PRHC In Partnership With PTBO Fam Docs Brings 'Return & Learn' Program

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) partnered with PTBO Fam Docs to bring the ‘Return & Learn’ program to the community for the first time.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

It has hospital and family physicians collaborating to host 11 medical learners with roots in the Peterborough community for a three-day learning experience in July.

Participants are individuals who have grown up in the Peterborough area and are now studying at medical schools abroad. The goal of the program is to support these learners early in their medical school journey, enhancing their opportunities to match for residency spots closer to home, easing their transition back into the Canadian healthcare system, and supporting them in achieving their goal of returning to practice in our community.

Learners were offered a variety of opportunities during this year’s three-day event, including:

• Shadowing 22 physician preceptors at the hospital and in the community

• Learning clinical skills in PRHC’s dedicated Learning Centre and in areas around the hospital, including IV starts, injections, and mock emergency codes

• Opportunities to engage with other community organizations, including Paramedics, Public Health, Hospice, Peterborough Family Health Team, the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, and Hiawatha First Nation, to gain exposure to healthcare environments outside the hospital setting

“The amount of coordination that went into the itinerary, the preceptor placements, and all the logistics made for a genuinely valuable few days,” said Max Moloney, a medical student who participated in the event. “I know that sentiment is shared amongst my peers as well. The shadow shifts and clinical skills training were a great experience, and everything ran smoothly thanks to the team behind the scenes.

 This unique initiative was co-designed and developed as part of a partnership between PRHC and the PTBO Fam Docs collective, led by Dr. Madura Sundareswaran.

“The Return & Learn program aims to highlight the breadth of opportunities for prospective physicians in Peterborough. By partnering with Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we are able to showcase everything our amazing community has to offer – including a glimpse into the unique and innovative community-based practices of our local family physicians,” said Sundareswaran. “PTBO Fam Docs is excited to continue to work with our community partners towards a long-term, sustainable strategy for physician recruitment and retention, for which mentorship, medical education and sense of community are essential.”

“More than anything, the Medical Affairs team has a way of making PRHC feel like home, where medical students are genuinely valued. It means a great deal to all of us, and to my understanding, it is a truly unique experience in Canada. Most importantly, it only reinforces how much I hope to build my career here at PRHC down the road,” said Maloney.

“By all accounts, this event was an incredible and rewarding experience for everyone involved,” said Dr. Janet Hurst, PRHC. VP & Chief Medical Executive. “To see the participation and enthusiasm from every organization and every learner for this initiative has been inspiring. Return & Learn has been a success in large part due to the collaboration, commitment and involvement of so many people and partners, and we can’t wait to work with them to make this innovative program even better in future years.”

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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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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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PRHC For Third Straight Year Awarded Highest Possible Standing By Accreditation Canada

Accreditation Canada has recognized the Peterborough Regional Health Centre for achieving Accreditation with Exemplary Standing – the highest possible designation for an accredited organization for a third consecutive time since 2017, announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

Every four years, a team of Accreditation Canada surveyors evaluates more than 2,700 standards for quality, safety, and efficiency at PRHC. Following a visit in April, PRHC received the designation as an ‘organizations that go beyond Accreditation Canada’s requirements and demonstrate excellence in quality improvement.’

“It’s a direct result of the hard work and dedication of every leader, healthcare professional, employee, volunteer and experience partner at PRHC that we’ve achieved this designation again in 2026,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “While we have continued to experience a number of systemic challenges, I’m incredibly proud of the work our people have done to set PRHC apart as a leader in transformation, adaptation and innovation among our hospital peers.”

According to a press release, the on-site survey team explicitly commended PRHC for its strong alignment with service excellence standards; consistent emphasis on people-centred care and interdisciplinary collaboration; focus on clear communication practices, such as regular huddles and structured patient handovers; and its strong education and competency development, supported by engaged clinical leadership and meaningful partnerships that strengthen transitions across the care continuum.

“It is my absolute pleasure to congratulate and thank everyone at PRHC for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care and support at every step of their care journey,” said Mikula. “This is a well-deserved achievement for everything you do, and a reflection of the qualities that make this such a remarkable team – here when you need us most.”

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Trent University and PRHC Partner For Healthcare Advancement In Peterborough

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) are partnering to advance healthcare with a new agreement outlining plans to enhance interdisciplinary research activity, leadership training, applied learning and career opportunities and student volunteer opportunities, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This agreement strengthens Trent University’s collaboration with PRHC, creating new opportunities to engage in research, share expertise, and drive meaningful impact in healthcare,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The collaboration is about more than formalizing our work together—it’s about opening doors to new longer-term projects, securing critical funding, expanding hands-on learning for students, and scaling innovations that will help shape the future of healthcare in our region and beyond.”

“At Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we’ve made a strategic commitment to building our teaching and research focus, and our long-standing partnership with Trent University is key to moving this work forward,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “By cultivating our research and innovation partnerships, PRHC will strengthen the patient care and support we offer at our regional hospital for years and decades to come, and offer expanded and enhanced educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields.”

As outlined in a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), Trent and PRHC will work together on various initiatives highlighting the two institutions' strengths, including research, leadership development and experiential learning for post-secondary students, according to Trent.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Research collaborations to tackle pressing health issues – including diabetes and seniors’ care – and expand eligible funding sources for both Trent and PRHC

• Development of data infrastructure and data governance to support seamless and secure knowledge exchanges between healthcare professionals and academic researchers

• Undergraduate and volunteer experience in the hospital for Trent students

• Development of micro-credentials on healthcare leadership

• Adjunct teaching opportunities PRHC staff to serve as adjunct instructors and clinical mentors at Trent

• Sustainability and energy initiatives that help both institutions progress toward reduced environmental footprints

“This is just the beginning of this new avenue of collaboration, and we look forward to sharing more stories and outcomes from the work we do together in the coming months and years with the Peterborough community,” said Julie Davis, vice president, External Relations & Development.

"When strong partners such as PRHC and Trent University work together, supported by their community donors, so much more becomes possible. This is an exciting new example of collaboration and collective efforts fuelling innovation and progress that will help us reimagine what healthcare looks like in our region and create a healthier, stronger community for all,” said Lesley Heighway, president, PRHC Foundation.

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