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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Ontario Government Invests Over $3.5 Million to Peterborough Regional Health Centre to Expand Surgeries and Diagnostic Imaging

To help reduce wait times and improve access to care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), the Ontario Government has invested over $3.5 million to expand surgical services and diagnostic imaging capacity, announced on Friday morning.

(From left to right) Dave Smith, PETERBOROUGH-KAWARTHA MPP; DR. LYNN MIKULA, PRHC PRESIDENT AND ceo and Dr. Noel Bennett, Executive Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

A large portion of the funding is through the Incremental Surgical Recovery Funding. This helps hospitals perform more procedures, address surgical backlogs, and ensure patients receive timely care, according to a press release. The PRHC received $2,680,700 to increase surgical volumes.

With the funding, PRHC can perform a wider scope of procedures including orthopedic surgeries such as hip and knee replacements, gynecologic surgeries, cataract procedures, hernia repairs and pediatric surgeries.

The other portion is $879,750 to support additional CT scan hours to help reduce diagnostic imaging wait times and improve access to timely diagnoses.

“By providing more than $3.5 million to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we are making it easier and faster for people in our community to connect to the care they need,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This funding is a vital step in reducing wait times for surgeries and diagnostic imaging, ensuring our local healthcare system has the resources to support patients more effectively. Our government will continue to invest in the frontline services that make a real difference for families right here at home.”

“This one-time funding provides patients with faster access to surgeries and improved outcomes, especially for high-demand procedures like orthopedics, cancer and cataracts,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “Out CT scan volumes at PRHC have doubled over the last 10 years. Targeted investments in these areas are critical to meeting the growing need of the 600,000 patients we serve across a broad urban and rural geography.

@ptbo_canada The Ontario Government has invested over $3.5 million to expand surgeries and diagnostic imaging at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #healthcare ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

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PRHC Performs First Patient Procedure Using Endoscopic Ultrasound

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has performed the first patient procedure supported by Endoscopic Ultrasound technology, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

The procedure was performed by PRHC Gastroenterologist Dr. Olufemi Aoko.

According to the PRHC, Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is an advanced, highly specialized procedure in gastroenterology. It combines an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) with an ultrasound probe to provide real-time, detailed images of a patient’s gastrointestinal tract and nearby organs such as the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder, helping diagnose conditions, stage cancers, and guide biopsies and treatments.

A team of specialists at PRHC offers a broad range of gastroenterology services to a referral population of 600,000 patients across the region, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Dr. Aoko is currently the only specialist at PRHC to perform Endoscopic Ultrasound; the first procedure in Peterborough supported by this new technology took place in March 2026.

“Before EUS was launched at PRHC, we would have had to send patients to other hospitals. The fact that we’re able to offer this procedure means we don’t have to do that, we can perform the procedures right here – it’s a win-win,” said Dr. Aoko. “Having access to this technology was a big selling point for me when deciding to come to Peterborough. This equipment supports me to work at my full capacity, and provides better imaging, allowing for more accurate diagnosis, disease staging, and treatment. It also provides the opportunity to perform biopsies – that’s a key thing. Some of these biopsies would have been done by interventional radiologists in the past, so that makes it exciting.”

Currently, PRHC is the only hospital between Kingston and Scarborough to offer EUS as part of its gastroenterology program.

“This is another powerful example of what our community can achieve through generosity,” says Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO. “Because of our donors, PRHC is able to bring leading-edge technology like Endoscopic Ultrasound to Peterborough, advancing care, expanding PRHC’s Gastroenterology (GI) program, and ensuring patients can access highly specialized diagnostics and treatment closer to home. Investments like this not only transform the patient experience, they also help attract the best and brightest healthcare professionals to our region. We’re grateful to every donor who is helping to build a stronger, more innovative future for care at PRHC.”

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CMHA HKPR Launches Clothing Line Created From Local Artists to Help Fund Mental Health Programs

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) celebrated Mental Health Week with help from local artists by launching a new clothing line to help fund mental health programs, announced on Wednesday.

