Hawkesbury, ON – March 27, 2026
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) reached an important milestone on Tuesday with the successful completion of its first procedure using the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution by Johnson & Johnson, marking a significant step forward in surgical innovation at the organization.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Garceau performed the procedure, becoming the first at HGH to use this advanced technology. The VELYS™ system enhances surgical precision and consistency, directly reducing postoperative pain and inflammation and supporting improved patient recovery.
Dr. Garceau shared his enthusiasm following the procedure, emphasizing both the impact of the technology and the strength of the HGH team.
This is exactly the type of technology HGH needs, said Dr. Garceau. It fits naturally into our practice and helps us deliver more precise, patient-centred care. I was once again impressed by the nursing team’s preparedness and support throughout the procedure.
The introduction of this technology reflects HGH’s continued commitment to equipping its teams with the tools needed to provide high-quality, modern care close to home.
Frédéric Beauchemin, President and Chief Executive Officer of HGH, also highlighted the importance of this investment:
At HGH, we are committed to continuously evolving to meet the needs of our community, said Mr. Beauchemin. The addition of the VELYS™ system reflects our dedication to innovation, but above all, to improving the experience and outcomes of our patients. It is also a testament to the expertise and adaptability of our teams, who consistently rise to the challenge of integrating new technologies into their practice.
Dr. Paul E. Beaulé, Chief of Staff, emphasized the clinical significance of this advancement:
The integration of robotic-assisted technology represents an important evolution in how we deliver orthopedic care, said Dr. Beaulé. It supports greater precision in the operating room and contributes to better postoperative outcomes for our patients. This is a strong example of how clinical leadership and innovation come together to elevate the standard of care at HGH.
With this advancement, HGH continues to strengthen its leadership in delivering accessible, high-quality care to the region.
About Hawkesbury General Hospital
Hawkesbury General Hospital (HGH) is a bilingual community hospital committed to providing accessible, high-quality care to the community it serves. HGH values its Franco-Ontarian heritage and is guided by compassion, innovation, and excellence in meeting the needs of its population.
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Media Contact:
Edith Léveillé
Director of Communications and Community Relations
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hawkesbury, Ontario — 19 mars 2026 — The Board of Directors of HGH is pleased to announce the renewal of Dr. Paul E. Beaulé’s mandate as Chief of Staff for a new three-year term.
Dr. Beaulé successfully completed his first mandate. A passionate physician, recognized for his commitment to education and quality of care and a strong advocate for interprofessional collaboration, he has brought his energy, dynamism, and the vision of the Medical Advisory Committee to the continued development of HGH.
During his first term, Dr. Beaulé significantly strengthened the support and leadership structures within the medical staff. The Medical Affairs team was expanded to provide greater support to physicians, while medical leadership became more structured around department chiefs. By investing in the leadership development of department chiefs and establishing clear delegation of responsibilities, he enabled the medical team to play an even more active role in supporting the management team—one of the many initiatives that marked his first mandate.
Under his leadership, the medical–operational dyads have also evolved, and the roles of department chiefs are now more clearly defined and fully recognized within the organization.
Dr. Beaulé also strengthened the relationship with the University of Ottawa, enabling HGH to welcome a growing number of medical students, residents, and international fellows. This collaboration helps enhance HGH’s attractiveness to the next generation of physicians.
His strong belief that healthcare must be accessible to everyone has also influenced the organization’s strategic thinking and aligns with HGH’s vision of Reimagining healthcare for Canadians beyond our cities.
I am proud to continue this work alongside Dr. Beaulé,” said Frédéric Beauchemin, Chief Executive Officer of Hawkesbury General Hospital. “His passion, rigour, and ability to bring projects to completion are tremendous assets for our organization and for the future of healthcare in our region.
Dr. Beaulé expressed his appreciation:
I would like to thank the Board of Directors for its renewed confidence. The progress achieved over the past few years is the result of remarkable collective work among physicians, clinical teams, managers, and employees across the organization. It is a privilege to continue this work with such dedicated colleagues in service of our community.
The Board of Directors also expressed its deep appreciation to Dr. Beaulé for his commitment and contribution to the development of HGH. It considers itself privileged to benefit from the expertise and leadership of a Chief of Staff of Dr. Beaulé’s stature—a highly respected orthopedic surgeon who also helps raise HGH’s profile well beyond our community.
About Hawkesbury General Hospital
Hawkesbury General Hospital (HGH) is a bilingual community hospital committed to providing accessible, high-quality care to the community it serves. HGH values its Franco-Ontarian heritage and is guided by compassion, innovation, and excellence in meeting the needs of its population.
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Media Contact
Edith Léveillé
Director, Communications and Community Relations
Hawkesbury General Hospital
Important Notice – MRI Temporarily Unavailable
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) department at HGH has been out of service since Thursday, 11 September 2025, due to a technical failure of the equipment. The duration of the interruption is undetermined at this time.
