Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Trent University Advance Healthcare Collaborations at Inaugural ‘Collider’ Event

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and Trent University held the first annual joint Collider event, bringing together more than 100 clinicians, researchers, students and staff to shape community-focused care through research collaborations and knowledge sharing.

photo courtesy of the peterborough regional health centre.

“By creating opportunities for our clinicians, researchers and students to come together, we’re turning collaboration into something tangible,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC. “Collider is about showing what’s possible when we combine clinical insight, academic expertise and real-world data, and it’s only the beginning.”

Collider marks the latest milestone in a collaboration formalized in 2025 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PRHC and Trent University. Over the past year, the two institutions have been working to move from alignment to action, focused on connecting people, ideas, and infrastructure to accelerate healthcare research, education and innovation.

“This Collider event brings people and ideas together. It reflects Trent’s commitment to working alongside community partners to respond to regional needs,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and vice chancellor of Trent University. “By connecting Trent researchers with clinicians at PRHC, we are advancing work that is grounded in community priorities and focused on improving health outcomes close to home and with impacts that reach much further afield.”

One of the first research projects to begin collaboration is led by Trent professors Dr. Amy Greer and Dr. Wesley Burr. In collaboration with PRHC and paramedic service colleagues from PCCP, Greer and Burr, alongside Trent M.Sc. student Shawn Yip, are exploring patterns and trends in toxic drug poisonings in our local community with a focus on the unique nature of healthcare service delivery in large, mixed urban-rural regions.

Research projects emerging through Collider also have access to a new source of funding, which was announced at the event. The Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant, named in honour of a two-time Trent alum and PRHC leader who passed away this past December, will help move ideas from concept to implementation.

“Networking events like Collider are critically important to the advancement of research and projects that are focused on multi-faceted issues, such as healthcare,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice-president of Research & Innovation at Trent. “Opportunities for experts to engage in discussions facilitate better questions and investigations, and ultimately better solutions. Providing targeted funding enables those ideas to come to life.”

Looking ahead, PRHC and Trent are working to further align priorities, expand joint research initiatives and develop a sustainable community of practice. 

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Redevelopment Planning Takes a Major Step Forward

The Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is advancing its redevelopment journey with the development of a comprehensive Clinical Services Plan and Master Program, a critical step in planning for a future hospital facility.

photo courtesy of the The Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

Following a procurement process, CMH has engaged an experienced, integrated consulting team to support this work, including HDR Architecture, Unity Design Studios, Resource Planning Group (RPG), Trans4mation Solutions Consulting and Preyra Solutions Group (PSG). Together, the team will work in close partnership with hospital leadership, staff, physicians and community partners to ensure the future hospital is designed to improve upon how care is delivered today and how it will need to be delivered in the future.

The Clinical Services Plan focuses on understanding current and future health care needs, examining population trends and service demands and identifying opportunities to strengthen care in a modern, integrated rural hospital setting. It will guide decisions about the type of services that will be provided at the new CMH and how those services are organized, while the Master Program will translate those needs into planning assumptions that will guide future planning and design decisions.

“This phase of work is about taking a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to planning our future,” said Jeff Hohenkerk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Campbellford Memorial Hospital. “By developing these plans now, we are ensuring that the next stages of redevelopment are grounded in a clear understanding of our community’s needs and the realities of providing care in a rural environment.”

A core principle of this planning phase is co-design with a focus on understanding what is working well, where pressures exist and how services can be strengthened in a new environment. Input gathered through engagement with staff, physicians, patients and the community will directly shape future planning decisions and ensure the redevelopment supports safe, sustainable and patient-centred care.

“Redevelopment is not just about a new building,” Hohenkerk added. “It is about creating a hospital that enhances patient and family experiences, supports our staff and physicians, and remains responsive and sustainable for generations to come.”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Seeking New Board of Directors Members

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is seeking new members for its Board of Directors, announced on Monday morning.

PRHC's board of directors in 2025. Photo courtesy of THE PETERBOROUGH REGIONAL HEALTH CENTRE.

