The weather co-operated Thursday as dignitaries and representatives with St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre gathered at the hospital's outdoor gardens to celebrate its fifth anniversary.
“I am certainly proud of our collective accomplishments and am grateful for our unwavering support,” said Jo-Anne Palkovits, president and CEO of St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre.
The Catholic continuing care centre opened its doors on June 1, 2009 and has since helped more than 1,000 patients with acute care needs.
The centre has a 64-bed rehabilitative care program for geriatric patients with complex care needs.
Many of the patients arrive at the centre after stroke, hip fracture or other life-altering health crisis.
“We are very proud of St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre as it embodies our vision of leading the community in creating a centre of excellence in wellness and aging,” said Ehren Baldauf, chair of St. Joseph's board of directors.
To commemorate the anniversary, Kevin McCormick, president and vice-chancellor of Huntington University, presented St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre with the university's award of merit.
Dignitaries, including Nickel Belt MPP and candidate France Gélinas, John Ruetz, president and CEO of the Catholic Health Corporation of Ontario, and Reverend Jean-Louis Plouffe, of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, planted seeds in the garden to commemorate the anniversary.
Palkovits said the centre will continue to evolve over the next five years to meet the needs of seniors and patients with complex needs.