Peterborough Regional Health Centre Opens Reactivation Care Centre For Patient Restoration

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has opened a new Reactivation Care Centre, a specialized, acute medical unit dedicated to patient reactivation and restoration, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

This new patient care space is designed to help patients prepare to return home once they no longer require acute, hospital-level care, said PRHC. The unit will provide dedicated support for identified patients and their families through a time-specified, short-stay admission, helping each patient achieve specific goals that will allow them to safely transition back into the community.

All ages qualify,but the Reactivation Care Centre will care for seniors.

The Reactivation Care Centre’s interprofessional team will help each patient become as independent and active as possible through a custom-designed approach. It will also work with patients and their families to connect them with the appropriate hospital and community partners and support them before they return home.

The interprofessional team on the unit includes:

• Elder Life Specialist

• Nursing

• Occupational Therapy

• Pharmacy

• Physicians

• Physiotherapy

• Recreation Therapy

• Rehabilitation Assistant

• Seniors’ Care Lead

• Social Work

“The Reactivation Care Centre goes beyond just providing a setting for patients to recover from their acute illness,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO at PRHC. “With a time-limited stay based on the individual’s specific needs, each patient will have access to specialized, restorative care to prepare them for a successful discharge from the hospital. The targeted care being offered on this unit will help to address the increasing demands of our growing and aging community in Peterborough.”

The Reactivation Care Centre was possible through the PRHC Foundation and its donors according to a press release.

"It's because of our community's generous support of the $60 million Campaign for PRHC that the Foundation can respond quickly to PRHC's most urgent needs – such as the Reactivation Care Centre – as they arise throughout the year,” said Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Community donations made it possible to fund $400,000 in vital infrastructure for the reactivation unit, including patient beds, vital signs monitors, and specialized wheelchairs, to help patients return home after hospital care. This is a great example of the power of philanthropy in our community. Thank you, donors.”

“Over the last several years, the government of Ontario has provided a number of critical investments that have allowed PRHC to explore innovative solutions for the growing numbers of patients in the Peterborough region who require hospital care,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This includes $2.9M invested into community partnerships to allow patients who no longer require hospital-level care to be relocated into more appropriate care settings, and more than $600,000 invested into programs offered through the Emergency Department to help patients maintain their independence and prevent unnecessary inpatient stays at the hospital. I am pleased to see the hospital and its partners launch this innovative, hospitalbased care model, and I look forward to hearing more about its successes in the year ahead.”

Key benefits of the new Reactivation Care Centre at PRHC include:

• Specialized care for patients and their families, tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

• Interdisciplinary care excellence: A team that has the right knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide the level of care needed.

• People-centered. Care is focused on what each patient needs to return safely home after their hospital stay. Caregivers are identified, included, and supported as essential care partners and are respected as members of the patient's care team.

• Custom-designed, tech-enabled care space, with a focus on functional enhancement, individualized, patient-centred programming, and supported by technology-enabled care and communication.

• System responsiveness.

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Police Warn Public of PRHC Fundraising Scam Circulating In Peterborough

The Peterborough Police Service is warning residents and businesses to be aware of scams, particularly ones aimed at supporting the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Police received a report that a local business was contacted to purchase advertising in a ‘children’s activity guide’ to support the PRHC.  PRHC has stated that they no affiliation with the group or any such publication.

Officers in the Fraud Unit say the business did the right thing by contacting the hospital to see if this was a project in which they were involved. 

These incidents can be reported through the online reporting portal.

The Police have provided tips to protect yourself and your business:

• If you are not comfortable, end the contact

• Report the incident to your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

• Take time to do research

• Talk to trusted sources

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Mandatory Masking Policy Returns to Peterborough Regional Health Centre

Effective immediately, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has reimplemented masking in all direct patient care areas.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

According to a press release, PRHC’s goal remains to protect patients from developing hospital-acquired COVID-19 and other respiratory virus infections during the respiratory season. Masking will be mandatory for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers.

“Masks slow the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Justin Tilak, PRHC Infection Prevention and Control group physician lead. “During respiratory season, where COVID-19, RSV, flu and more are circulating more frequently, we want to do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable patients.”

This decision comes as many hospitals across Ontario, including Toronto’s University Health Network, implement similar measures.

Medical masks will continue to be available at the Main Entrance, in the Emergency Department and in patient care areas across the hospital.

Based on the patient's location and status, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and visiting restrictions may apply.

In addition to masking, PRHC is continuing active screening of all patients and visitors entering their facility.

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PRHC Foundation Seeking Volunteer Campaign Ambassadors

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation seeks volunteer ambassadors for the Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC.

