NGH officially opens two new Minimally Invasive Surgical Suites
Photo, from left: Tara Willemsen, Director of Perioperative Services and Surgical Clinics; Amanda Sonnenberg, Vice-President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer; Peter Krause, Chair of the NGH Board of Directors; Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of NGH; Dr. John Evans, Chief of Surgery at NGH; Amy Martin, Mayor of Norfolk County; Nick Kokkoros, NGH Foundation Board Member; Sarah Muntz-Flowerday, Executive Director of the NGH Foundation; and Bobbi Ann Brady, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk.
(SIMCOE, ON) Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) has officially opened two new Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) Suites, completing one of the largest investments in the hospital’s history and strengthening surgical care for patients across Norfolk County.
The multi-million-dollar project rebuilt two operating rooms that date back to 1964. NGH now has the capacity for four fully functional operating rooms instead of three, with modern technology, equipment and infrastructure designed for today’s surgical care.
The new suites give surgical teams more flexibility and provide a modern environment for patient care.
For patients, the new suites mean greater access to modern surgical technology without having to travel father for care. More than 5,600 surgical procedures were performed at NGH last year.
Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions, cameras and specialized instruments. Images from inside the body are shown on high resolution monitors, giving surgeons a clear and detailed view during procedures.
For some patients, this can mean less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery.
“This is one of the most important investments NGH has made in surgical care,” says Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of NGH. “These new suites will support our surgical teams and strengthen our ability to provide high quality care at NGH. We are deeply grateful to Norfolk County, the NGH Foundation and every donor who helped make this possible.”
The new suites include advanced 4K laparoscopic technology, ceiling mounted surgical booms, new LED surgical lights, surgical tables and anesthesia equipment.
The ceiling mounted booms bring equipment, power, suction and medical gases together in one place. This helps keep cords, hoses and equipment off the floor, creating a safer and more efficient workspace for surgical teams.
The suites were also designed with input from NGH surgeons and surgical staff.
The modern environment supports NGH’s efforts to recruit and retain surgeons, physicians and other health professionals. Modern technology and well-designed clinical spaces are important when health professionals choose where they want to practise.
“These new suites significantly improve the environment in which our surgical teams provide care,” says Dr. John Evans, Chief of Surgery at NGH. “Modern minimally invasive surgery depends on advanced imaging, lighting and equipment. Having this technology available in our operating rooms will help our teams work more efficiently and strengthen our ability to recruit specialized surgeons to practise here in Norfolk.”
Made possible by our community
The project was made possible through hospital investment and significant support from Norfolk County and the community.
Norfolk County Council voted in 2016 to commit $5 million to NGH for capital projects. Norfolk County contributed $3 million toward this project as part of that commitment. This support reflects the County’s long-standing investment in local health care and will help patients benefit from modern surgical spaces for years to come.
The Norfolk General Hospital Foundation contributed another $1 million through its Building a Better Hospital Campaign. That contribution was made possible by donors from across the community.
“People in Norfolk want access to great health care close to home, and this investment helps make that possible,” says Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin. “We’re proud to support Norfolk General Hospital and the dedicated health care professionals who care for our community every day. These new surgical suites will benefit local patients and families for years to come.”
“This is a proud moment for our donors and our community,” says Sarah Muntz-Flowerday, Executive Director of the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation. “Every person, family, business and community group that supported the Building a Better Hospital Campaign helped make these new suites possible. Their generosity is helping our surgical teams provide modern care for our families, friends and neighbours at our local hospital.”
NGH marked the completion of the project on September 16 with a ribbon cutting and tours of the new suites. Hospital leaders, surgeons, staff, Norfolk County representatives, donors, our MPP of Haldimand-Norfolk, and members of the NGH and NGHF Board of Directors attended the celebration.
Construction began in February 2026 and was planned so surgical care could continue throughout the project. A temporary emergency C-section room was also created in the Maternal Newborn Unit to ensure this critical service remained available.
NGH thanks its surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, staff and everyone who supported the project for their patience, flexibility and commitment throughout construction.
“Our surgical team continued caring for patients throughout construction while adapting to major changes in their work environment,” says Amanda Sonnenberg, Vice President Clinical Services & CNE at NGH. “I want to thank our surgeons, anesthetists, nurses and staff for their patience and commitment. We are also grateful to Norfolk County, the NGH Foundation and every donor who supported this project. Their support gives our teams a modern space to provide care and gives patients access to modern surgical technology at NGH.”
The new MIS Suites were made possible by the support of Norfolk County and donors to the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation. Their investment is helping thousands of patients receive modern surgical care close to home, now and for years to come.
To learn more about the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation and how community donations support patient care at NGH, visit https://www.ngh.on.ca/foundation/
Media Contact:
Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications and Public Relations
W: 519-426-0130 ext. 2454
