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

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More than a Medal: Mark Ideson’s journey to his fourth Paralympics

When Mark Ideson takes the ice at his fourth Paralympic Winter Games in Italy this March, Canada will see a seasoned competitor, a national team leader and a dedicated athlete. What they don’t see is the years of dedication, specialized rehabilitation and ongoing support that help make these moments possible. As the skip of Team Canada since 2018, Ideson has helped keep the country among the world’s wheelchair curling powerhouses. Under his leadership, the team has earned bronze medals at the 2018 and 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. But before the medals, there was recovery and a lot of strength...

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...

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...

Back in the saddle

It had been years since Karen Hendrie rode a bike. But that all changed one sunny July morning. Accompanied by Lynn Benyon, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and Sara Jibb, Occupational Therapist, Karen enjoyed a cycle around Parkwood Institute – with a smile on her face the entire time. Karen, a...

Opening your hearts

On a warm spring morning in May, more than 1,100 people were the first to hear about a new initiative St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation is undertaking – The Patient Assistance Fund for Mental Health Care. Launched at the 2024 Breakfast of Champions event, which shines a light on mental health care...

a woman in a wheelchair gardening with the assistance of a tool as her care provider watches

Putting the pieces together

“I like to say that we put the fun in functional,” says Judy Beitz, a recently retired Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in St. Joseph’s Complex Care program. “Some patients think they're never going to get back home. But getting them engaged in leisure interests actually benefits what they’re...

The good fight

In the fall of 2024, screening rates for breast cancer are set to rise in Ontario – dramatically. And Dr. Sarah Knowles, Surgical Oncologist and Interim Director of the Breast Care Program at St. Joseph’s, is ready to support even more people through the breast care journey. “I get to work with...

Going strong

During her formative years of medical training, Dr. Jamie Fleet started learning about osteoporosis (loss of bone strength) and a seed was planted in her head. After a stroke, someone’s bone health and bone strength weakens rapidly. But she noticed there weren’t any guidelines for Canadian care...

Breanne and Elysia in garden at Parkwood

Regaining life through leisure

When Elysa Spetgang was 21 years old, she had no idea the numbness and tingling in her feet would eventually lead to a medically induced coma and life support, a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and an eight-month stay at St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Parkwood Institute. For four months...

Clintar landscaping workers standing in a field with tall grass and a hospital building in the background

A people-first partnership

As long-time supporters of St. Joseph’s Health Care London, Clintar embodies respect, excellence and compassion in all the ways it works to serve others. It is these shared values that have formed the foundation of a proud 20-year partnership between Clintar and St. Joseph’s. Members of the London...