(From left to right) Lesley Heighway, President & CEO; Jane Lovett, Manager, Community Giving & Engagement: and Hanna Méthot, Community Giving & Engagement Coordinator. Representatives of the PRHC Foundation team are headed out into the community to recruit Campaign for PRHC Ambassadors, gather patient and donor stories and share how donor support is shaping the future of patient care at PRHC. Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Everyone is welcome as an ambassador, according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO.

“Our family, friends, and neighbours from across the region have told us that they think of PRHC as a cornerstone of the community, where the excellent care they received was part of some of the most meaningful moments of their lives,” she said. “We’re grateful that our supporters want to share their stories and inspire others.”

Volunteers help raise the funds needed to empower world-class care close to home, introduce lifesaving services, attract top healthcare professionals and inspire solutions to the hospital's critical challenges according to a press release.

“The ambassadors program will support that – connecting volunteers enthusiastic about our donorfunded regional hospital and the health and future of our area, who want to celebrate what PRHC means to them and what’s possible through the power of community,” said Heighway. “If you have a story about the great care you received, a message for staff, or want to say thanks and connect with our community through a fundraising event, please let us know. We want to help you share that passion.”

To volunteer as a campaign ambassador, email foundationeventsonline@prhc.on.ca or call 705-876-5000.

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50/50 Cash Raffle to Support Four Peterborough-area Community Groups

Profits from the Lakefield & District Lions Club’s “Collaboration 50/50 Cash Raffle” will be divided evenly between Kawartha Food Share, PRHC Foundation, Community Care Peterborough and the Lions Club.

LAKEFIELD & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB "COLLABORATION 50/50 CASH RAFFLE” POSTER

“Fundraising is always challenging, but the people of Peterborough have been very generous in helping us provide our services throughout the region,” Kawartha Food Share General Manager Ashlee Aitken said.

Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation extended gratitude to the Lakefield & District Lions Club for organizing the fundraiser.

“Yours is a powerful example of how we all can make a real difference, close to home,” she said. “Community-led fundraisers are essential to local charities.”

Heighway states the funds will empower world-class care at PRHC by fueling innovation and bringing new services to the region.

“They’ll also support solutions to critical hospital challenges, including helping PRHC attract the best and brightest healthcare experts,” she added.

“Our mission is to support the health and wellbeing of individuals, caregivers and communities,” Danielle Belair, CEO of Community Care Peterborough said. “Our programs and services allow people across the City and County of Peterborough to maintain their independence and dignity.”

Belair goes onto say Community Care Peterborough’s programs impacted more than 6,000 seniors and adults with disabilities in 2023.

“The Lakefield & District Lions Club has been around since 1946 and we are giving back to our community through the generosity of supporters,” added club president Don Parsons.

The winning ticket will be selected on Nov. 15.

Tickets are on sale at lakefieldlions5050.ca.

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PRHC Foundation Launches $60 Million Campaign Publicly For Enhancing Healthcare

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has officially launched its $60 million campaign publicly to enhance healthcare which was announced at the facility on Tuesday morning.

(Left to right) Dr. Heather Cox, PRHC vascular surgeon; Dan Moloney, PRHC Foundation Board Chair; Jennie Ireland, PRHC Foundation campaign ambassador and grateful patient; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO; Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO and David Morton, PRHC Foundation campaign ambassador. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is to ‘reimagine healthcare delivery at the hospital, propelling innovation and elevate care for patients from across the region' according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO.

“Our hospital is at a crossroads,” she said. “Our hospital and the communities we serve are facing severe problems. We need creative, inspired, efficient solutions to tackle them. Without advancements in technology and increased capacity, we risk leaving our patients behind. Today, we choose to design our healthcare future.

The following are the PRHC’s campaign key objectives:

• Empowering World-Class Care: Bringing advanced medical care closer to home

• Fuelling Innovation: Introducing new lifesaving services and pioneering treatments

• Attracting Top Healthcare Professionals: Cultivating an environment that attracts the brightest minds in medicine

• Inspiring Solutions: Addressing critical hospital challenges head-on

“The hospital, they identify for us the hospital's priority needs that link to their annual planning but also link to their strategic plan and their bold vision for the future,” said Heighway.

“The Foundation and the hospital work really closely,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “We're in conversation all the time about what are the needs of today, what are the needs of the future and what do we need to fundraise for in the immediate term and then what can we do in the middle of the road. It's that kind of collaborative planning with the needs of our community and our patients at the forefront that lead to the goal that has been set.”

The campaign started in 2020 and the funds were acquired through donor support. Already, the Campaign has totalled $45.5 million of its $60 million goal.

The money has already seen improvements in the hospital, such as upgraded Cath Lab suites, state-of-the-art CT scanners, a second MRI machine, the new Scotiabank Youth Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program, and ongoing renovations to enhance patient care facilities.

