Contributions of Long Time Hospital Champions, Don and Fran Morrison, Recognized

February 16, 2022

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

February 16, 2022

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY – Don Morrison has long been a champion of Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH). Recently, he and his wife, Fran, made a significant gift in support of the hospital’s new clinical information system and their many years of support are being recognized with a prominent naming opportunity inside the main entrance of the hospital.

“Don and Fran have been steadfast supporters of the Foundation for more than 20 years,” remarks Rhonda Cunningham, NHH Foundation Executive Director. “Don played a pivotal leadership role in the construction of the hospital and the couple’s support has continued ever since. They have contributed to every campaign, are longtime members of our Caring for Generations Society and have shared their plans to provide a legacy gift in their Wills. We cannot thank them enough for continuously supporting our hospital and are happy to announce the lobby at NHH has formally been named The Don and Fran Morrison Atrium in recognition of their outstanding support.”

While Don’s past professional experience was in banking, investments, and as a corporate director and consultant, Fran was a Head Nurse earlier in her career before becoming Nursing Manager in a large Toronto retirement home. They have long felt connected to healthcare and understand the importance of having access to quality care, close to home.

Shortly after moving to Northumberland County in 1997, Don was approached about joining the Hospital Board. He had considerable flexibility as a self-employed consultant and for many years previously had volunteered a substantial portion of his time with numerous not-for-profit organizations, which he found very satisfying. Under the new Board’s leadership, Ministry approval for the build of NHH at its current location was obtained in 1999 and the brand-new hospital opened its doors in 2003. Don was inspired by the exciting opportunity to help build a world-class facility that would care for generations to come.

Don served as Chair of the New Hospital Committee from 1999-2001 and as NHH Board Chair from 2001-2004, a total of 5 years of very intense involvement. More recently, Don has returned to volunteering in a leadership capacity for the hospital, becoming a Community Member in 2018 before being elected to the Board once again in 2020.

“Taking on a leadership role in the building of NHH was one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done,” remembers Don. “It resulted in much more healthcare being brought closer to home and the new hospital was completed on time and on budget. It brought a great boost to our regional economy, which has continued since. Above all, it was a great team effort of the Board, management, staff and community.”

“We cannot talk of the bright future of our hospital without acknowledging our past and the incredible support and leadership of people like Don and Fran that have made NHH the place it is today,” says Susan Walsh, NHH President and CEO. “Their support sets the hospital on great footing to be able to meet the upcoming needs of our community, utilize the most advanced technology, and to continue to provide the best care possible.”

“Since the opening of the hospital, Don and Fran’s support has never wavered,” shares Rhonda. “We always know we can count on their involvement and support for any new initiatives we undertake, and this incredible level of commitment should be celebrated.”

“Everyone should want the best care they can get locally,” shares Don. “Our hospital is strong, viable, and heavily used by Northumberland’s rapidly growing population. We hope to see services continue to grow. Many of our residents do not realize that most of our equipment is not funded by the Ministry. Our community’s support is imperative in helping to equip our hospital and to attract new talent and specialties.”

For more information on how you can support NHH, visit www.nhhfoundation.ca.

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