September 2026 Newsletter

You helped bring the future of MRI care to CMH

Thanks to community generosity, a new MRI magnet arrived at CMH on September 19, making us the first hospital in Canada to welcome this state-of-the-art MRI system. This exciting milestone marks a significant step forward in bringing advanced diagnostic imaging technology to Cambridge and the Region.

It also reflects the power of community support. Your generosity helped bring leading-edge diagnostic services closer to home and will impact patients and families for years to come.

There is still work ahead before the equipment is ready for patients. Following installation, extensive testing and staff training will take place, with the MRI expected to be operational in early 2027.

Watch the video below to see the MRI magnet’s arrival and what your support helped make possible.

Welcoming new Foundation Board members

The CMH Foundation Board helps champion our mission and inspire investment in local healthcare. We’re pleased to welcome two new members to the CMH Foundation Board, bringing diverse expertise and leadership to our organization.

Tom Barker is an Ontario Certified Teacher and longtime Cambridge resident. He brings leadership experience through his work with the Upper Grand District School Board and the CMH Board, serving on its Digital Health Strategy Committee and representing the hospital on the CMH Foundation Board. In his free time, Tom enjoys spending time with family and staying connected to the Cambridge community.

Dr. Edward Chan has served as a General Surgeon at Cambridge Memorial Hospital for more than 28 years, including four years as Chief of Surgery. His longstanding commitment to CMH and the Cambridge community will bring valuable healthcare leadership to the Foundation. Outside of work, Dr. Chan enjoys reading, cycling and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays games.

Please join us in welcoming Tom and Dr. Chan to the CMH Foundation Board!

Celebrating City of Cambridge’s support for mental health and addiction care

Thanks to the City of Cambridge, Council and the residents of Cambridge for their $300,000 contribution to mental health care at CMH. The investment, provided through the City’s 2026 fiscal budget, supported renovations to two Emergency Department Mental Health Safe Rooms and the addition of a third Safe Room in our hospital.

Patients experiencing mental health or addiction-related emergencies can now be seen in dedicated Safe Rooms instead of waiting in the general Emergency Department waiting area. This helps patients experiencing a crisis move into a secure, appropriate environment; improving safety for patients, visitors and staff, and enhancing overall patient experience.

Read more about CMH’s Safe Rooms and the City’s support below.

Truth & Reconciliation learning journey at CMH

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to reflect, learn and honour the experiences of Indigenous Peoples.

Throughout September, CMH staff participated in a variety of learning opportunities to support their Truth and Reconciliation journey. Activities included weekly learning challenges, San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training to build self-awareness and strengthen understanding of how to work in right relationship with Indigenous Peoples, and lunch-and-learn sessions focused on topics such as Indigenous Women’s Health.

These learning opportunities are part of CMH’s ongoing commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing culturally safe care.

Join us for an evening of gratitude

Donors and community members are an integral part of the CMH Foundation family. Join us for Celebration of Champions, a complimentary evening of connection and gratitude celebrating your support for essential equipment and technology at CMH.

Date: Monday, November 2
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Hamilton Family Theatre, Cambridge

Hear updates from Patrick Gaskin CMH CEO, Lisa Short CMHF CEO and Dr. David Cape, surgeon and ICU Lead, speaking about advancements in the department.