(From left to right) Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education; Kate Matthews, artist and Lindsay Halcovitch, Perfect Perception. Matthews and Halcovitch are wearing their designs for the clothing line while Veitch holds Phillip Jolicouer’s design. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

CMHA HKPR commissions three local artists in Kate Matthews, Lindsay Halcovitch and Phillip Jolicoeur to create original designs inspired by mental health and wellness.

“It’s super meaningful to contribute,” said Matthews. “This (CMHA HKPR) is my workplace as well so it’s extra powerful, bringing my passion of art and my workplace in putting that together with my passion for mental health.”

“I just felt honoured for this have this opportunity to present some of my designs for such a meaningful purpose,” explained Halcovitch.

“Working with these artists has been incredibly inspiring. Their talent really shines through in every piece, and they’ve created designs that are not only meaningful but genuinely stylish,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “This collection proves that you can support an important cause, start conversations about mental health, and feel proud of what you’re wearing at the same time.”

@ptbo_canada The CMHA HKPR is celebrating Mental Health Week by launching a new clothing collection that brings together mental health advocacy, community connection and local creativity. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mentalhealth ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Partial proceeds from every purchase directly support CMHA HKPR programs and services across Haliburton, Kawartha and Pine Ridge.

Clothing can be purchased online at CMHA HKPR’s website by clicking ‘Shop.’

“It’s so important to note that each person has their own journey, and it was important to us to find different types of artists with different kinds of art styles to really depict each person’s journey and experience with their mental health and wellness,” said Vietch.

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PRHC Performs First-Ever Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Procedure in Peterborough

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has performed its first-ever Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) procedure in the hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab, announced on Thursday morning.

PRHC is now the only hospital between Kingston and Scarborough to offer Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

Dr. Heather Cox, PRHC’s Deputy Chief of Surgery and Section Lead for Vascular Surgery, successfully performed the ICD procedure in March. She was supported by peers from University Health Network (UHN), who also provided training for nursing staff in the lead-up to PRHC’s first patient procedure.

According to the PRHC, an ICD is a small, battery-powered device surgically placed under the skin to monitor for and treat life-threatening, fast heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, that can cause sudden cardiac death. It uses wires to deliver low-energy pacing or high-energy shocks to restore normal heart rhythm. If a life-threatening change in the heart’s rhythm occurs, the ICD automatically delivers a shock to restore normal rhythm, even if the patient is unconscious and alone.

“It’s a life-saving procedure to receive a defibrillator,” said Dr. Cox. “The patient will have the safety of knowing that they’re being monitored carefully, and that the defibrillator will treat them if they run into an unsafe heart rhythm, and restore the heart into a normal, safe rhythm.”

Peterborough resident Ron was the first patient to undergo the ICD procedure. He reports that he is doing very well and feeling fantastic.

“These patients were previously having to travel to sites in Toronto and Kingston to have an ICD implanted. To be able to provide this advanced procedure closer to home at PRHC is an important step forward for the hospital’s regional cardiovascular care program and for patients across our community and region,“ saidd Dr. Cox.

The addition of the ICD procedure is one of several planned expansions to the cardiac program as we work toward a future in which PRHC offers full-service cardiovascular care for patients across the region.

“It’s extremely exciting to see another example of how donor generosity coupled with PRHC’s vision and the skills of its doctors, nurses and staff can so significantly transform patient care,” said Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Donor investment in building PRHC’s capability and capacity to transition to a comprehensive cardiac care program has enabled the introduction of ICD insertion right here, close to home. This will impact so many patients who would otherwise have to travel to Kingston or Toronto for the procedure to insert this life-saving device. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been a part of this ongoing journey. Thank you!”

“The new life-saving treatments coming to PRHC will once again change the face of cardiac care in our region,” said Jim Neill, the philanthropist after whom the hospital’s James B. Neill Cardiac Centre was named in 2021. “I’m glad that my commitment is helping ‘keep our hearts here’ as PRHC builds on a donor-funded cardiac care foundation, on its way to a third cardiac lab and ultimately a full-service heart centre. I’m honoured to be part of the tradition of philanthropy that has supported this hospital since the beginning. I hope that my donation and what it’s helping to make possible will encourage and inspire others, as the donors who have come before have inspired me.”

