CEO Report

March 2026

Table of contents

1.0 Strategy in Action

Excellence in Care: Powered by Discovery

  • Sacred Moments bring body, mind, spirit into focus
  • OneChart nears end of final phase of go-lives
  • Lawson LEADS newsletter uptake grows
  • Facility upgrades and planning enable quality research
  • ‘Prescription Box’ pilot program improves participant nutrition

A Vibrant Workforce

  • Innovation, with a ‘Dragon’-style twist
  • Unique volunteer role benefits patient care

Partnering for Impact

  • High school co-ops inspire new generation in health care
  • Homes for Heroes site breaks ground
  • Partnerships include people with lived experience
  • AMOSO grants support clinical research and leadership

2.0 Operational Updates

  • Third-party review of animal research released
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy rollout

3.0 Recognition

  • Cervical check champions
  • Sisters of St. Joseph’s awards 

4.0 CEO Activity

  • Ontario Hospital Association advocacy; St. Joseph’s Day; From the CEO’s Desk staff newsletter

5.0 Federal/Provincial Updates

  • Canada: New federal Chief Public Health Officer
  • Ontario: Six cancer drugs to be fast-tracked; Funding for 1,800 more primary-care professionals; Province to stop funding drug-injection sites; Province to create electronic medical record system for primary care
     

1.0 Strategy in Action

Excellence in Care: Powered by Discovery

Sacred Moments bring Body, Mind, Spirit into focus
St. Joseph’s has become the first Canadian hospital to partner with the Sacred Moments Initiative to explore new ways to address burnout and reconnect with the heart of our work. Launched by the University of Michigan, the initiative is a research-driven movement that focuses on recognizing, understanding and nurturing sacred moments - defined as short, memorable experiences of deep connection, awe or when time stands still. 
With this partnership including piloting sacred moments rounds led by Spiritual Care, St. Joseph’s aims to foster emotional safety, connect to meaningful work and strengthen well-being.

OneChart nears end of final phase of go-lives
OneChart is a comprehensive electronic health record system designed to provide seamless access to patient information and enable efficient coordination of care across departments and disciplines. With go-lives spanning 2021-2026, we have continued to learn from other areas’ rollouts and to recognize and apply opportunities for improvement.

OneChart Phase I (April to June 2021) included staff transitioning from paper to electronic documentation for inpatient areas at Parkwood Institute Main Building and St. Joseph’s Hospital, as well as inpatient and the majority of ambulatory programs at Finch Family Mental Health Care Building. Phase II began with the Mental Health Expansion Phase (April to October 2024) with go lives for London and Toronto Operational Stress Injury clinics, Assertive Community Treatment teams, all staff at Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health, and any remaining ambulatory staff at the Finch Family Mental Health Care Building. The final part of Phase II supports staff in ambulatory clinics at Parkwood Main and St. Joseph’s to transition to electronic documentation. As we enter the final stages of Phase II, the majority of nursing, health disciplines staff and physicians are now documenting electronically.

Lawson LEADS newsletter uptake grows
The Lawson LEADS newsletter continues to grow strong engagement, with “open” and “click-through” rates that exceed industry averages – indicative of a high-quality product that meets the needs of a loyal niche audience. A little more than a year after its launch in Jan. 2025, the newsletter is successfully delivered to 1,135 internal and external people and organizations (an eight-per-cent increase from a year ago). The Feb. 2026 newsletter saw a 65-per-cent open rate and a 47-per-cent click rate – both considered exceptionally high rates for non-profit organizations. Key highlights of the February newsletter include introducing a new Spiritual Health Moment, reinforcing alignment with St. Joseph’s mission; media coverage of high-profile research and achievement across the organization; researcher profiles; and links to new research papers.

Facility upgrades and planning enable quality research
As noted in previous reports, construction continues on B5 and F5 at St. Joseph’s Hospital to prepare for delivery and installation of the PET/MR system. It remains on track for operational readiness this spring. Meanwhile, Lawson leadership is refining scope, priorities and program alignment as it envisions expanded and transformed space elsewhere at our different sites.

AMOSO grants support clinical research and leadership
The Innovation Fund Provincial Oversight Committee (IFPOC) approved 24 research project submissions endorsed by the Academic Medical Organization of Southwestern Ontario (AMOSO) Governing Committee in February. This $3.3 million in funding supports a range of research explorations of up to two years in length. This funding available to academic medical leaders, including clinical teachers, serves to strengthen regional partnerships and foster excellence in care, teaching and research. Additionally, Dr. Cindy Hutnik, Chair of the AMOSO Governing Committee, has recently been appointed as a Provincial Adjudicator on the IFPOC.

