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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Lawrence Surridge

A soldier’s true courage

Chief Warrant Officer Lawrence Surridge was just 17-years old when he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1973. His family has deep military roots and he knew it was his calling. His grandfather, who served in the Great War, was a strong influence early in life, instilling traditional military...
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drawing of lightbulb

St. Joseph's helps Shine the Light on women abuse

Are you a victim of woman abuse? Do you know where to go for help? The Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital provides care for women, children and men who have experienced sexual assault/sexual abuse and/or domestic violence. A team of specialized...
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Veteran Robert Kennedy

A time to remember

Robert Kennedy, Second World War veteran, reminisces about his time in the military while gazing at the war medals he received for service in the Atlantic, the Arctic, Africa, Burma, New Zealand and Russia. There is one that stands out above the rest – the Victory Star. “It marked the end of the war...
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foot with hand

Reducing diabetes related amputations

The numbers are startling. Half of all limb amputations in Ontario are directly related to diabetes. Of those, 85 per cent are a result of a foot ulcer (breakdown of the skin) that won’t heal. The impact is devastating, even deadly. Nearly 70 per cent of limb amputees with diabetes will not survive...
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A soldier's story of finding hope

Ten years ago, Wes McTeer, was on the battlefields in Afghanistan. At 21 years of age, alongside fellow soldiers, he cleared main supply roads of improvised explosive devices and mentored the Afghan National Police. It was an extremely dangerous mission, but from an early age, Wes knew he wanted to...
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Denise Taylor

Meet Denise Taylor, Otolaryngology Nurse, Head and Neck Surgery

What do you know about the people you pass in the hall or see in the cafeteria every day? What do they do at St. Joseph’s? Here we will introduce you to a member of the St. Joseph’s family, recognizing their contribution to respect, excellence and compassion. Role As a nurse in St. Joseph’s...
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Preventable pumpkin carving injuries

Every Halloween, surgeons at St. Joseph’s Hand and Upper Limb Centre (HULC) treat patients with severe cuts to fingers and hands suffered while carving decorative pumpkins. “These preventable injuries can lead to surgery followed by three to four months of rehabilitation,” warns Dr. Ruby Grewal a...
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bags

The gift of the ‘Bag Ladies’

In the friendly and quaint village of London’s Old South, tucked away in the basement of the majestic Wesley-Knox United Church, there’s a sweat shop. No guff. Each assigned a specific task, 15 to 25 women sit in clusters at tables toiling all day long – well organized, perfectly choreographed and...
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