According to Heighway, the campaign will be heavily marketed to attract attention and garner donations to complete the final 25 per cent.

“Over the summer months, you'll start to see some additional awareness being raised and as we head into the fall, we'll have a large community kick off and we'll be hoping to inspire people through third-party events,” she explained. “We'll be appealing to the community in a variety of ways: digitally, by mail, TV, radio. Just a number of different ways that we hope people will engage with us.”

The following is a list of the investments of the $60 million:

• $11 million for cardiac care, unlocking new opportunities and ensuring the people, infrastructure, systems and programs are in place to allow world-class cardiac care across the spectrum

• $12 million for cancer care so our experts can treat more patients with more types of cancer, supporting earlier diagnosis, and ensuring safer, more effective treatments are available close to home

• $14 million in minimally invasive surgical and interventional radiology services to treat more urgent and chronic conditions – safely, quickly, so patients can go home sooner

• $4 million in support for mental health will help address the surge in demand for emergency mental health services in our region, while making hope & recovery possible through new, innovative therapies and modern, healing environments

• $2 million endowment fund to support the Physician Innovation Accelerator, fostering a culture of innovation and empowering PRHC to invest in physician-driven research and ingenuity that will result in game-changing advances in patient care

• $17 million will continue to fund PRHC’s top emerging priorities as they’re identified by the hospital, with many millions of dollars in lifesaving investments already made

The remaining money, once obtained, will be used to fund projects such as expanding PRHC’s cardiac labs to include the introduction of electrophysiology, improving the Emergency Department’s mental health and addictions Crisis Response Unit, establishing a hybrid operating room for vascular disease, and introducing digital pathology to expedite cancer diagnosis.

“Our community has stepped behind us,” said Heighway. “They've really rallied and has supported us across the spectrum of care, Our donors have helped us fuel innovation, bring new life-saving services to PRHC and really help the hospital attract the best physicians and staff for our hospital.”

“One of the reasons I am so honoured to be the CEO of this hospital is because this community is unbelievable in their support, in their generosity and their willingness to engage with us and looking to the future,” said Dr. Mikula. “There's no community I'd rather be working in as a hospital CEO and I'm so proud of Peterborough and the region.”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Increasing Parking Rates Starting Wednesday

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is increasing its hospital parking rates effective Wednesday.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Their parking rates have not increased since 2016, although maintenance costs have continued to rise during those eight years according to a press release.

In addition to the changes to current parking rates, the hospital will also offer non-consecutive day pass packages for five, 10, and 30 days. These multi-day passes may be purchased at the hospital’s Parking Office; pricing for each option is available on the hospital’s website.

Old parking rates:

• First half-hour $4; subsequent half hours $2

• Maximum of $10 per single visit in a 24-hour period with no in-and-out privileges

• Day pass: $12 for 24 hours with unlimited in-and-out privileges

• Weekly pass: $36 with unlimited in-and-out privileges

• Monthly pass: $80 with unlimited in-and-out privileges for 30 days

• Cancer Care & Dialysis Pass: $50 per month

New parking rates:

• First half-hour $5; subsequent half hours $2

• Maximum of $12 per single visit in a 24-hour period with no in-and-out privileges

• Day pass: $14.25 for 24 hours with unlimited in-and-out privileges

• Weekly pass: $43 with unlimited in-and-out privileges

• Monthly pass: $95.75 with unlimited in-and-out privileges for 30 days

• Cancer Care & Dialysis Pass: $50 per month

• **NEW** HPASS options: five, 10 and 30-day passes that may be used for non-consecutive days

Monthly parking pass rates for Cancer Care and Dialysis will not change.

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Launches Strategic Plan For 2024-2029

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has announced the launch of its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The new strategic plan sets goals for the next five years, focusing on supporting and enabling growth, innovation, people, technology, and data to improve the care we provide at PRHC.

“Our strategic plan reflects the inspiration, talent, and willingness of our people to pursue great things and work toward a bright future for PRHC and the patients and families we serve,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “It also acknowledges the realities we are working within today, including higher patient volumes and acuity, and financial and health human resource pressures. Continued investment by the provincial government and the support of generous donors through the PRHC Foundation will be critical as we pursue the commitments outlined in our strategic plan.”

These commitments include providing timely and excellent care, being a workplace where people can thrive, expanding tertiary services to support our region, transforming data and analytics to support people today and into the future and building the hospital’s teaching and research focus according to a press release.

“PRHC is at a pivotal point in its evolution, poised and ready to achieve great things,” said Mikula. ”The commitments we have set out in our strategic plan are key steps in our journey as a provider of acute, tertiary care services for a region that is rapidly growing and expanding, and I’m excited to move this work forward.”

