CEO Report

Accelerating clinical trials and partnerships
Lawson is creating new positions, Clinical Research Navigators, within the operational team to help researchers expedite clinical trial start-up and streamline the maintenance of research projects by providing a comprehensive concierge service. As a dedicated point of contact, the Navigators will bridge communication between research teams and administration, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time. Recruitment for these positions will begin within the quarter.

At the same time, Lawson is actively connecting with external stakeholders to bring in new clinical trials that align with our established research strengths. These collaborations will provide our patients with early access to innovative treatments that are not yet available in standard clinical care.

Adaptive bowling for amputee rehabilitation
When a group of four patients attending amputee rehabilitation expressed a love for bowling, recreation therapist Natalia Gagnon introduced them to adaptive bowling to support their passion and rehabilitation goals. This group of patients has been participating since January 2026. Participants use the bowling alley at Parkwood Institute.

Adaptive bowling is designed to be accessible from either a seated or standing position, with adaptive techniques and equipment to accommodate prosthetic use, balance challenges and varying levels of mobility. It supports a holistic approach to recovery and encourages lifelong leisure participation after amputation. Physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial rehabilitation benefits include: better strength, endurance and activity tolerance; improved ability to practice decision-making; increased confidence following amputation; and peer support and education.

Clinical areas add new volunteer roles
As we continue to highlight the impact of volunteers across the organization, we also connect and work closely with departments and program areas to create and expand meaningful volunteer roles. Over the past month, new roles have been introduced at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the following departments, clinics and programs: Surgical Pre-Admission Department, Rheumatology Clinic, Pain Management Clinic and Trauma and Violence Specialized Primary Care Program (TVSPCP). There has been a marked increase in awareness throughout the organization and community of the impact of volunteers and their role in supporting and assisting in clinical areas.

SGS Ambulatory Optimization Project Update
As part of the Specialized Geriatric Services (SGS) Ambulatory Optimization Project, we are beginning Phase 1 of a realignment designed to better meet the needs of older adults requiring specialized geriatric care. Effective January 23, 2026, Parkwood Institute’s Geriatric Day Hospital began the transition to the newly formed Specialized Intervention Team, which will provide targeted care to patients within our SGS clinics, including Aging Brain and Memory, Falls Fracture Frailty and Mobility (3FM), General Geriatrics, Nurse Practitioner, and Cognitive Neurology Clinics. A key driver of this work has been to define our core purpose as SGS Ambulatory Services and clarify who we are best positioned to serve and who will benefit most from our specialized care.

Key changes include: The Specialized Intervention Team will provide targeted interventions to patients in SGS ambulatory clinics, while ensuring every patient has a Most Responsible Provider (MRP) overseeing their care to align with the Public Hospital Act. Referrals from SGS Inpatients to the Day Hospital are no longer accepted. Patients discharged from inpatient care will be referred to appropriate community-based services, such as Ontario Health at Home and Community Support Services, including programs like Let’s Go Home (LEGHO). Resources from Day Hospital programs - which include the Physical Maintenance, Parkinson’s Education, and Parkinson’s Exercise Programs - will transition to focus on specialized intervention services. Patients will be connected to appropriate services to ensure their care needs continue.

Crucially, these changes help meet demands for an aging population, provide targeted support, are aligned with the Public Hospitals Act, and improve patient-centered care. They do not result in any job losses.

A Vibrant Workforce

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Black History Month celebrations and learning events
In recognition of Black History Month, the EDIB Office organized three engagement opportunities inviting leaders, staff and volunteers to celebrate the legacy, leadership and contributions of Black communities to Canada’s social progress. The events were: storytelling presentations to honour the enduring legacy of Black Canadians and affirming the role of Black leaders in shaping institutions, communities, and collective futures, with focus on contributions to health care and society; culinary experience collaboration at two hospital sites with Yaya’s Kitchen to highlight the food traditions of African, Caribbean and Black communities. A virtual discussion examining how power, expertise, and perceptions of credibility influence whose voices are trusted in healthcare and workplace settings is scheduled to take place Feb. 25 and be led by by Masika Mahabir, CEO and Founder of Diversity Nexus.

Urgent Care Centre Updates

CEO Report

1.0 Strategy in Action

2.0 Operational Updates

3.0 Recognition

4.0 CEO Activity

5.0 Federal/Provincial Updates

6.0 St. Joseph’s in the News

7.0 Environmental Scan