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The Vine Scaling Back Operations Due to Health Issues; GoFundMe Created to Aid In Recovery

A GoFundMe has been created for pescetarian restaurant The Vine, which has had to cut back its operating hours and service after its co-owner, Tyrone Flowers, posted an emotional message on Instagram on Thursday morning about his unknown health issues.

Tyrone Flowers, The Vine Co-Owner opened the pescatrian restaurant in late May of 2023. File Photo.

“We don't know what the ****’s going on with me,” explained Flowers. “Doctors don't seem to seem to know, there’s lots of tests that still need to be done.”

On April 9, The Vine first went on reduced hours after a trip to the ER according to their Instagram post. Since then, the restaurant has operated on some days with reduced hours and cancelled events. The Vine could not be open consistently due to Flowers’s health issues, which could possibly be a stroke.

“We really haven’t been able to open much since the beginning of April due to debilitating migraines, fainting spells, confusion during service and many more symptoms,” said Lauren Mortlock, Flowers’s spouse and co-owner.

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A post shared by The Vine (@thevine_ptbo)

She started a GoFundMe on Wednesday with a $10,000 goal to help the couple during this period while Flowers recovers.

“We still have specialist appointments, CT scans, MRIs and more ahead of us before we get any answers and with no income coming in it’s hard to keep going,” explained Mortlock. “We are looking for financial support to get us through a month or two while he recovers from what we have been told could be a stroke.”

Flowers reluctantly agreed to the GoFundMe only as a last resort.

“Lauren set up a GoFundMe which was really hard for me to say okay to because if you know me, you know that I hate asking for help but that’s where we are,” he explained.

Flowers and Mortlock are known for giving back, providing free community meals, running animal-fundraising initiatives, giveaways and more.

The GoFundMe has nearly reached $3,000 at the time of this article’s publication. Flowers said he will update the public as often as he can.

Donations to the GoFundMe page can be made by clicking here.

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Ontario Government Announces Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Coverage Expansion For 29,000 Frontline Care Workers

The Ontario Government says it is taking action to strengthen workplace safety protections for 29,000 additional frontline care workers by extending mandatory Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage, announced in Hamilton on Wednesday.

Screenshot.

The expansion applies to all privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes, and group homes. Examples of possible eligible workers include personal support workers, registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and operations staff.

It closes a long-standing gap that has left thousands of workers without protection if they are injured or become ill on the job and is another step in our government’s plan to protect workers and build a more resilient Ontario, stated David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Every day, frontline care workers show up to support people who rely on them,” he said. “They do this work with compassion and dedication, and they deserve to know they’ll be protected if something goes wrong. By extending WSIB coverage across the sector, we’re closing long-standing gaps and making sure no worker caring for others in these facilities is left without support when they need it most.”

The legislation, if passed, would provide workers in all privately operated residential care facilities with the same protections as workers doing the same job in a publicly operated facility, creating a level playing field, improving safety outcomes, and ensuring consistent protections for workers doing the same work regardless of who operates the facility.

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Hospice Peterborough Announces Updated Strategic Plan For 2026 to 2029

Hospice Peterborough announces an updated strategic plan, outlining goals and priorities for 2026 to 2029.

photo courtesy of hospice peterborough, facebook.

Over the last 5 years, Hospice Peterborough has navigated challenges, including continued healthcare transformation in Ontario, demographic shifts with an aging population, economic uncertainty and evolving challenges in primary care and home care access, all while providing quality, dignified and compassionate support for individuals and families.

Some key achievements include:

• Achieving accreditation by Hospice Palliative Care Ontario

• Establishing stable staffing and strong governance practices

• Growing their financial reserves and maintaining stable fundraising

• Expanding programs and growing partnerships with community organizations to deliver programs beyond their walls

• Building a strong partnership with Hospice Norwood and extending their services into rural areas

• Advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives to ensure accessible and culturally sensitive care for all

In alignment with their commitment to continuous quality improvements, Hospice Peterborough has updated their strategic plan, sharing it publicly with the community.