The Board is responsible for:

• Governing the affairs of PRHC in line with best practices in the sector

• Valuing and embracing anti-oppression, anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion practices and principles within its governance processes

• Commitment to continuously building a truly inclusive and safe organization at every level

• Supporting the implementation of the hospital’s Strategic Plan and ensuring that all decisions are made in accordance with the Plan

• Reviewing and approving PRHC’s Annual Operating Plan

• Providing oversight to quality of care

• Fostering regional relationships needed for seamless care

All interests are welcome, in particular from those with a background and experience in Finance (CPA or business equivalent), Research Translation/Innovation, Digital Strategy/Data, Cybersecurity/AI Governance and/or Risk Management and Compliance.

To express interest and request an application form, contact Margaret Clark via email or by mail at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Administration W4660, 1 Hospital Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7C6.

The deadline to request an application is Mar. 12. Before applying, visit the website for more information.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Named One of Canada’s Best Employers

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has been recognized for the second year in a row by Forbes as one of Canada's Best Employers, announced Tuesday.

file photo.

PRHC is among the top 20 hospital employers nationwide, and 245 overall among 300 Canadian employers across all sectors.

“Healthcare workers choose their careers because they care for people, and it is critical in turn that we take care of them,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, President and CEO of PRHC. “This is why one of our top priorities as an organization is to be a workplace where people can thrive.

PRHC is the region’s largest employer, with more than 3,100 staff, 450 physicians and a group of 250 volunteers delivering acute healthcare to a population of 600,000 in Peterborough and the surrounding communities, including the First Nations of Curve Lake, Alderville and Hiawatha. The 2024-2029 Strategic Plan highlights the hospital’s commitment to being a workplace where people can thrive.

“Every day, our healthcare workers, staff, physicians and volunteers bring the best of themselves to their work, and together, they make this hospital the incredible place that it is,” continued Mikula. “It is wonderful to have PRHC recognized for a second consecutive year as one of the top hospital employers in the country, and we look forward to continuing our work to make PRHC even better as one team, here when you need us most.”

The annual Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers is developed by asking survey respondents if they would recommend their employer to others based on a range of criteria, including compensation, work flexibility, training opportunities and leadership programs.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital’s Laboratory Reports Record Testing Volumes and Strong Performance In 2025

The Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is highlighting the work and performance of its Laboratory Services following the release of the 2025 year-end results, which demonstrate high testing volumes, quality outcomes and timely results.

photo courtesy of the campbellford memorial hospital.

In 2025, CMH’s Core Laboratory collected more than 66,000 samples and performed nearly 149,000 tests. When broken down into individual components, this represents close to 470,000 reported results over the course of the year.

“These numbers really reflect both the volume and complexity of the work our team handles every day,” said Zoe Neilly, Laboratory Manager at CMH. “Behind every sample is a patient waiting for answers, and our staff are committed to delivering accurate, timely results that clinicians can rely on.”

In addition to routine testing, the laboratory made more than 3,300 critical result calls in 2025. These are direct, real-time communications to clinical teams when results indicated potentially life-threatening conditions. 

“Critical result calls are some of the most important moments in our work,” continued Neilly. “They require immediate action, clear communication, and absolute accuracy. Our team takes that responsibility very seriously.”

CMH’s laboratory also continued to invest in quality and modernization, implementing new equipment, introducing online booking for outpatient appointments and expanding in-house testing capabilities while.

Community members who have recently used the lab for outpatient services are encouraged to complete the new patient satisfaction survey.

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New Digital Wayfinding Tool To Help Hospital Goers Navigate Peterborough Regional Health Centre

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has announced Thursday that the MazeMap wayfinding system is now live; a digital tool to aid in hospital navigation.

photo courtesy of The Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

This GPS-enabled tool supports wayfinding within the hospital, starting with a new touchscreen kiosk inside the Main Entrance, or one of four additional touchscreens in locations throughout the hospital building.