During this period:
- Patients from Ontario will be automatically redirected through the Central Intake MRI Service.
- For patients from Quebec, requests must be sent to another facility offering MRI services.
We thank you for your understanding and will keep you informed as soon as service is restored.
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
HGH Holds Annual Meeting and Looks Ahead with Confidence
Hawkesbury, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) held its Annual Meeting today with its members and leadership team. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a year of growth and to highlight the hospital’s renewed direction under the 2025–29 Strategic Plan.
In 2024–25, HGH opened the A2 Transitional Care Unit, launched a fourth operating room, strengthened cybersecurity infrastructure, and welcomed new medical learners — all while continuing to deliver exceptional bilingual care.
“We believe in this team, in this plan, and in the future we are building together”, said Guy Yelle, Chair of the Board of Directors.
The Board also warmly thanked Marco Lalande and Neil Levac for their nine years of dedicated service and welcomed new members Sandra Pilon, Marcel Leclair, Danika Bourgeois-Desnoyers, and Yannick Galipeau.
The 2024–25 Annual Report is available to the public at www.hgh.ca.
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Media Contact:
Edith Léveillé
Director of Communications and Community Relations
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital
edleveille@hgh.ca | 613-632-1111, ext. 61005
Press Release
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital continues to expand its team
Hawkesbury — Following the success of our recruitment efforts at the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH), we are pleased to announce that many positions have been filled. However, some opportunities remain, and we are excited to invite candidates to our upcoming Open House Recruitment event on September 4, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This event is a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to join a thriving and supportive environment dedicated to providing quality care to our community. Attendees will have the chance to meet our team, explore available roles, and even participate in on-the-spot interviews.
We are currently recruiting for the following positions:
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs)
- Personal Care Aides (PCAs)
- Respiratory Therapists (RTs)
- Anesthesia Assistants (AAs)
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapy Assistants/Physiotherapy Assistants (OTA/PTA)
“We are thrilled to welcome new members to our team as we continue to expand our services. Our commitment to delivering healthcare is grounded in placing the human being at the centre of every decision. With the upcoming launch of our new Transition Care Unit and Fourth Operating Room, we are more focused than ever on providing care that truly meets the needs of our community.”
— Freda Stolz, Chief Human Resource Officer, VP, Communications
HGH is a bilingual regional hospital known for its culture of compassion, innovation, and excellence in care. With a main campus in Hawkesbury and satellite centres in Casselman and Clarence-Rockland, HGH offers a comprehensive range of healthcare programs and services.
Join HGH on September 4th to explore how you can make a difference. For more information on available positions, please visit our Careers section.
For further information:
Edith Léveillé
Director, Communications and Community Relations
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital
Phone: 613-632-1111, ext. 61005
Email: edleveille@hgh.ca
Press Release
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of our hospital
Hawkesbury — The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) proudly celebrates 40 years of dedication and compassionate care to our community. Since moving into our facility on May 27, 1984, we’ve been committed to providing exceptional healthcare services and continuously adapting to the changing needs of our community. Over these four decades, HGH has grown and evolved, always prioritizing the health and well-being of our patients.
A Journey of commitment and care
Our journey began with a mission to offer comprehensive and accessible healthcare. Today, HGH is a testament to those values, having expanded our services and facilities to better serve our growing community. We consistently aim to provide the best possible care, from medical treatments to innovative health programs.
Celebrating our community
This milestone is not just about looking back; it’s about celebrating the community that has supported us throughout these years. We invite you to join us in marking this significant anniversary. Your trust and confidence in our services have been pivotal to our success, and we are deeply grateful for your ongoing support.
Your opinion is important!
To ensure we continue to meet your needs and exceed your expectations, we are launching a survey designed to gather your opinions and suggestions. Your feedback is crucial in helping us improve our services and tailor them to better suit the needs of our entire community.
Take part in the online survey now by following this link.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we are excited about the future. Our commitment to excellence in healthcare remains unwavering. We are investing in an outstanding team of professionals, new technologies, expanding our facilities, and enhancing our programs to ensure every patient receives quality care.
Thank you for being part of our history. Let’s make HGH a place where every patient feels like a family member. We look forward to many more years of serving you with the same dedication and compassion that have been the hallmark of our hospital.
HGH— 40 years of care, 40 years of commitment!
“Our 40th anniversary attests the dedication and hard work of our staff, the trust of our patients and the support of our community. We’re proud of our history and excited about our future. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence in healthcare, ensuring that every patient feels like a member of the HGH family.” – Guy Yelle, Chairman of the HGH Board of Directors
HGH is a bilingual regional hospital offering a comprehensive range of healthcare programs and services. Recognized for its culture of compassion, spirit of innovation, and excellence in care, HGH operates a main campus in Hawkesbury and two satellite centres in Casselman and Clarence-Rockland.
