Mr. Speaker, on August 16, Guelph General Hospital celebrated 150 years of service to Guelph and Wellington County. What began with just 12 beds and three nurses has grown into a cornerstone of care for more than 200,000 people in our region. Through its expansions and innovations over the years, Guelph General Hospital has always shown an unwavering commitment to care for the patients and families at the heart of their mission.
To everyone who has contributed to this legacy, the nurses, doctors and all of the staff, volunteers, leaders, and donors past and present, I give my thanks. Day after day, decade after decade, they have given their time, expertise and mostly their hearts to others. This milestone belongs to them.
The next chapter begins now for Guelph General Hospital as it works to secure approval for a new hospital to meet the community's evolving health care needs. This takes patience, perseverance and innovation, but with the spirit that has animated GGH for the last 150 years, we know it is possible.
I send my congratulations to Guelph General.