Charlotte's Task Force recognized for keeping CEE Hospital open [GALLERY]

Remaining members of Charlotte's Task Force revealed a plaque in their honour at Petrolia's Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital [CEEH] Wednesday morning.

The group was recognized for its community campaign from 2004 to 2022 to keep the hospital open.

Former task force chair Rosanne Orcutt said there were many times the group wondered if it was going to be able to succeed.

Former Charlotte's Task Force Chair Rosanne Orcutt reveals a plaque in their honour at Petrolia's Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital [CEEH]. May 31, 2023 Photo by Melanie Irwin.

"This is a tribute to this small group of citizens who just decided that we weren't accepting something, we were going to fight against it, and it worked," said Orcutt. "I'm so proud of them, and so proud of myself, just very, very proud."

The 11 member group researched data, engaged politicians, and educated the public.

Orcutt said the community support was phenomenal, with great turnouts at several public meetings.

"One of which was at LCCVI [Lambton Central Collegiate & Vocational Institute] and had over 1,400 people. They had to move into the cafeteria and then they had to move into Gym C. They just overflowed everywhere... people from all over central Lambton came to that meeting. It really did send the message that what was here, needed to stay here," she said.

Orcutt said it's difficult to watch what's happening at other rural hospitals right now, with many being forced to temporarily close their emergency departments.

"I feel very badly for those communities and I sincerely hope that somebody can do something to stop what is going on. Rural health is essential to Ontario and we need to keep it and I know we have to pay for it and I don't care. We'll pay for it! Because it's that important," Orcutt added.

Bluewater Health Vice President of Clinical Operations Laurie Zimmer said the recognition was well deserved.

"We've been very lucky. We've been able to maintain [services] and not have any issues or threat to closure for our emergency department here in Petrolia. We see over 20,000 visits and we are very dedicated to ensure that we can maintain and sustain that ability to be open and we will do that," said Zimmer.

She said all of the staff, members of the foundation, and task force are still dedicated to supporting the commitment to keep the hospital open.

"Capital redevelopment is also an arm of our relationship with the town. We have a community reintegration project which is very unique and urban planning to help develop the health services collaboratively and collectively with the Central Family Health Team, with the town of Petrolia, and our hospital. So, really delivering and planning for services for the future."

Remaining members, and family of those who've passed, of Charlotte's Task Force gather in the Corey Room for a plaque dedication at Petrolia's Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital [CEEH]. May 31, 2023 Photo by Melanie Irwin.

Former Charlotte's Task Force Chair Rosanne Orcutt speaks at a plaque dedication at Petrolia's Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital [CEEH]. May 31, 2023 Photo by Melanie Irwin.

Former Charlotte's Task Force Chair Rosanne Orcutt reveals a plaque in their honour at Petrolia's Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital [CEEH]. May 31, 2023 Photo by Melanie Irwin.

Remaining members, and family of those who've passed, of Charlotte's Task Force revealed a plaque in their honour at Petrolia's Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital [CEEH]. May 31, 2023 Photo by Melanie Irwin.

A plaque in honour of the Charlotte's Task Force at Petrolia's Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital [CEEH]. May 31, 2023 Photo by Melanie Irwin.