“The renewed and updated strategic plan ensures our continued excellence and ability to respond to emerging needs,” said Board President Marie Hynes. “We are grateful to all who participated in this important planning process, as well as our community for their ongoing support. We are energized to continue our work as your community hospice.”

The priorities for the new strategic plan are:

• Trusted Leader in Hospice Palliative Care

• Exemplary Programs and Services

• Organizational Excellence

• Financial Sustainability

Embedded within these priorities are numerous objectives including exploring ways to expand program awareness, enriching activities for clients, strengthening volunteer engagement and continuing with data-informed practice improvements that help ensure excellent care now and into the future.

For more information or to read the full strategic plan, visit the website.

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Ontario Government to End Funding For Seven Drug Injection Sites Including Peterborough

The Ontario Government is ending provincial funding for the seven active drug injection sites, including Peterborough’s existing Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub, announced on Monday.

To date, the province has invested almost $550 million to support 28 HART Hubs across Ontario. File photo.

In late January of last year, the Ontario Government provided $6.2 million for Peterborough’s HART hub.

According to a press release, the defunding is part of the government’s plan to protect families and communities. This latest step responds directly to local concerns over public safety associated with these sites and furthers the government’s plan to fund treatment and lasting recovery from addiction, rather than continued public funding of drug injection sites, according to Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“Our government is focused on treatment, recovery and safer communities,” she said. “Through our almost $550 million investment to establish HART Hubs across the province, we are ensuring people struggling with addiction can access the care and supports they need to break the tragic cycle of addiction and rebuild their lives while protecting Ontario communities.”

The province is initiating a 90-day wind-down period — 60 days longer than required — to give clients time to transition to support from their local HART Hub. With Peterborough, the other sites include two in Toronto, two in Ottawa, one in Niagara Falls and one in London. During this period, the government stated that it would work directly with municipalities and community partners to ensure a safe, coordinated wind-down of provincial funding for the drug injection sites and a successful transition to the new recovery model.

The defunding follows legislation passed in 2024 that prohibits injection sites from operating within 200 metres of schools and child-care centres.

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Northcrest Pharmacy Gets Second Family Physician As Medical Clinic Expands Access to Care

Dr. Onifade is joining Northcrest Pharmacy and Medical Clinic this April as a second family physician to further access to primary care, announced by the City of Peterborough on Monday.

The clinic is open six days a week, with the expansion expected to add additional access to care for over 2,000 new patients who do not have a regular family doctor. Photo courtesy of Northcrest Pharmacy.

He joins Dr. Tifase and is accepting new patients in the City of Peterborough. Pre-registration is now open for residents who do not currently have a family doctor and wish to schedule a meet-and-greet appointment.  

“Every new physician who starts a practice in the City of Peterborough means more residents will have access to healthcare,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “We are pleased to see clinics expanding their capacity and welcoming doctors who are committed to serving our community.” 

Formerly Fadhil’s Pharmasave, Northcrest Pharmacy and Medical Clinic has served the Peterborough community for over 16 years. Owners Vijay Sappani and Sam Kanni have been working to expand healthcare services available in the neighbourhood.  

“Our goal is to build a community medical hub that makes it easier for patients to access care,” said Sappani. “Reinvesting in the community by bringing in a physician is one step, but helping them settle into the community and succeed in practice is just as important.”  

Dr. Tifase began practicing family medicine at the Northcrest Pharmacy and Medical Clinic in February last year after relocating from the United Kingdom to Ontario. His arrival marked the first step in the clinic’s expansion, as the clinic plans to recruit additional physicians to meet the growing demand for primary care in the community.

“I appreciated the assistance of the City’s physician recruitment coordinator, Chantal Van Parys, and her dedication in helping support licensing requirements, immigration pathways and connecting me with local resources,” said Dr. Tifase. “Having someone local who understood the healthcare system and the community made a real difference as I transitioned into practice here.” 

With two physicians now practicing at the clinic, and open six days a week, the expansion is expected to add additional access to care for over 2000 new patients who do not have a regular family doctor. Patients interested in registering can visit northcrestclinic.com for more information.  

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