PRHC Expands Teaching and Learning Opportunities In Partnership With Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has a new medical learning partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine starting this summer.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PRHC and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Medicine signed an affiliation agreement, making TMU its newest academic partner at PRHC.

This new partnership expands medical teaching experience and capacity for PRHC physicians, and offers additional clinical placement, education and training opportunities for TMU medical learners, according to Dr. Janet Hurst, PRHC Vice President and Chief Medical Executive.

“Peterborough Regional Health Centre has a long history of fostering strong learning relationships that support both current and future medical staff at PRHC and enhance our ongoing efforts to recruit new physicians to the Peterborough region,” she said. “This new partnership with the School of Medicine at Toronto Metropolitan University marks an exciting and significant milestone as we work to advance medical education and training, and to foster innovative research, collaboration and community engagement.

“At the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine, we believe that exceptional medical education happens in the communities where people live, work and receive care. We are excited to partner with Peterborough Regional Health Centre, an organization with a strong commitment to teaching, innovation and patient-centred care,” said Dr. Teresa Chan, Dean of the TMU School of Medicine. “This affiliation will create meaningful learning opportunities for our learners while strengthening the connections between academic medicine and the communities we serve. Together, we are helping prepare the next generation of physicians to provide high-quality, compassionate care where it is needed most.”

“As a regional referral centre serving 600,000 patients across a broad urban and rural geography, this collaboration will only serve to strengthen PRHC’s existing learning programs at a time when building our teaching and research focus is a strategic priority for this hospital,” said Hurst.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Announce New Interim President and CEO

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has appointed Noel Bennett as the next Interim President & CEO, effective on Sept. 25.

Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

He currently serves as Executive Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive at PRHC. He joined the hospital as a Registered Nurse in 2008 and over nearly two decades with the hospital, has taken on progressively senior roles – including manager and then director of Emergency and Critical Care – before joining the hospital’s senior leadership team in 2021.

PRHC launched one of the first Nursing Strategies in Canada in 2025 and hosted its inaugural Nursing Symposium and Nursing Innovation Awards in the same year under Bennett’s leadership according to a press release.

“The Board of Directors has every confidence in Noel’s leadership, and we look forward to seeing him make this move into PRHC’s top role,” said Scott Milligan, Chair of PRHC’s Board of Directors. “This hospital has made great strides on its strategic goals over the last two years, and we anticipate a smooth transition in the fall between two leaders who share a bold and ambitious vision for the future of this hospital. Noel’s many years of experience, and his deep connection and commitment to PRHC’s continued success, are key factors that will serve this hospital well as progress on these goals continues.”

“It’s an honour and a privilege to take on leadership of PRHC at such an important time, and I want to thank the Board of Directors for this incredible opportunity,” said Bennett. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our dedicated leadership team to maintain the momentum we’ve been building, to achieve the ambitious goals we’ve set out for ourselves, and to support the people of this organization as we fulfill our shared purpose as one team, here when you need us most.”

He assumes the role after Dr. Lynn Mikula announced her departure from the hospital on June 18. She takes on the same role at Sinai Health in Toronto.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Ranked Among Top 10 Hospitals For Workplace Culture In Canada

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has been named one of the top 10 hospital employers in Canada for Best Company Culture by Forbes, as announced on Wednesday.

PRHC employs over 3,100 staff and 250 volunteers. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be part of an organization that fully commits itself to providing a workplace where people can thrive the way PRHC has done,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO. “Our people are vital to the work we do every day, and every day we strive to provide meaningful opportunities, care and support for this amazing team so they can be there for you when you need them most.

PRHC ranks eighth among hospital employers nationwide and 63rd overall among 200 Canadian employers across all sectors.

“It is a great honour to have PRHC recognized once again among the top hospital employers in the country and I have every confidence that this organization will only continue to get better in the years to come,'“ said Mikula.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Expands Streamlined Treatment and Evaluation Pathway

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is expanding the eligibility criteria for its successful Streamlined Treatment and Evaluation Pathway (STEP) in the Emergency Department.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Starting Wednesday, STEP will see patients for common summer ailments like bug bites and rashes, as well as other minor illnesses and injuries.

