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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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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