Janis Reed

Hello! I’m Janis Reed.

Throughout the years, it has been my pleasure to call the North Bay area my home. It is where I raised my family, worked as a supply teacher for almost 20 years, retired with my husband, and where I continue to volunteer with my local community organizations and clubs. I am fortunate that retirement has been fulfilling as it has allowed me the time to slow down, enjoy my grandchildren, and invest my time into doing the things I love most.

Although our children and grandchildren live out of town, they visit often, both at our house and at our camp. We spend a lot of our time enjoying the seasons at our camp, doing everything from canoeing and kayaking to hiking and snowshoeing, reading books, playing euchre, baking goodies and just spending time with one another. Life is good!

Remaining an active volunteer in our community has always been important to me. Since retiring, I have continued to serve as a volunteer coordinator for several senior’s activity clubs.

Last fall, I was in the unfortunate position of needing emergency care. While helping my husband prune a branch from one of our mature white pines, I was struck in the eye by a falling branch. My glasses bounced off my head and blood started to spurt from my eye. The blood was immediate and frightening – my husband rushed me to the Emergency Department at our local hospital, the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC).

I was brought to the Ophthalmology Room where I was treated right away. Dr. Vanessa Ellies, the ophthalmologist on call, ordered an ultrasound and CT scan. I am so thankful I was able to receive this care close to home.

Dr. Ellies removed eight pieces of bark from my eye, glued a small tear on the upper lid, examined a cut on the outer corner, and examined the conjunctiva (the thin membrane that protects your eye). During a follow up appointment 24 hours later, two additional pieces of bark were removed. Dr. Ellies’ caring, positive, and professional manner left me feeling optimistic for a good outcome. Throughout the entire experience, she reassured me and was able to keep me calm. I felt valued – like the treatment and outcome of my injury was important to everyone.

I decided to make a donation to the NBRHC Foundation recognizing the excellent treatment I received. It was important for me to acknowledge the actions of the team who cared for me. I also feel good knowing my donation is helping purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment to care for patients like me.

Are you feeling grateful for care you or a family member received this year at our hospital? Please consider making a donation to honour your experience.

Bringing state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology to our local hospital is truly a partnership between the government, hospital and our community  – where it has the greatest impact.

Having to rush to the Emergency Department for care made me realize how extremely important our hospital is. Being able to provide good health care is important to everyone. It makes me feel empowered knowing that my donations are impacting care available locally – for all of us.

I will be forever grateful for the care and compassion I received from the incredible team in the Emergency Department. Dr. Ellies restoring my vision is something that I will always treasure – she has saved my sight!

I hope you will consider joining me and demonstrating your gratitude with a donation to the NBRHC Foundation. Your generosity will celebrate the compassionate and hardworking frontline workers that care for patients like you and me every day, while also helping purchase advanced medical equipment, investing in exceptional healthcare, close to home.

Janice Reed
Grateful Patient