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

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Kent Lewis (middle) received the Community Collaborator Award from St. Leonard's Society of Canada. Pictured with Michael Oates, Executive Director at St. Leonard’s Community Services, London & Region; and Anita Desai, Executive Director, St. Leonard’s Society of Canada

Better together: a decade of partnership recognized on the national stage

When Kent Lewis walked into a room full of St. Leonard's colleagues from across Canada in Calgary this June, he felt it immediately: a shared sense of purpose. Lewis, director of St. Joseph's Health Care London's Forensic Psychiatry Program, was in Calgary to accept the Community Collaborator Award from St. Leonard's Society of Canada — a national honour presented to individuals and organizations whose dedication to collaboration is making communities safer, healthier and more equitable. "I started my acceptance speech by saying, 'You are my people,'" he recalls. "These are individuals who see...

Jenna and Bonnie Haynes standing in a hallway at Parkwood Institute, holding bags of linens

Helping patients in their quest to live fully

Jenna’s eyes light up as she walks through the halls of Parkwood Institute Main Building helping other patients get where they need to go. Since being admitted to hospital in April 2021, the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) inpatient team caring for Jenna noticed her increasing frustration with not being...

Wendi Heal gesturing toward her throat while she sings during therapy to restore her voice

Surviving COVID-19 – the recovery reality

Wendi Heal had heard the horror stories about those who ended up on a ventilator with COVID-19. And here was the lead COVID-19 physician at her bedside explaining her deteriorating condition and just that grim possibility. “I remember asking him what my chances were for recovery once on a ventilator...

Laurel Lamarre and Chris Boyd wearing masks standing in front of the Family Education Resource Centre at Parkwood Institute

Supporting families through education

Understanding how to support a loved one with a severe and persistent mental illness can be challenging and at times, even isolating. That is why, more than 15 years ago, the Mental Health Family Education Course was introduced at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, in support of patients and their...

teenage boy receiving a COVID-19 vaccination from a female clinician

A sigh of relief

Like so many people with serious health conditions, Joel McLaughlin lived in fear of contracting COVID-19. Yet, he was also terrified of what it would take to properly protect himself – the vaccine. At 17, Joel has spent a lifetime in and out of hospital battling asthma, pneumonia and numerous...

two women standing at the counter of the store where they volunteer

Eager to help

While many volunteers continue to stay safe at home, they remain within our hearts and have been greatly missed at St. Joseph’s. Nearly 1,000 volunteers play an integral part in the care experience of each patient, visitor, resident and staff. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, St. Joseph's Volunteer...

Elderly man and woman are seated beside each other and are are kissing with their faces away from the camera

Together again

After more than three decades as husband and wife, Adam and Suzanne Jessburger were separated due to illness. Almost a year ago, during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, both were hospitalized at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). Now the lovebirds are grateful to be together at St...

three members of a volunteer vaccination team wearing matching T-shirts

Reaching out to rise to the challenge

A small but mighty team at St. Joseph’s has been helping to ensure vulnerable individuals in our community receive COVID-19 vaccinations. This trio of staff members, called the COVID Response and Stabilization Team (CRST), volunteer their time administering the vaccine in London area group homes...

an Indigenous woman raises the Wampum flag at Parkwood Institute, as two flag holders look up at it

Recognizing National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21

An important milestone in celebrating the heritage and diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada; June 21, 2021, marks the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day. In recognition of this significant day, the Two Row Wampum Flag was risen for the first time at St. Joseph’s Parkwood...

Stroke patient Michael Kan doing rehabilitation rope exercises with physiotherapists supervising

The steepest slope

Semi-retired Michael Kan went about his typical morning routine on Mar. 29, 2020. As an early riser, his day began with a run, weight-lifting and other high-intensity training exercises. As a natural athlete, runner, skier and outdoor enthusiast, Michael was in impeccable shape when he finished his...