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.

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“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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Ontario Government Providing Additional Funding for On-Call Care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre

Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha Dave Smith announced Friday that the Ontario government is investing $3,471,232 into the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) to support more on-call funding for doctors working after hours.

photo courtesy of dave smith, facebook.

This funding will help patients to continue to get the care they need in-hospital, right when and where they need it.

“This funding increase will help PRHC by increasing the number of physicians available for patients when the hospital needs that extra support.” said Dave Smith. “This is just one more step the province is taking to ensure the right level of care is available when it is needed and further help reduce wait times for the people of the greater Peterborough area.”

This funding follows through on previous agreements between the Ontario Medical Association and Ontario Ministry of Health to increase dedicated funding for physicians on-call. This funding will support on-call coverage at nearly 100 acute-care hospitals in Ontario.

This funding will support after-hours care at PRHC and allow for more stable after-hours coverage. This investment recognizes the efforts of health care workers, especially those who provide on-call services in addition to their regular working hours whenever hospitals need it.

“On behalf of PRHC, I want to thank MPP Smith, Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health for today’s exciting announcement,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, president and CEO of Peterborough Regional Health Centre. “This funding for on-call support will have benefits for both our physicians and our patients, and help to ensure that the people of our community and region have better access to the care they need, when they need it.”

This funding includes a $12.5 million investment from the 2021 Physician Services Agreement with the Ontario Medical Association which will also commits to a fundamental re-design of the Hospital On-Call Coverage program into a burden-based funding model. This ensures equitable distribution of funding across physicians providing on-call services.

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PRHC Closing COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic March 31; Alternative Assessment and Treatment Available

With declining patient volumes and a shift from acute crisis management to an integrated chronic approach for treating COVID-19, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s (PRHC) COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic (previously the COVID-19 Assessment Centre) will close on March 31.

file photo.

PRHC’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre opened in April 2020 to respond to the community need for COVID- 19 assessment and testing. Since then, it has provided safe and timely access to PCR testing, clinical assessments by nurses, paramedics and physicians, and treatment for COVID-19.

In December 2022, the clinic expanded its services to provide assessment, testing and treatment for patients with respiratory symptoms, including COVID-19, cold and flu.

“The work done to launch and operate PRHC’s COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic over the last three years represents a truly community effort, with a number of healthcare partners coming together to make this service possible for patients,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC’s current Chief of Staff and incoming President & CEO. “I am incredibly proud of the work of this clinic, and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in its success – including every physician and staff member who stepped forward to provide their service and support at a very challenging and uncertain time for all of us.”

The Assessment Centre will remain open through to March 31. After this date, community members are encouraged to take advantage of one or more of the following services:

  • Primary care provider (family doctor)

  • For those individuals without a primary care provider, visit PRHC's website to see a list of care alternatives in the community for unattached patients.

  • Call 811 or visit the Health811 website for safe, high-quality care from a registered nurse.

  • Visit a local pharmacy. Many prescribe and dispense Paxlovid and offer onsite PCR and rapid testing.
    As respiratory illnesses continue to circulate in the region, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect against viruses. All approved COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada are effective at helping to protect against severe illness, including hospitalization and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines remain available to the public through Peterborough Public Health and participating pharmacies.

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Local Service Clubs Launch ‘We Can’t Wait’ Campaign for Campbellford Memorial Hospital Redevelopment

Various local service clubs have launched the ‘We Can’t Wait’ campaign, supporting the redevelopment of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) as part of a larger Campus of Care.

In Oct. 2021, Campbellford Memorial Hospital announced that local farmer Jim Curle had donated nearly 50 acres of land for the proposed redevelopment of the hospital. Photo courtesy of Campbellford memorial hospital.

In addition to a new hospital, the proposed development will also contain a new Long-Term Care home, a Community Mental Health Clinic, the Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network and future plans for supportive senior housing.

With various plans to build a new hospital talked about for decades and formal negotiations with the Province nearing the ten-year mark, executive director of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation John Russell has seen his share of starts and stops when it comes to redevelopment in his ten years with CMH.

“It really feels different this time. We have the land secured, we have partnerships in place, a local Long-Term Care home ready to redevelop alongside us, and even leadership donors who are beginning to indicate their financial support,” said Russell. “Local governments across the region have expressed their support, we’ve really never been this prepared to move to the next step.”

That next step, CMH says, involves securing a planning grant and the Provincial Government’s approval to move the project forward. Although the approval will not only provide the funds required to plan and design the new facility, it will provide the needed regulatory authorization.

“Simply put, we’ve gone as far as we can without that planning grant,” Russell continued.

photo courtesy of CMH.

Lawn signs in support of CMH can be seen throughout Trent Hills and the Kawarthas, directing residents to visit the CMH website to learn how they can help support the redevelopment process and join the We Can’t Wait campaign.

“We’ve always been huge supporters of the hospital,” said president of the Rotary Club of Campbellford Dave Sharp. “We wanted to find a way to help and right now what we need most is to show the Provincial Government that our community is behind this project one hundred percent.”

Sharp and the Campbellford Rotary Club are one of the local service clubs behind the We Can’t Wait campaign.

This sentiment was echoed by president of the Campbellford Lions Club Don May. The Lions have also shown their support behind the campaign.

“We wanted to do what we could to support this project. The proposed redevelopment will be a huge benefit to our community and everyone who lives here,” said May. “Our population continues to grow, continues to age, and we need this project approved now.”

Neighbouring Rotary Clubs in Stirling-Rawdon and Brighton are also supporting the campaign, and CMH says We Can’t Wait signs will soon start popping up in those communities.

photo courtesy of CMH.

A recent analysis of CMH showed that over the next ten years the hospital will need between $25 and $30 million in renovations and repairs to keep the facility up to current standards, and even if approval of a planning grant comes, it will still take up to seven years until a new facility is ready to open.

Over the past year Public Health has closed admission at the hospital twice during COVID-19 outbreaks as the hospital lacks the infrastructure to maintain private rooms and meet modern outbreak control standards. CMH says certain parts of the facility are 70 years old and as a result lack the accessibility, technology and patient flow designs that would typically be found at newer hospitals.

“It really comes down to one of two things; do you continue to spend money maintaining a limited facility, or do you invest that money to build a modern, state of the art hospital that will be able to recruit top talent and continue to provide the exemplary care our community needs,” explained Russell.

Residents who wish to learn more or get involved with the We Can’t Wait campaign can visit the website.

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