Our Stories

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

Gabriele Davey and Kate Kingswell

Building bridges

In the heart of neighbourhoods and the tranquil setting of community libraries, vital digital health education is reaching those who need it most, delivered with much collaboration, creativity and ingenuity. The joint Virtual Care Program of St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s) and London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), in partnership with the London Public Library and the Middlesex County Library, is offering “Virtual Health Care 101”, a free educational workshop to help people access health care without going to a clinic or doctor’s office. The goal of the workshop is to promote...
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Rebecca Bruzzese

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...
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Colposcopy Clinic group photo

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...
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Celeste pharmacy graduate

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...
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Dr. Susan McNair

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...
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Keith Samitt

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...
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three people riding in a triobike

Back in the saddle

It had been years since Karen Hendrie rode a bike. But that all changed one sunny July morning. Accompanied by Lynn Benyon, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and Sara Jibb, Occupational Therapist, Karen enjoyed a cycle around Parkwood Institute – with a smile on her face the entire time. Karen, a...
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holding hands

Opening your hearts

On a warm spring morning in May, more than 1,100 people were the first to hear about a new initiative St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation is undertaking – The Patient Assistance Fund for Mental Health Care. Launched at the 2024 Breakfast of Champions event, which shines a light on mental health care...
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a woman in a wheelchair gardening with the assistance of a tool as her care provider watches

Putting the pieces together

“I like to say that we put the fun in functional,” says Judy Beitz, a recently retired Therapeutic Recreation Specialist in St. Joseph’s Complex Care program. “Some patients think they're never going to get back home. But getting them engaged in leisure interests actually benefits what they’re...
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members from the breast care in their scrubs

The good fight

In the fall of 2024, screening rates for breast cancer are set to rise in Ontario – dramatically. And Dr. Sarah Knowles, Surgical Oncologist and Interim Director of the Breast Care Program at St. Joseph’s, is ready to support even more people through the breast care journey. “I get to work with...
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