‘Prescription Box’ pilot program improves participant nutrition
Clients living with persistent mental health challenges in the community are supported in many ways by St. Joseph’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams. These clients often are advised to eat better and increase their fresh-food intake – but sometimes lack access or resources to make significant changes.

A recently completed pilot program aimed to discover whether delivery of a weekly box of fruits and vegetables could address that issue and improve nutrition in the longer term. The 15 clients who participated said this pilot project improved their awareness of food programs in London and led to increases in the fresh food they ate, even after the pilot ended. The team is now exploring expanding to a second, larger pilot group. 
 

A Vibrant Workforce

Unique volunteer role ‘wheely’ successful in patient care
It has been one year since we implemented the volunteer ‘Wheelchair Locator’ role at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The role was developed in response to concerns from staff and information-desk volunteers that scarcity of wheelchairs at main entrances limited timely access for patients.

Initially, the role was staffed by a volunteer one day per week; however, due to demonstrated impact, it expanded to four days per week as of October 2025. Over the past year, 3,507 wheelchairs (averaging 33 wheelchairs per shift) have been returned to three primary entrances. The team has also received comments from patients expressing appreciation for consistent wheelchair availability.

Innovation, with a ‘Dragon’-style twist
We have launched a “Dragon’s Den for Care Innovation” opportunity at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. All staff and physicians are invited to share their best ideas, as a team or individually, for improving  care, strengthening safety and elevating the overall experience for both staff and those we serve.   Selected ideas will be invited to a friendly Dragons’ Den style pitch event this spring, where innovators will present to a panel of leaders and peers. Winning ideas will receive hands-on support and up to $10,000 to implement their innovation.
 

Partnering for Impact

High-school co-ops inspire new generation in health care
Student Affairs oriented 12 new high school co-op students from the Thames Valley District School Board and London District Catholic District School Board to the organization. Placements this semester include diagnostic imaging, therapeutic recreation, perioperative program, HMMS, facilities and engineering, and the fitness centre at Parkwood Institute. We provided tours for all high school co-op teachers for completion of the mandatory school Safety Assessment Checklists. Additionally, St. Joseph’s is home to co-op placements for high schoolers interested in engineering and skilled trades. These are valuable partnership experiences every semester and demonstrate the value of a mission-driven health organization to teenagers interested in a health-sciences career.

Homes for Heroes site breaks ground
Excavation has begun on the site of the future London Veterans Village, a tiny-home cluster of housing supports for veterans experiencing homelessness. A project of the Homes for Heroes Foundation, the community is being built on the grounds of Parkwood Institute in a partnership with St. Joseph’s Health Care London. The project will feature 25 transitional supportive homes, a resource centre, community gardens and wraparound services. The first residents are expected to move in this summer.

Partnerships include people with lived experience
The Care Partnership Office partnered with the Lawson Association of Fellows and Students (LAFS) to deliver a seminar focused on how to meaningfully involve people with lived experience in research and clinical work. The session brought together students, trainees, clinicians and research staff to learn more about the care partnership model at St. Joseph’s and how care partners can be involved at different stages of research, from early idea development and grant writing to study design and sharing results. We shared practical examples of projects where lived experience helped strengthen the relevance and feasibility of the work. A care partner also spoke about her experience in meaningful engagement in working with Lawson on research projects.
 

2.0 Operational Updates

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy rollout:
St. Joseph’s is committed to using AI responsibly to benefit patients, staff and affiliates. Our new AI Policy sets clear guidelines for responsible AI use to enhance productivity, innovation and satisfaction. The policy was developed and is governed by a committee representing experts in health care, data science, law, ethics, patient advocay and information technology. The policy includes a resource for approved tools and support for evaluating new ones.

While AI can help us work, improve patient care and reduce administrative burden, St. Joseph’s recognizes recognize its responsible use is imperative. Microsoft Copilot Chat is approved for idea generation and content creation only. Personal health information, patient information and confidential business information must never be entered into AI tools.

Third-party review of animal research released
A third-party review of animal research found that Lawson met all regulatory, ethical and professional standards in research. It found no evidence of intentional secrecy, concealment or avoidance of oversight. It also reinforced our position that no other animal or non-animal model could have been used to achieve the translational outcomes the researchers were trying to achieve. It recommended improved communication among St. Joseph’s, Lawson, Western University and Western’s Animal Care Committee (ACC), with clear accountabilities for decision-making, to ensure all parties are aware of their unique roles and responsibilities, to update shared agreements and policies, including transparency plans and enhance the process for reporting of concerns.

Key findings of three other reviews – by the ACC, by the Canadian Council on Animal Care and by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Agribusiness – aligned with those of the third-party panel.

On Feb. 19, we shared those reports with the community and with media (see media coverage below) and committed publicly to developing an action plan to address all recommendations and are working with partners on next steps.