Find your way using MazeMap:

1. Tap the touchscreen to get started

2. Search for or add the location you are looking for

3. A map and the best route for you to take will pop up

4. (Optional) Scan the code on the screen to add the directions to your phone

Using a personal device to access directions is completely optional, and is not required to use the MazeMap system. If you do choose this option, you are encouraged to connect to the “PRHC Guest” Wi-Fi network. This will allow the MazeMap system to determine which floor you are on to best guide you to your destination.

Patients and visitors who are using personal devices are also encouraged to download the MazeMap app and search for Peterborough Regional Health Centre to support improved navigation through the hospital.

“Peterborough Regional Health Centre is a 715,000-square-foot regional referral hospital, and we’ve heard your feedback about how challenging it can be to navigate our hallways, whether you’re coming for an appointment, as a support person or to visit a loved one,” says Evan Lyons, VP, Digital Services, Strategy & Planning and Chief Information Officer. “Our goal with the digital MazeMap system is to help make your time at the hospital just a bit easier by providing more and better information, right at your fingertips.”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Welcomes First Baby of 2026

Parents Tahirih and Noah welcomed their baby girl into the world Thursday at 1:01 a.m. as the first baby delivered at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) in 2026.

file photo.

Baby Rowshan-Vandelinde, who is currently awaiting her first name, was born weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces and is the first child for Tahirih and Noah.

“We laboured while the snow fell softly over a sleeping Peterborough and our family began a new year, a new day and a new chapter together in the quiet of the very early morning,” said Tahirih.

PRHC reports that the hospital saw nine births on New Year’s Day.

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Ross Memorial Hospital Welcomes First Baby of 2026

Parents Jessie and Mathew welcomed their baby boy Theo into the world Thursday at 8:47 p.m. as the first baby delivered at the Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) in 2026.

Photo courtesy of ross memorial hospital.

Baby Theo was born weighing 7 pounds 1 ounce and measuring 21 inches (53 cm) long.

“We were not anticipating this as his due date wasn’t for a few more weeks. We had friends over the night before and woke up to my water breaking at 4:45 a.m. I tried to go back to sleep thinking I could wait it out, but I was having contractions, so we came to the hospital. I was in labour for just over 12 hours, pushed for 17 minutes, and then my little sweetheart arrived,” said Jessie. “From the minute we walked in the door and were greeted, to the staff cleaning our room, everyone has been fantastic. Our nurse stayed an extra two hours to see the birth through. It feels like we’ve been at home, it’s been very comforting.”

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Northumberland Hills Hospital Welcomes First Baby of 2026

Hayley Boivin and Nate Hladysh welcomed their baby girl Emma into the world on Thursday at 12:02 a.m. as the first baby delivered at the Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) in 2026.

Photo Courtesy of the Northumberland Hills Hospital.

Baby Emma is the first child for Hayley and Nate, weighing lbs. 7 oz. and measuring 19 inches (49 cm) long.

“We thought she would be born earlier, but as the day went on, we thought maybe she will be a New Year baby. She just made it into the new year! We are excited, happy and a bit overwhelmed,” said Boivin. “We want to thank Dr. Awad and Dr. Smith, the aestheticist Dr. Radonich and the nurses, Alyssa, Tori and Kristen for all of their care and attentiveness.”

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Preliminary Results of Referendum Show Majority of Peterborough County Residents Vote No for the Privatization of Hospitals

The preliminary numbers show a total of 9,345 citizens from across Peterborough City and County voted NO for the privatization of public hospitals in the cross-Province citizen-led referendum held on May 26 and 27 and online.

file photo.

“The numbers are great. It was a massive effort that far exceeded our expectations,” said Peterborough Health Coalition co-chair Marion Burton.

Volunteers counted the in-person votes on Sunday, which saw No votes totalling 4,866, and Yes votes totalling 65. These totals include some workplace votes.

Online voting results from Douro Dummer, Keene, Lakefield, Millbrook, Peterborough and Selwyn totalled 4,479 No votes and 35 Yes votes.

At press time, Peterborough’s preliminary total of No votes is 9,345 and 100 Yes votes.

There are still some workplace votes that remain to be counted.

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