Our Stories

Read the latest stories about what's going on at St. Joseph's Health Care London.

Pam and Alan

One year after a major stroke, Pam is sharing a message that could save a life

One year after a major stroke, Pam is sharing a message that could save a life When Pam Salmoni experienced what she now knows was a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a "mini stroke," she didn't think it was an emergency. She noticed something was wrong when she couldn't pick up an earring she had dropped and her speech became garbled. Her husband, Alan, immediately recognized the warning signs. "He looked at me and said, 'We've got to go to the hospital,'" recalls Pam. But the couple was travelling in the United States at the time and Pam insisted on returning home to Canada...
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Barbara Scott began working at St. Joseph's Hospital in 1974

50 years of dedication at St. Joseph's

Stepping through the doors at St. Joseph’s Hospital for her first day on the job on May 1, 1974, Barbara Scott was eager to start working. Back then, Pierre Trudeau was Canada’s Prime Minister, the average price of a home in London was $31,000 and The Exorcist and The Sting were box office hits...
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Hayley Wickenheiser on stage

Celebrating the great ones

The 2024 Tribute Dinner was an inspiring celebration of determination. Close to 1,000 people gathered at RBC Place London on October 9th to hear from Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and physician, and honour the greatness of the care teams and generous donors. Dr...
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Dr. Michael Silverman

Endocarditis exacts heavy toll for marginalized people: study

A study of five-year survival rates shows treatment for vulnerable people should include in-hospital addiction support and community care, with special attention to the needs of marginalized young women. LONDON, Ont. and REGINA, Sask. – People who inject drugs are dying at an alarming rate from...
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outdoor sign

Climbing the mountain

At a gathering of breast cancer survivors – a summer camp of sorts – Stephanie Knowles spotted a wooden trail post sign with the words: “Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.” For 37-year-old Knowles, that motivational sign has...
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Rebecca Bruzzese

From nightmare to normal: Sniffing out better care

When Rebecca Bruzzese lost her sense of smell and taste after a bout of COVID-19, it was disconcerting. But when it returned a week later, it was downright debilitating. For over a year, Rebecca experienced what is called parosmia – a disorder that causes a distorted sense of smell, turning normal...
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Colposcopy Clinic group photo

Celebrating professional excellence

St. Joseph’s Excellence in Professional Practice Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of nursing and allied health staff who are central to patient and resident care. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. Joseph's through their leadership...
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Celeste pharmacy graduate

Finding her niche, discovering her passion

Celeste Giovanatti wants to be the best pharmacist she can be. She also wants to play a role in reducing what she describes as “fractured care”, which she noticed far too often during placements in community pharmacies throughout her four years of pharmacy school. Now, as a new pharmacy graduate...
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