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to see PRHC’s new strategic plan launched after many months of consultation, planning and hard work across the organization,” said Robert Gibson, PRHC board of directors chair. “We have every confidence in Dr. Mikula and the team at PRHC as we move forward together into this new era of acute healthcare in our community and region.”

PRHC’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan also outlines a new purpose statement and five values to guide and reflect the work of the organization and its people:

Purpose statement:

One team, here when you need us most.

Values:

• Act with courage

• Embrace our community

• Find common ground

• Lead and learn

• Recognize and appreciate

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Local Couple Donate $1 Million to PRHC Foundation

Local philanthropists Martin and Denise Pick have made a $1 million donation to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation while unveiling a new sign recognizing the couple’s efforts.

(left to right) Denise Pick; Martin Pick; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO; Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO; Charles Pick, Denise and Martin’s son , Dr. Rardi Van Heest, daughter-in-law and Dr. Joslin Cheverie, PRHC General Surgeon. Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO said the donation represents the Pick’s life-long love of community and shared dedication to improving the lives of friends and neighbours.

“Martin and Denise believe in the power of philanthropy to make their hospital and hometown great,” she said. “They have a long history of making transformational gifts and their generosity has been shaping the future of healthcare in this region for years. We’re beyond grateful for their continued support.”

The couple, who both have long-standing relationships with PRHC as donors and volunteers, said they were inspired by the hospital's continuous commitment to innovation and excellence.

“Denise and I feel that the quality of healthcare available in a community is tied to its overall quality of life – to its ability to grow and prosper,” said Martin. “We want to help make sure the doctors and nurses at PRHC have the tools they need to deliver the best care. To do that, we need to support them and give them the equipment that will allow them to innovate.”

“The more we can do to support PRHC, the more we can help improve healthcare for patients from Peterborough and our surrounding communities,” said Denise. “We hope our donation encourages others to join us.”

The Picks’ donation was made through the Remembering Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation, a family charitable fund named for Martin’s parents. Lesley explained that the gift is already improving care for patients across the region through investments in minimally invasive intervention and state-of-the-art diagnostic technology.

“The Pick family’s gift was instrumental in allowing PRHC to upgrade a general operating suite with state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical tools this winter – one of four suites undertaken by the Foundation,” she said.

“(The investment) has given my colleagues and me access to brand new, leading-edge equipment to perform cancer surgeries,” said Dr. Joslin Cheverie, PRHC general surgeon. “This new, specialized system is letting us operate with increased precision. It’s an advancement that has tremendous potential for the treatment of bowel and other cancers.”

The remainder of the Picks’ gift helped fund two new, cutting-edge CT scanners that generate higher-quality, more comprehensive images to support safer, more accurate diagnoses. The expansion and upgrading of the Health Centre’s Interventional Radiology suites is also ensuring PRHC’s experts can treat more urgent and chronic conditions like cancer, stroke, and traumatic injury without invasive surgery.

“It’s so encouraging to have the support of people like Martin and Denise Pick, who care as much about our healthcare future as we do and are willing to invest in us and the technology we need to make our vision a reality,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “This is more important than ever, given the system-wide challenges we are facing,” she continued. “Addressing these challenges requires fresh thinking and innovative solutions. We simply can’t move forward without the partnership of individuals, families, and organizations who share our vision for the hospital and what we can achieve together.”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Recognized As A Level III Trauma Centre

The Ontario Ministry of Health has identified the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) as a Level III Trauma Centre, announced Tuesday morning.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

The recognition came on the recommendation of the Regional Trauma Network (RTN) in consultation with Critical Care Services of Ontario (CCSO).

After being identified with he new title, PRHC’s new trauma team has been working closely with programs and departments across the hospital to develop a trauma site model that encompasses team and policy development, quality assurance, community outreach and education, data collection, and a continuing medical education component – in addition to offering direct trauma care to patients according to a press release.

“Becoming an active member of the Regional Trauma Network is exciting news for PRHC,” says Dr. Troy Tebbenham, PHRC medical director of the trauma program. “This means that our team will help to drive improvements in trauma patient care – not only locally at our regional hospital but at the provincial level as well – with a focus on creating a best-in-class trauma system that reduces death and disability related to injury.”

A significant element of its trauma program’s establishment involves community education as stated by the PRHC. The trauma team has been providing seasonal injury prevention and safety tips across the hospital’s social media channels and has launched a community education program called ‘Stop the Bleed.’ This international program provides community members with the skills and basic tools tho stop uncontrolled bleeding in an emergency.

PRHC’s trauma team will work closely with Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Peterborough Police Service and Peterborough Fire Services to continue to educate and implement programs within local school boards, businesses and the general community to decrease the incidence of trauma events for the year ahead.

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