As Surrey’s health care ecosystem continues to grow, Nicole Robson reflects on her first two years as President & CEO of Surrey Hospitals Foundation and the opportunities ahead for strengthening care across the South Fraser region.
Growing Alongside Surrey’s Health System
Over the past two years I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many people committed to strengthening health care in Surrey.
Two years ago today, I stepped into the role of President & CEO at Surrey Hospitals Foundation at a pivotal moment for our city.
Surrey’s health care teams, community leaders and residents were advocating strongly for the investments our growing city needs, reflecting both the urgency of the moment and the strength, diversity and voice of this community.
It quickly became clear that the role of the Foundation was evolving alongside the growth of Surrey’s health system. Over the past two years we have adapted and grown to meet an expanded mandate.
With the dedication of an incredible leadership team and talented Foundation staff, the guidance of an engaged Board of Directors, and strengthened partnerships with Fraser Health, government, community leaders, corporate partners and donors, the Foundation has evolved to position Surrey for a new era of health care philanthropy.
Becoming Surrey’s Official Health Care Foundation
A key milestone has been Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s designation as the official public health care foundation for the City of Surrey.
Through one foundation supporting Surrey’s major health campuses and programs, we can align priorities across the system, amplify philanthropic impact, and help ensure more equitable investment across sites and services. This model also helps teams innovate and tackle complex health care challenges.
Creating Clear Pathways for Impact
We have also introduced our Pillars of Care, creating clear pathways for donors and partners to invest in the areas of health care that matter most to them across our continuum of care.
And just last month we launched the Surrey Hospitals Health & Research Network to strengthen collaboration across our health ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships with academia and other health focused organizations, the network will help address gaps in the continuum of care while investing in research, innovation and projects that support the needs of our diverse community and strengthen our health care teams.
Looking Ahead: Surrey’s Next Chapter in Health Care
As Surrey enters a defining chapter with major investment in health infrastructure, including our new hospital under construction in Cloverdale and the future second acute care tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital, there is an opportunity to better connect care across the South Fraser region alongside sites such as the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre and the Czorny Alzheimer Centre.
As I begin my third year, I’m mindful that what we do in this moment will not only strengthen our city but create a ripple effect across British Columbia.
As Surrey moves toward becoming the province’s largest city, this is not a moment to think small. It is a moment for our community to show what is possible when we lead together.
Together we can build something lasting, a stronger more connected system of care that will serve this community for generations to come.
I am excited, committed and hopeful for what comes next.
Nicole Robson
President & CEO
Surrey Hospitals Foundation
As the recognized health care foundation for the City of Surrey, Surrey Hospitals Foundation unites donors, health partners and community to drive innovation and improve care across all major health facilities including Surrey Memorial Hospital, the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre, and the new Surrey hospital now under construction among other specialized sites.
