New technology and partnerships strengthen care at CCH

Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH) highlighted a year of investments, partnerships, and improvements in patient care during its 2026 Annual Meeting, reflecting on progress made throughout the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The hospital reported growth in services while focusing on its mission of providing exceptional, people-centred care. Investments included new diagnostic and bedside equipment, facility improvements, and expanded programs to support patients across the region.

“This year, we continued to make meaningful strides in implementing our Strategic Plan, guided by our mission to collaborate as a team in delivering exceptional, people-centred care,” said Alice Wilson-Haramis. “Through our iCARE values, we remained focused on enhancing access to care, supporting our people, and advancing integration across the health system.”

CCH reported $197.1 million in revenue and approximately $195.7 million in expenses for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. The Ministry of Health accounted for 74 percent of hospital funding, while other patient revenues, community programs, and additional sources made up the remainder.

The hospital’s workforce included 1,305 employees and 192 credentialed physicians. CCH welcomed 30 new physicians, including locums, supported 284 students, filled 392 positions, recognized 22 retirements, and was supported by 152 volunteers and auxiliary members.

President and CEO Jeanette Despatie said some of the hospital’s greatest achievements have come through collaboration.

“Often our greatest achievements are the relationships and partnerships that we build and strengthen. This year I am particularly excited about the partnership and friendships we are creating with our Akwesasne community,” said Despatie.

She noted the partnership is helping advance cultural awareness, including plans for Indigenous welcoming spaces to create a more culturally safe environment for Indigenous patients and clients.

Technology upgrades were also a major focus. CCH installed and launched a new CT scanner in December 2025, replacing equipment that had reached the end of its lifecycle. The new scanner supports nearly 20,000 CT scans performed annually and improves imaging accuracy and patient experience.

The project was supported by the Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation, including donors and a $1 million estate gift from sisters Rhoda and Minnie Bartle. Overall, the Foundation invested $2.3 million in equipment and programs during the year, including two mobile X-ray units, five ICU cardiac monitors, pediatric diagnostic equipment, mental health supports, and other improvements.

“It has been more than 10 very fast years since we moved into the new West Wing,” said Despatie, explaining that equipment installed during the hospital’s consolidation now requires renewal. “We are fortunate to have an active hospital Foundation committed to working with our generous community to meet these needs.”

CCH also received formal designation as a Level III Trauma Centre by Critical Care Services Ontario and the Regional Trauma Networks. The designation strengthens the hospital’s ability to care for patients with serious injuries, while transferring more complex cases to specialized centres when required.

Mental health care for children and youth was another area of advancement. CCH introduced a shared-care referral pathway connecting Child and Youth Mental Health Services with outpatient psychiatrist Dr. Nadina Abdullayeva. The model allows youth and families to receive psychiatric support alongside familiar clinicians, creating a more coordinated approach to care.

The meeting also marked Wilson-Haramis’s final year on the CCH Board of Directors. She thanked fellow board members, leadership teams, physicians, staff, and volunteers for their commitment.

“We are deeply grateful to our staff, physicians, and volunteers whose compassion and dedication made this year’s accomplishments possible,” said Wilson-Haramis. “Their commitment to Exceptional Care. Always. ensures that our patients and clients continue to receive the highest standard of care.”

Despatie also recognized departing board members and thanked the hospital team for their work.

“We are all proud of the care we deliver at CCH,” said Despatie. “We thank all of our Board members for your support and commitment.”