Our Stories

Read the latest stories about what's going on at St. Joseph's Health Care London.

Most Recent
Popular
Featured

Tall dream comes true

With a list of burning questions in hand, Patricia Prance answered an incoming video call. On the other end of the line – a giraffe and his zookeeper. Prance has virtually visited not one but two giraffes thanks to St. Joseph's Health Care London's Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Institute. Her interest in giraffes first sparked when she visited African Lion Safari as a kid. “I just fell in love with the way they ran and their tall necks. And I'm tall and lanky and run kind of like a giraffe,” she laughs. Prance always dreamed of meeting a giraffe and being able to pet it, but travel...

Endocarditis exacts heavy toll for marginalized people: study

A study of five-year survival rates shows treatment for vulnerable people should include in-hospital addiction support and community care, with special attention to the needs of marginalized young women. LONDON, Ont. and REGINA, Sask. – People who inject drugs are dying at an alarming rate from...

Happy campers

Camping can be a pain – travelling out to the woods, packing all the gear, braving the weather. But, through the generosity of London’s Civitan Club, the great outdoors came right to the doorstep of Mount Hope one warm September evening. “Camp Mount Hope” was a one-of-a-kind experience for the...

Interdisciplinary team explores London’s unique approach to addressing homelessness

In London, Ont. more than 1,700 people are experiencing homelessness. Recognizing the growing crisis, more than 200 individuals from 70 organizations across the city came together and developed the Health & Homelessness Whole of Community System Response – a strategic roadmap for supporting unhoused...

Climbing the mountain

At a gathering of breast cancer survivors – a summer camp of sorts – Stephanie Knowles spotted a wooden trail post sign with the words: “Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.” For 37-year-old Knowles, that motivational sign has...

From nightmare to normal: Sniffing out better care

When Rebecca Bruzzese lost her sense of smell and taste after a bout of COVID-19, it was disconcerting. But when it returned a week later, it was downright debilitating. For over a year, Rebecca experienced what is called parosmia – a disorder that causes a distorted sense of smell, turning normal...

Celebrating professional excellence

St. Joseph’s Excellence in Professional Practice Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of nursing and allied health staff who are central to patient and resident care. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. Joseph's through their leadership...

Finding her niche, discovering her passion

Celeste Giovanatti wants to be the best pharmacist she can be. She also wants to play a role in reducing what she describes as “fractured care”, which she noticed far too often during placements in community pharmacies throughout her four years of pharmacy school. Now, as a new pharmacy graduate...

An “extraordinary career”

Over more than four decades, Dr. Susan McNair has worked tirelessly to transform care and services for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence in London and across the province. Today, her dedication is being recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). McNair has...

Strengthening the community

The son of immigrants, Keith Samitt was born in London, and grew up at the end of the depression. After attending Wortley Public School and South Collegiate, he tried his hand at different jobs including selling cars. It didn’t take long before he discovered an interest in real estate, and he hasn’t...