Innovation of the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation - Member Statement

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation, again.

Over and above the amazing work they have done to complete renovations to the Dartmouth General, including the new Neville J. Gilfoy wing and expanded dialysis unit, the Dartmouth General Foundation has shown itself to be an incredibly agile organization as it has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.

One great example of their innovative spirit is the drive‑thru testing site next door to the hospital itself. Through the generosity and engagement of a local business owner Darren Godbout, the Dartmouth General established first an outdoor tented drive‑thru testing station and then built a winterized version of the same, allowing residents to get quickly and conveniently tested to keep themselves and others safe.

It is a delight to watch such a large organization as a hospital make such rapid, effective innovations. I’ve heard positive reviews of the experience from constituents and government ministers alike, and I have been a frequent flyer.

The Dartmouth General is an inspired group of people who exemplify what working with and in community can look like.