Since the program launched in January 2026, more than 1,300 community members have been cared for through STEP, which pre-screens patients via an online survey for minor illnesses and injuries before they arrive at the Emergency Department (ED). Once they arrive at the hospital, STEP-eligible patients are seen by a dedicated physician.

Before coming to the hospital, patients must complete the survey and receive an email confirming their eligibility for STEP: https://redcap.link/PRHC_STEP.

The expanded list of conditions that will be accepted through STEP as of July 1 includes:

• Respiratory symptoms (cough, nasal or sinus congestion, sore throat, or ear pain)

• Minor limb injuries

• Urinary tract infections

• Return – Stich and staple removal *NEW*

• Return – Next-day limb ultrasound *NEW*

• Return – IV antibiotics *NEW*

• Dental pain assessment (if unable to see a dentist) *NEW*

• Tetanus booster *NEW*

• Rabies follow-up booster *NEW*

• Rash or skin irritation (such as poison ivy or bug bites) *NEW*

• Sexually transmitted infection assessment and treatment *NEW*

• Wound assessment and dressing/packing change *NEW*

• Acute back pain (non-chronic and not from recent trauma) *NEW*

“With the summer months upon us, the ED expects to see an increase in minor illnesses and ailments, so this is the ideal time to expand STEP criteria to include additional patient conditions,” says Jessica Jackson, Director, Emergency, Critical Care, Respiratory Services and Trauma at PRHC. “Patient feedback about STEP has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re so proud of the incredible work being done by this team to improve the ways our patients access care through the ED, which supports us in continuing to provide the best possible care and experience for everyone.”

A dedicated STEP physician is available to see patients with minor illnesses and injuries from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis based on eligibility as determined by the survey and triage.

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PRHC Emergency Department Installing Weapons Detection System After Three-Week Trial Last Year

After a three-week trial last year, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is installing the Xtract One weapons detection system at the Emergency Department (ED) entrance on a permanent basis, announced on Friday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The new system will be installed and activated on July 7. Following installation, everyone who enters or re-enters the hospital through the ED will be required to pass through the sensors.

The permanent installation of this system comes after a successful three-week trial in the summer of 2025, during which 113 items were removed from individuals entering the hospital according to PRHC.

The Xtract One system offers an advanced, non-intrusive screening process, allowing individuals to walk through without stopping or removing personal items. Using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensor technology, the system detects potential weapons and distinguishes them from everyday items.

PRHC assures patients and visitors can expect quick, seamless screening, with no need to remove phones, keys, water bottles or other personal items. The system is mobility- and accessibility-friendly and supports wheelchairs, walkers, and assistive devices. To protect patient privacy, the system does not use facial recognition technology.

Alternative screening will be available for individuals with medical devices, mobility needs or other considerations. Spiritual and cultural practices will continue to be respected throughout the weapons screening process.

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PRHC President & CEO Leaving to Accept New Role In Toronto In October

After a 15-year tenure with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), Dr. Lynn Mikula is moving on from her position as president and CEO to assume the same role at Sinai Health in Toronto in October, announced on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Lynn’s leadership has had a lasting impact on PRHC. Over the course of her time here, she has brought clarity to the organization’s direction, strengthened its foundation, and helped to build a strong, collaborative leadership culture,” said Scott Milligan, Board Chair.

Mikula joined the PRHC in 2011 as a staff general surgeon. She took on successive leadership positions within the hospital, including Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Executive and Executive Vice President.

“We are so grateful for Lynn’s many contributions to this organization over the last 15 years, and for the vision, drive and energy that have earned such widespread recognition and respect,” said Milligan. “While we will be sad to see her go, this move is a testament to both her leadership and the incredible mark she has made on the broader healthcare system in her time with PRHC.”

“PRHC and the Peterborough community have been central to my life and career,” said Mikula. “I am deeply grateful for the trust and support I’ve received over the years from our Board of Directors, our leadership team, and the staff and physicians I am so fortunate to call my colleagues; as well as our partners, volunteers, and donors who make this hospital the great place it is.”

In 2023, Mikula was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as president and CEO of PRHC.

