Our Stories

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

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...
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journaling

A conversation with COVID-19

If you could have a conversation with the COVID-19 virus, or write a letter to it, what would you say? Members of St. Joseph’s Third Age Outreach Program had a lot to say as part of a recent virtual recreational group activity. Through journal entries, group participants wrote to COVID, as if they...
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artwork with residents at Parkwood

Tiny hands, big hearts

Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can help lift people’s spirits during uncertain times. Patients at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute recently received handmade art to bring a little extra holiday cheer to those who might be feeling anxious or isolated during the holiday season. The art was made...
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spiritual care delivers gifts

Never Forgotten

Focused on the needs of others, Spiritual Care volunteer Stefan Nichol wanted to show patients at Joseph’s Mental Health Care Program that they are not forgotten. Stefan Nichol’s favourite place to preach was in the chapel at Parkwood Institute’s Mental Health Care Building. Stefan was first...
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Art Jensen with family

'Where there's a will, there's a way'

Seventy-four-year-old Art Jansen sits in a sunny cafeteria at Parkwood Institute after an outpatient rehabilitation therapy session. While donning a mask and keeping socially distant, he gazes proudly at recent photos on his phone –one of them is of him smiling, a medal around his neck, after...
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staff donating socks

Sock donations for the homeless

Socks are the most needed, but often the least donated items at homeless shelters. A pair of socks can make a big difference to someone who needs them—especially as the weather gets colder. This year, the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) Middlesex-Elgin Chapter partnered with...
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Ann

40 years of caring

St. Joseph's Service Recognition Program is a celebration of the dedication and commitment of our staff, physicians and volunteers. This year more than 700 recipients were recognized for reaching career milestones with St. Joseph’s. In lieu of holding our typical corporate events, this year each...
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Genevive Fisher

Striking the right note

Canadian Country star Genevieve Fisher serenades staff and physicians at St. Joseph’s with a virtual concert in support of employee giving campaign, Share the Spirit. Thank you to Canadian Country star Genevieve Fisher for providing an exclusive, one-of-a-kind virtual concert on Nov. 9 for St...
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fall prevention logo

Tips for preventing falls at home

For Canadian seniors, falls are one of the leading cause of fatal injuries. November is Fall Prevention month. At St. Joseph’s, your safety is important to us. Here are some tips for preventing falls at home. Tips for preventing falls at home Eat well, stay fit and use a walking aid as recommended...
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