Local philanthropists and long-time hospital supporters, Claude and Maria Fortier now have their names and that of their son, honoured at the North Bay Regional Health Centre.
The Claude, Maria & Michel Fortier Auditorium recognizes the $500,000 donation the Fortier family made, supporting state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services.
“For more than two decades we have called North Bay our home,” said Fortier. “When we lived farther north, in Hearst, we really understood what it was like to travel for our healthcare. Living in North Bay in our semi-retirement years, Maria and I knew we could help ensure ourselves, our family, friends, loved ones, and our entire community could have access to care, close to home.”
Joined by his son Michel, Fortier says, “An Auditorium is special. It is a place to gather. A place to learn. A place to share successes and a place to connect.”
“Healthcare is a partnership with our government and our community,” said Paul Heinrich, NBRHC President. “This gift helped bring an essential service to our community – our first MRI.”
Each year, NBRHC provides thousands of patients with MRI scans says a news release.
"The foresight of the hospital purchasing the original MRI 11 years ago, included many special features meaning our Health Centre often receives patient referrals from beyond our catchment area – the furthest being Moose Factory. The MRI has an extra wide bore and table that can support patients up to 550lbs. It was this planning and community generosity, which allowed the hospital to keep the MRIs magnet during the $1.7 million upgrade and refurbishment that took place last summer."
Dr. Jeff Hodge, Chief, Radiology explains how community generosity and state-of-the-art equipment influenced his decision to live and work in North Bay, “I came to work in North Bay because the Health Centre’s Diagnostic Imaging Unit was so well equipped – and that is directly the result of community generosity – especially that of the Fortier Family.”
President of the NBRHC Foundation, Tammy Morison pointed out that there are names of people, organizations and businesses throughout the Health Centre, being recognized in different ways. “Each time we see this special signage throughout the hospital, we remember the incredible generosity of our community,” says Morison. “Our donors support the hospital in so many impactful and inspiring ways including monthly giving, gifts in Wills, annual donations, event participation, and investments like the Fortier’s.”