“While this next step means I will be leaving PRHC, the people and the sense of purpose here matter deeply to me, and they always will,” said Mikula. “PRHC is a critical hub for the broad and diverse population it serves, and I am very proud of the work we're doing to advance its role across the region. Between now and my departure this fall, my focus is on ensuring a smooth and steady transition and supporting the organization to continue moving forward with confidence.”

According to the PRHC, during Mikula’s president and CEO tenure, they have achieved a number of major milestones, including:

• The launch of an ambitious five-year Strategic Plan

• One of the first Nursing Strategies in Canada

• A One Team Quality strategy for holistic quality improvement, including the implementation of tiered safety huddles

• PRHC’s first Equity & Reconciliation strategy, including the addition of an Indigenous navigator role at the hospital

• An organization-wide Workplace Well-Being Framework to transform PRHC into a more supportive, responsive and innovative workplace where people can thrive

• The opening of the hospital’s Reactivation Care Centre

• Development and deployment of Peregrine, one of the first custom-built data analytics platforms to launch in a Canadian hospital

• Establishment of a formal partnership with Trent University to build a shared research ecosystem

• Introduction of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) procedure in PRHC’s Cardiac Program – the only hospital to offer this procedure between Kingston and Scarborough

• One of Canada’s Best Employers (Forbes) – 2025, 2026

• One of the first hospitals in Canada designated as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)

• Accreditation with Exemplary Standing for the third consecutive time in 10 years

“While we have continued to experience a number of systemic challenges over the years, I’m incredibly proud of the work our people have done to set this organization apart as a leader in transformation, adaptation and innovation among our hospital peers,” said Mikula. “I look forward to celebrating the amazing things this team will continue to achieve in the months and years ahead.”

Mikula obtained her MD CM from McGill University. She completed residency training in general surgery at the University of Toronto, during which she trained at Mount Sinai Hospital and earned a Master of Science degree at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (LTRI).

The Board of Directors will work closely with Mikula and with PRHC’s leadership team in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

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City of Peterborough With Lakelands Public Health Launch Mosquito Control Program

The City of Peterborough, under the direction of the Lakelands Public Health Medical Officer of Health, has implemented a mosquito larval control program until Aug. 31 to help reduce mosquito populations and prevent the spread of West Nile virus.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program targets mosquito larvae before they develop into biting adult mosquitoes. Larvicide will be applied by hand to catch basins and storm drains in urban areas throughout the City.

The larvicides being used, Altosid Pellets and Altosid Granules, are registered and approved by the Government of Canada for mosquito larval control. All applications will be completed by licensed applicators from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks or trained technicians.

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Peterborough Lakers Launch Second Annual Fundraiser For PRHC Foundation On June 25

For a second straight year, the Peterborough Century 21 Lakers have teamed with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation to support the latter with a special fundraising night on June 25.

(From left to right) Lesley Heighway PRHC Foundation president and CEO shows off her ball skills as Bob Hall, Kinsmen vice president; Teddy, Lakers Mascot and Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement and partnerships watch on. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PRHC Night is when the Lakers take on the Brooklin Lacrosse Club, with all proceeds going towards the PRHC Foundation.

The funding supports PRHC Foundation’s $70 million Campaign to fund state-of-the-art hospital equipment and technology, help attract top healthcare professionals and address urgent needs at PRHC.

With $61.7 million raised, the Lakers have chipped in again to help the PRHC Foundation reach their $70 million goal by March.

“Last year’s PRHC Night was a success and the organization is excited to build on that momentum,” said Len Powers, Lakers Board Chair. “The Lakers are all about community and there’s nothing more important than supporting our regional hospital. PRHC is there for all of us when we need it most and we’re proud to do our part to help.”

The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough committed to match fundraising efforts from the game up to $10,000.

“The Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is proud to support both the Peterborough Lakers and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation,” said Bob Hall, Kinsmen vice president. “For 96 years, the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough has been serving our community’s greatest needs through volunteer service and initiatives such as Kinsmen Super TV Bingo, which raises funds that support communities across the Peterborough region and Eastern Ontario. Healthcare impacts every person and family in our region, and we’re excited to help amplify the fundraising efforts on June 25.”

