Our Stories

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

Joyce and Earl

Walking Beside Families on Life’s Final Journey: Inside St. Joseph’s Palliative Care Program

For more than 25 years, St. Joseph’s Health Care London has walked alongside patients and families during what can be a very challenging time —end of life care. Since opening in 1999, the Palliative Care Unit (PCU) at Parkwood Institute has been a place of dignity and compassion for individuals across London and Middlesex living with life-limiting illness. St. Joseph’s Palliative Care Program provides pain management and relief of symptoms to those experiencing life-threatening, progressive or terminal illness. The PCU care team helps patients find comfort, supporting them body, mind and...
Read more
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...
Read more
Mount Hope patient transport

Happy campers

Camping can be a pain – travelling out to the woods, packing all the gear, braving the weather. But, through the generosity of London’s Civitan Club, the great outdoors came right to the doorstep of Mount Hope one warm September evening. “Camp Mount Hope” was a one-of-a-kind experience for the...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
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...
Read more
Dr. Susan McNair

An “extraordinary career”

With unwavering compassion and visionary leadership, Dr. Susan McNair has dedicated more than 40 years to improving the lives of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence -a commitment that has earned her the distinguished honour of being named one of the 2025 YMCA Women of Excellence. As...
Read more
Keith Samitt

Strengthening the community

The son of immigrants, Keith Samitt was born in London, and grew up at the end of the depression. After attending Wortley Public School and South Collegiate, he tried his hand at different jobs including selling cars. It didn’t take long before he discovered an interest in real estate, and he hasn’t...
Read more