Lawson research services update
As noted in February’s board report, we continue to prioritize continuity, support for research teams and safe, compliant and responsive operations as we create a St. Joseph’s structure that will replace the Office of Research. Recent steps to support the transition include: dedicating three finance staff who will help align research financial operations more closely with hospital and institutional frameworks, while increasing transparency and minimizing disruption to active studies; recruiting for two Lawson-specific health and safety positions dedicated to research; and recruiting for two research navigator positions to be help support, scale and sustain research across the organization.
 

3.0 Recognition

Cervical check champions celebrated
As reported last month, Community Living London was set to honour the Colposcopy team for its work in the community as a leader in pop-up pap testing (now called cervical screening) for cancer detection. The Night of Heroes Fashion Show and Silent Auction awards gala took place in style on Feb. 28, with 10 team members in attendance, including Dr. Robert Di Cecco, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who is Medical Director of the team, at right.

Sisters of St. Joseph’s Awards for Excellence
On March 19, we celebrated four recipients of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Awards for Excellence: Monica Collins; occupational therapist in the Acquired Brain Injury Program; Vicky D’Oria, grants officer with St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation; Kim Smith, instructor in the Veterans Arts Program; and Dr. Steven Macaluso, physiatrist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. It is a privilege to hear and share how they embody commitment the values of St. Joseph’s.
 

4.0 CEO Activity

  • The latest From the CEO’s Desk was published on Feb. 12 and included a ‘Share with Roy’ survey asking staff to identify anything positive in their area that could be adopted in other areas. Survey responses ranged from interdisciplinary safety huddles, the Mobile Coffee Shop and improved foot care.
  • I attended the annual Police Gala on Feb. 12, joining hundreds of others in celebrating robust partnerships with London Police Services.
  • As a member of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) board, I attended meetings in Toronto, as the board continues advocating for sustainable funding models across all hospitals.
  • As a member of OHA’s provincial mental health and addiction committee, I am pleased to learn and share expertise with peer organizations about challenges and solutions in mental health care.
  • On March 19, we celebrated St. Joseph’s Day, and I joined senior leadership in showing appreciation for staff, physicians, researchers and volunteers across all sites. We thank them for the difference they make in the lives of those we serve.
  • I participated in strategic engagement sessions with physician leaders, senior leaders and directors on March 10.
  • We celebrated with St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation and Western University the generosity of Marlene McGrath and Graham Porter, whose $1.3-million donation towards a tri-modality nano scanner and trainees will help personalize cancer care and training for the next generation of health innovators.
     

5.0 Federal/Provincial Updates

Canada

New federal Chief Public Health Officer
Dr. Joss Reimer has been named Canada’s new Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO), for a three-year term. Dr. Reimer is the past President of the Canadian Medical Association and Chief Medical Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She has public health expertise in health communications, health equity, sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections and immunizations. She has contributed to numerous scientific publications and presentations in both official languages, was also the medical lead and spokesperson for Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce and spent nine years as undergraduate director of population health at the University of Manitoba. Voted Humanitarian of the Year by Doctors Manitoba, she is passionate about physician wellness and public health.

Ontario

Rollout begins for additional funding for specialized dementia long-term care
Providing details of a $9-million investment announced in 2025, the province has confirmed that 17 long-term-care (LTC) homes will receive additional funding for specialized dementia care. None of the 17 identified LTC homes are located in the Southwest Region, but funding is expected to expand to include 50 homes by 2027-2028.  

Province to stop funding drug-injection sites
On March 13, the province notified communities with Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs that safe-injection sites would be halted. This is a response to local concerns over public safety associated with these sites and furthers the government’s plan to fund treatment and lasting recovery from addiction, rather than continued public funding of safe-injection sites focused on a supervised-consumption, harm-reduction model The decision affects London’s Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service, operated by Regional HIV AIDS Connection. It also affects two sites in Toronto, two sites in Ottawa and one site each in Niagara and Peterborough.

In 2024, Ford's government banned consumption sites within 200 metres of a school or daycare, targeting 10 sites to be closed by end of March 2025. At about the same time, the province announced it would launch 19 HART hubs, plus 375 highly supportive housing units at a planned cost of $378 million.

Province to create electronic medical record system for primary care
Ontario is creating and sending to tender a province-wide, electronic medical-records system for primary care providers. These secure digital versions of patient medical charts will be accessible to participating physicians and will reduce the cost and time involved in transferring files or repeating medical histories when patients move between health-care providers. About 90 per cent of Ontario family physicians use electronic records for patients’ medical histories, diagnoses, medications and test results; however, the system is fragmented, disconnected and unable to support effective information sharing.

This new system would be developed in partnership with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, recognizing the role that access to a primary care provider plays in keeping workers healthy and helping injured workers return more quickly to their jobs.