@ptbo_canada June 25 is PRHC Foundation Night for the @ptbolakerslax with all proceeds for the PRHC Foundation! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #sports ♬ Fighters - OctaSounds

To help with fundraising, an auction featuring a signed hockey stick from Philadelphia Flyers rookie and Peterborough native Porter Martone, as well as a jersey auction. In celebration of Canada Day, the Lakers are sporting Canadian-themed jerseys to be auctioned following the game.

The Lakers’ new Ball Toss initiative will also support the Campaign on game day. Fans can purchase three balls for five dollars for a chance to win by landing closest to the centre of the floor.

Fans can add a two-dollar donation to the PRHC Foundation while purchasing tickets by using the code ‘PRHC26.’

“We’re thrilled to once again partner with a championship organization like the Lakers,” said Lesley Heighway PRHC Foundation president and CEO. “They represent dedication, heart and excellence. We know how passionately this region rallies around the Lakers and PRHC and together we can help reimagine healthcare close to home. It’s wonderful that another community organization like the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough is excited to be a part of the collaboration.”

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PRHC Marks First Anniversary of Nerve Catheter Procedure For Knee Surgeries

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has celebrated the first anniversary of introducing an advanced nerve catheter procedure for patients undergoing knee surgery, announced on Thursday.

Earlier this year, PRHC expanded its team of orthopedic surgeons to eight specialists. File Photo.

According to the PRHC, since June of last year, 220 patients have benefitted from the nerve catheter procedure, which involves having a tiny, flexible tube placed under the skin by an anesthesiologist to provide continuous, targeted numbing of the area following their knee surgery.

Benefits of the nerve catheter include:

• Shorter hospital stays – many procedures can now be done on an outpatient basis rather than requiring overnight hospital stays

• Faster and more comfortable recovery

• Avoidance of opioid usage and related complications

• Reduced wait times for knee surgeries – the current wait time for knee surgery at PRHC is now one to two months.

“The nerve catheter allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own home and provides better pain control after the operation, because the nerve block lasts several days,” says Dr. Carla Henderson, PRHC Anesthesiologist. “Orthopedic surgeons can now offer same-day surgeries with these catheters, which means that we can do more operations and have shorter wait times for patients.”

“I have been telling everybody that if you have this operation, get this catheter,” said Elwyn, PRHC knee replacement patient. “I was expecting pain, I was expecting some sort of symptom from drugs that you take for pain, and because of the catheter, I had none of that.”

PRHC is currently the only hospital between Kingston and Durham that provides this service to patients.

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Ontario Government Investing Over $2 Million to Connect 4,762 People to Primary Care In Peterborough-Kawartha

The Ontario Government has invested over $2,019,200 this year to connect up to 4,762 people in Peterborough City and County to a family doctor or primary care provider by 2029.

Photo courtesy of Dave Smith.

“This investment to enhance local healthcare access showcases our government's absolute commitment to connecting everyone in our region to primary care,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By delivering this vital funding directly to our local health teams, we are ensuring that thousands of unattached patients across Peterborough City and County will have a reliable, high-quality place to turn for medical care closer to home. This funding will significantly impact the lives of local families and relieve pressure on our broader healthcare system.”

Peterborough Family Health Team (PFHT), in partnership with the 360 Nurse Practitioner Clinic, the Peterborough Community Health Centre, and the Peterborough Newcomer Health Clinic, is establishing a process for accepting new patients and will communicate it to the local community.

PFHT was funded through the latest call for proposals under the Primary Care Action Plan, with all 124 teams receiving funding expected to connect another 500,000 patients to primary care across Ontario. Each team has established a plan to attach a high proportion of unattached people in their community, including those on the Health Care Connect waitlist.

In the 2026 Budget, the province is also increasing overall funding for the plan to $3.4 billion between 2025 and 2029.

“This announcement represents a major investment in primary care for our community,” said Duff Sprague, CEO of the Peterborough Family Health Team. “Along with increased funding for the PFHT Connect Clinic, the Government is also introducing system changes that will allow patients to be attached directly to the Peterborough Family Health Team.”

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