It was with much emotion that the West Nipissing General Hospital bids farewell to its long-time President and CEO, Cynthia Désormiers.
During her tenure, Cynthia has been incremental in adding services to the hospital, including adding key equipment so that residents of West Nipissing could receive essential services without having to travel, and adding to the comfort of its patients and residents through improvement to common spaces, both indoor and out.
No one knows this better than friend and longtime colleague, Sandra Lacoursière, who was invited to say a few words during her retirement celebration which took place at the hospital on December 13, 2023.
Among other things, Sandra noted Cynthia’s determination to make the WNGH a hub for local services, including the purchase and installation of the CT scanner in the Diagnostic Imaging Department.
“When I heard that she was planning on bringing a CT scanner to the hospital I though to myself, no way that’s going to happen!” mused Sandra, but ended by saying that Cynthia’s determination was one of the WNGH’s greatest assets.
The emotion, however, was not limited to the retirement celebration, as Cynthia also participated in the Foundation Board and Hospital Board meetings for the last time.
Foundation Chair Michelle Brouillard took the time to thank Cynthia, stating that it’s been a true pleasure to work with her and to receive her guidance. She added that the West Nipissing General Hospital is an integral part of the community, and that Cynthia ensured that the Foundations’ efforts were on-point and guided.
Hospital Board member Collin Bourgeois echoed Michelle Brouillard’s statements. “I have been lucky to witness Cynthia’s career growth, a growth that has benefitted the hospital and became its growth as well.” He added that “if Cynthia has grown by 100%, then the hospital has gained 300% in return”.
As Cynthia completes her final days with the West Nipissing General Hospital, we hope that she is able to witness the incredible legacy she leaves behind, and that she continues to feel at home within these walls.