with them, and watching them do things that bring them joy.”

Her decision to volunteer was shaped by her own experience.

“When I moved to Simcoe, I was impressed with the care my husband and I received at Norfolk General Hospital,” Carol says. “I wanted to be able to do that for others.”

One moment helped her realize she was making an impact.

“One day, a resident called me by name,” Carol shares. “That is when I felt I was truly part of this community.”

Carol encourages others to consider volunteering.

“Volunteering gives you the opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of others,” she says. “You see how dedicated the staff are, and you realize that even one person can make a difference.”

Carol, thank you for your time, care, and commitment. You help make a real difference in the lives of our residents. ❤😁

04/23/2026

👋 Meet Penny, Treasurer of the Volunteer Association and a dedicated volunteer at Norfolk General Hospital (NGH).

This National Volunteer Week, we are proud to spotlight volunteers like Penny, who support staff behind the scenes and help keep the hospital running smoothly.

Penny began volunteering at NGH in 2021 and also supports the Surgical Day Care unit.

In this role, she helps prepare rooms, restock supplies, and keep everything organized so staff have what they need and can focus on patient care.

“I do whatever the nursing staff require help with,” Penny says. “Fresh gowns, warm blankets, and a well-prepared space all add to patient comfort.”

Penny also serves as Treasurer of the Volunteer Association, where she manages banking, financial reporting, audits, and budgeting. With over 40 years of banking experience, she brings strong knowledge and care to the role.

“I take great pride in what I do and my capabilities,” she says. “I take this position very seriously and want to ensure there is no risk to the association or the hospital.”

Penny takes pride in supporting others wherever she can. During one of her shifts, she noticed a patient who had no way to get home.

“She did not have a ride or money for a cab,” Penny shares. “I worked with staff to arrange for her to get home free of charge. I was glad we could help.”

For Penny, volunteering is about giving back.

“Giving back is my main enjoyment, and the wonderful people I have met over the years is a bonus,” she says.

On Tuesday, Penny was recognized with an Outstanding Service Excellence Award during a National Volunteer dinner and awards ceremony. 😁❤

Penny, thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment. Your work supports our teams and helps improve the experience for patients and families every day. We are fortunate to have you on our team 💙

04/22/2026

👋 Meet Bonnie, Vice President of the Volunteer Association and a dedicated volunteer at Norfolk General Hospital (NGH).

This National Volunteer Week, we are proud to spotlight volunteers like Bonnie, who help guide and support patients and visitors during some of their most difficult moments.

Bonnie volunteers in the hospital gift shop, where she greets visitors, assists with purchases, and helps people feel more at ease.

“I take time to connect with people and help them feel comfortable,” Bonnie says.

In her leadership role, Bonnie supports the Volunteer Association through monthly meetings and helps guide fundraising efforts that support patient care.

“I am proud to contribute to the care patients receive,” she says.

During one of her shifts, Bonnie was able to step in and help when it mattered most.

“A woman came in distressed and needed to get to Emergency,” Bonnie shares. “I brought her a wheelchair and took her to the Emergency Department. I was glad I could be there for her when she needed help most.”

For Bonnie, volunteering is deeply personal.

“I have always volunteered in my community,” she says. “It makes my heart swell with pride and love to be able to contribute in whatever way I can.”

Bonnie, thank you for your leadership, compassion, and commitment. You help make NGH a welcoming and supportive place for everyone. 💙

04/21/2026

Volunteers support patients, residents, and families every day. ❤

They are often the first face you see when you arrive.
A calm voice in a stressful moment.
A steady presence when someone needs it most.

At Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, and Holmes House, more than 250 volunteers support patients, residents, families, and staff every day.

Together, they contribute over 17,000 hours each year and have helped raise more than $100,000 this past year to support patient care, resident life, and hospital programs.

They strengthen the experience for every patient, resident, and family.
They help staff focus on care.
They bring compassion and connection into every space they enter.

Their impact is felt in the moments that matter most.
A warm welcome.
A conversation.
A sense of comfort when it is needed most.

National Volunteer Week is April 19 to 25.

To every volunteer, thank you. 🙏😁

You make a meaningful difference for our patients, residents, and teams every day.

Know a volunteer who makes a difference? Share your thanks below.

04/17/2026

You may never see the lab, but it plays a role in your care every step of the way.

From diagnosis to treatment, lab results help ensure each patient receives safe, accurate, and timely care.

Thank you to our Laboratory Services team for the critical role you play in every patient’s journey. ❤️

04/17/2026

Did you know not all blood is safe for every patient?

Before a transfusion, the lab carefully tests and matches blood to ensure it is compatible. This helps prevent serious reactions and ensures patients receive the right blood when they need it most.

This work is critical during surgery, emergencies, and ongoing care.

04/16/2026

As part of Medical Laboratory Week, we are highlighting the role of our Laboratory Services team in diagnosing and treating infections.

When a patient is unwell, laboratory testing helps identify the exact cause of infection and determines which treatments will be most effective.

This information supports timely, evidence-based decisions and helps ensure patients receive the right care, as quickly as possible.

04/15/2026

As part of Medical Laboratory Week, we’re highlighting the important work happening behind the scenes in our lab.

That blood test you had does more than you might think.

It gives your care team a clear picture of how your body is working and helps guide the next steps in your care. ❤

04/15/2026

⚠️ Increase in suspected drug poisonings in our community.

Grand Erie Public Health is reporting a rise in suspected drug poisonings.

This information is important for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Please take a moment to read and share.

Community Drug Alert: Increase in Suspected Drug Poisonings. For more information please visit https://bit.ly/45FCGiC

04/14/2026

When you are waiting for answers, the NGH lab team is already at work.

Before a diagnosis is given, a test is done.

This is where many diagnoses begin.

04/13/2026

Most people never see the lab. But every patient depends on it. ❤️

This week, we’re celebrating Medical Laboratory Week and shining a spotlight on our Laboratory Services team at Norfolk General Hospital.

With more than 25 staff members, this team performs nearly 500,000 tests every year. Their work helps detect disease, confirm diagnoses, and guide treatment.

Before a diagnosis is made, a test is done. In many cases, care cannot begin without them.

If you have ever had blood work, waited for results, or received a diagnosis, you have relied on this team.

Though patients may never see them, our lab professionals are working around the clock. Their results give doctors and nurses the answers they need to act quickly and safely.

This year, their excellence was recognized with the highest accreditation award from Accreditation Canada Diagnostics.. This reflects their skill, precision, and commitment to quality care.

To our lab team, thank you. 🙏

Your work is trusted.
Your work is essential.
Your work makes care possible.

Happy Medical Laboratory Week. 🎉 💙🙏

04/07/2026

Find something special.

The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home presents Treasures & Totes.

👜 Sunday, April 19
🕐 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
📍 Simcoe Recreation Centre

Shop a curated collection of gently used purses, tote bags, scarves, and jewelry. Most items are $5 to $20, with select boutique pieces available.

🎟️ $25 ticket
Includes $20 to spend

Plus a chance to win a $600 diamond 💎 and emerald ring

Funds support patient and resident care at NGH and NHNH.

Get tickets at the Gift Shop or call 226 440 2042 or 519 426 2495

Click here to learn more: https://www.ngh.on.ca/new-fundraiser-launched-to-support-patient-and-resident-care-at-ngh-and-nhnh/