For further information:
Edith Léveillé
Director, Communications and Community Relations
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital
Phone: 613-632-1111, ext. 61005
Email: edleveille@hgh.ca
Press Release
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) is hiring
Hawkesbury — The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) will be actively recruiting over the coming months to support the expansion of our services. Career opportunities in various healthcare fields will be available. For information on how to join our team dedicated to providing quality care for our community, visit our web section Job Opportunities.
HGH is gearing up to open a new specialized unit and a fourth operating room in late 2024. This initiative aims to reduce wait times and broaden the spectrum of services offered, ensuring residents in the region can access more care closer to home.
An Open House event is scheduled for May 28th from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. HGH extends an invitation to all professionals and workers in the region who wish to learn more about career opportunities within our organization. Bring your resume and enthusiasm to contribute to an organization that values your well-being and professional growth.
The hospital has numerous positions to fill, particularly in the following areas:
- Nursing, including LPNs, RNs, and NPs (across long-term care, operating room, emergency, medicine/surgery)
- Personal Care Aid
- Rehabilitation professionals (such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, assistants, speech therapists, recreational therapists, dieticians)
- Mental Health Professionals
- Food Services
- Housekeeping Material Management
- Medical Device Reprocessing
- Respiratory Therapy
“We are delighted to offer many career opportunities at the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital. Located strategically in Prescott-Russell, within reach of regions like the Outaouais, Montérégie, and the Lower Laurentians, our hospital provides a dynamic environment for healthcare professionals seeking growth and advancement. Join us as we expand our services with a new specialized unit and a fourth operating room. Let’s make a difference in our community by delivering quality care and pushing the boundaries of healthcare excellence,” explains Frédéric Beauchemin, CEO.
HGH is a bilingual regional hospital offering a comprehensive range of healthcare programs and services. Recognized for its culture of compassion, spirit of innovation, and excellence in care, HGH operates a main campus in Hawkesbury and two satellite centres in Casselman and Clarence-Rockland.
For further information:
Edith Léveillé
Director, Communications and Community Relations
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital
Phone: 613-632-1111, ext. 61005
Email: edleveille@hgh.ca
About HGH
The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) is a 100-bed full-service bilingual regional hospital serving Prescott-Russell and the surrounding area. HGH has its main campus in Hawkesbury and two satellite centres located in Casselman and Clarence-Rockland.
Get involved in the development of your hospital
The HGH Board of Directors is seeking dynamic individuals to fill vacant seats on the 17-member board.
Successful volunteer candidates must:
- Reside in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell, the Township of North Glengarry or the broader Champlain region as defined by the Local Health System Integration Act, 2006.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be bilingual.
- Be available to participate to Board meetings and activities.
How to apply?
Are you interested in representing the interests or your community in matters of healthcare? Please send your resume by email by December 20th at:
Nominating and Education Committee
Hawkesbury and District General Hospital
edleveille@hgh.ca
For more information, please contact Édith Léveillé at 613-632-1111, extension 61005.
HGH celebrates the World Diabetes Day with a doors open event
On this special day, come and meet our diabetes specialists and their allies for a chat and to ask your questions!
Where: HGH Main Entrance, 1111 rue Ghislain
When: November 14, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coffee and snacks will be served!
Invitation to all, people living with diabetes or not
Participants will be able to:
- Take a diabetes screening test.
- Answer a questionnaire to assess their risk of developing diabetes.
- Test their blood sugar levels.
- Receive information on glucometers and nutritional supplements.
- Buy our recipe book for $5 (cash only).
- Participate in a draw for a door prize.
No registration required
Did you know that the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) has a Diabetes Clinic? HGH also provides more than 40 specialized medical clinics for residents of Prescott-Russell and surrounding region? For more information, visit Programs and Services.
Today, the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on two of its inpatient units. HGH’s priority continues to be the safety of our patients and their families, our employees and physicians and our community.
We are working diligently to contain and manage the situation. Our dedicated healthcare professionals are following all recommended protocols plus additional measures are put into place. These include:
- Closing the units to any new admissions.
- Enhanced cleaning on the units, including all common areas on the units.
With our modern building and infrastructure, HGH has distinct zones of services that limit the movement between sectors thus enhancing safety and containing transmission. The Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, Outpatient Clinics, Family Birthing Centre and Day Surgery remain open. Patients can access these areas and receive safe care.
All visitors must wear a mask at all times while in the hospital. Masks are provided.
It is expected that everyone practises good hand hygiene by using hand sanitizers located throughout the facility and by washing their hands regularly.
To minimize the risk of further transmission of infectious diseases, the following visitor restrictions will be in place effective immediately:
- Only essential visitors will be allowed to visit patients with Covid-19.
- Visitors: If you are not feeling well, if you have flu-like symptoms or a fever, please postpone your visit.
We urge community members to follow all public health recommendations, including getting vaccinated, practising good hand hygiene, and wearing masks in public areas to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
HGH remains committed to the health and well-being of our patients, staff, and community. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these challenging times.
