Employees invited to be part of historic photo at FMC

Story by Colin Zak

Were you or someone you know born at Foothills Hospital? Foothills is turning 50 and is inviting people young and old who were born at the site in the past half-century to come for a historic group photo on June 18 at 2 p.m.

Opened in 1966, Foothills Medical Centre (FMC) has grown to be one of Canada’s largest hospitals. With more than 1,100 beds, it provides advanced care to more than two million people from Calgary, southern Alberta, southeastern BC and southern Saskatchewan.

“In the last half century the Foothills has seen the start in life for thousands of infants,” says FMC Site Director Michael Suddes.

“People have responded to this opportunity with terrific enthusiasm and we expect hundreds of these families and individuals, from 50 years to five days old, back to have their photograph taken."

Anyone born at FMC, and their family members, are welcome to gather on the south slope alongside the site, shortly before 2 p.m. on June 18. The photos will be available online for purchase.

“This is a real tribute to the impact our staff and physicians have on the community, day in, day out,” says Caroline Hatcher, acting Senior Operating Officer of FMC. “A half century is a milestone for the site and for Calgary. Our motto has become ‘Proud past; healthy future,’ and that’s something we have all taken to heart.”

FMC has planned a week full of celebrations, beginning with opening ceremonies on June 16. The week will include speeches, food, a live band and the opening of the facility’s 1966 time capsule.

There will also be food trucks, free exercise classes for employees and the public, an indoor market, an amazing race for staff, a group photo of people born at FMC in the past 50 years, closing ceremonies and a parade. For more details, visit www.ahs.ca/foothills50th.

“Many of our staff and physicians were born at Foothills, or their children were,” says FMC’s Medical Director Dr. Peter Jamieson. “My three kids were born here, and they'll be in the photo. Taking the photo will be a great moment for many of us at FMC.”

If you would like to attend the June 18 photo, please email michael.suddes@ahs.ca.

Visit www.ahs.ca/foothills50th for details.