Carolyn and Tom Skimson are long-time Elora residents and donors to Groves Hospital Foundation.

Carolyn’s 22 years at Groves Hospital began with the role of Staff Development Coordinator, followed by 11 years as Director of Patient Services, preparing her for the role of Executive Director of GMCH during the last 9 years of her Career.

As Executive Director, Carolyn was instrumental in the early planning for the redevelopment of Groves. It was apparent, given the age of GMCH, that a major hospital redevelopment was critical. The first choice was an entirely new facility on a new site, but the funding requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) at the time made this goal unattainable. “When the MOHLTC’s policies changed to enable consideration of a brand new hospital, the funds already raised by the community, physicians, staff and volunteers for the Groves’ Redevelopment, were instrumental in gaining the approval of the Ministry to move forward with planning for the New Groves Hospital”, said Carolyn. “Groves has been described for years as a ‘gem of the community’. The New Groves Memorial Community Hospital will enable the committed physicians, health care professionals, systems support staff and volunteers to serve this rapidly growing community in the spirit of excellence, innovation and high standards inspired by Dr. Groves,” noted Carolyn & Tom. “It will also continue to attract essential health care professionals to our area.”

"Groves has been described for years as a ‘gem of the community’. The New Groves Memorial Community Hospital will enable the committed physicians, health care professionals, systems support staff and volunteers to serve this rapidly growing community in the spirit of excellence, innovation and high standards inspired by Dr. Groves."
- Carolyn & Tom Skimson

For Carolyn & Tom, the opening of the new hospital is a stellar achievement, and they are impressed with the planning, care and forward thinking taken to ensure the new facility is positioned to meet the demands of a growing community into the future. They feel it is vitally important to continue to support the Groves Foundation.

“Health care continues to develop, with new equipment and technology, new treatment modalities and new approaches. Groves will not stand still and will need the community’s support to fund capital equipment, and emerging directions, on an ongoing basis. The role of the community is essential in supporting the level and scope of care our community deserves at Groves and close to home. We’re not only investing in a hospital; we’re investing in a community.” They are both excited to see what the new Groves brings to the future for the community and to those in need of health care.