From Cottage Country to Care Close to Home

Summer in cottage country is about slowing down – spending time out on the boat, sitting on the dock, swimming in the lake, and gathering around the fire for s’mores. For Chris Pavao, a Bowmanville resident, that’s exactly how he expected to spend his time in Georgian Bay. 

What he didn’t expect was to leave with a broken wrist. 

Chris was sent to the fracture clinic at Lakeridge Health Oshawa Hospital, where Dr. Copeland quickly determined that he would need surgery. Within 24 hours, Chris was in the operating room at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital. 

As a contractor, Chris relies on his hands every day. A spiral fracture requiring hand surgery and two pins wasn’t just a painful setback. It raised a bigger question: when would he be able to get back to work? 

“I was really worried because I work in construction,” Chris says, “so the fact that they were able to console me and make me feel comforted really put my mind at ease.” 

That reassurance continued throughout his time at the hospital. Chris spent about 10 hours at Bowmanville Hospital for his surgery before heading home that evening. 

“Everything went great. I woke up and there were wonderful nurses there who were keeping me hydrated and comfortable.” 

For someone who works in the trades, an injury can have an immediate impact. Your hands are your livelihood, and being unable to work can mean more than simply taking time off. It can affect your independence, your family, and your ability to earn a living. 

Chris knows how important it is to have the right care when that happens. His experience gave him confidence that, when he needed it, he had skilled professionals nearby who could help him quickly return to the work he loves. 

It also gave him a deeper appreciation for the people who provide that care every day. 

“For me, it’s security in knowing that there are people here who dedicate their lives to helping strangers. They dedicate their lives to making this world a better place and helping those that need it.”

That commitment to helping others is something Chris understands personally. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, giving back to his community is an important part of who he is. His experience at Bowmanville Hospital gave him another reason to support the people who care for his community every day.

“That’s why we as the Knights of Columbus support the hospital through things like the Staff BBQ. Trying to give back as much as we can to the people who make it all possible.” 

Chris’s summer didn’t go quite as planned. But what could have been a frightening and disruptive experience became a reminder of the importance of having exceptional health care nearby. 

As Bowmanville Hospital looks toward a new future, Chris hopes the community will continue to invest in the hospital and ensure that patients, families and people like him can continue to receive the care they need for generations to come.