Patient Stories

We often receive letters from former patients letting us know how much they appreciated the care received while at Guelph General Hospital. These letters usually focus on the incredible team of staff at the Hospital, and the compassion and kindness with which they work. What we know is that behind this team stand our donors,…

On a cold February night in 2011, Gail Beerman’s husband, Earl, took his last breath. His prostate cancer had spread to his bones and bladder, and the only thing the doctors at Guelph General could do was to keep him comfortable. It was a very difficult time for Gail, but she was grateful for the…

It was Rhonda’s second routine screening mammogram that revealed a lump. A biopsy confirmed breast cancer. “I was shocked” said Rhonda. “I really wasn’t expecting that news, but I was thankful when my physician said it’s in an early stage and my odds of beating it were very good.” Rhonda underwent minor surgery at Guelph…

Malachi Brnjas is one year old now. He’s a bright, handsome little guy who’s just learned to wave goodbye. When he was born with an infection and jaundice, he was admitted to Guelph General’s Special Care Nursery (SCN) for five days of intravenous antibiotics. The SCN is part of the Hospital’s birthing unit where newborn…

Bill and Jean Fitzpatrick are long-time Guelph residents who are enjoying their retirement years. Bill had a career of 33 years at the Upper Grand District School Board. Jean, a former social services worker, keeps connected as a part-time Donor Services Representative for Canadian Blood Services. The lively couple has a penchant for cruises where…

I’ve got to keep going. When Geoff Greaves ended up in Guelph General’s emergency department with internal bleeding in June 2016, he found himself repeating that mantra often. Blood tests revealed his hemoglobin was down in the 50s. Normal levels for men are 140 to 180. It was a scary time for the retired Air…