Community generosity is advancing cardiac care at PRHC

Experts at Peterborough Regional Health Centre recently performed the first-ever Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) procedure in the hospital’s donor-funded Cardiac Cath Lab. It’s another important milestone on the journey towards full-service cardiac care at PRHC and it would not have been possible without donor support.

Through the Campaign for PRHC, donors invested $3.55 million to renovate and upgrade PRHC’s two cardiac cath lab suites with state-of-the-art technology. Not only are these advancements making cardiac care faster and safer, but they’re supporting lifesaving services not previously available at PRHC. 

Until recently, patients who needed an ICD procedure had to travel to Kingston or Toronto for care. Today, patients can receive this lifesaving treatment at PRHC, close to home and surrounded by loved ones, thanks to the donor-funded Cath Lab facilities.

An ICD is a small battery-operated device placed under the left or right collarbone with leads inserted into the heart to monitor its rhythm. If a life-threatening change occurs, the ICD can automatically shock the heart back into a safe rhythm, even if the patient is unconscious and alone.

For patients living with serious cardiac conditions, having access to this procedure close to home can be life-changing.

“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,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of 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. We’re incredibly grateful to every single donor who’s been a part of this ongoing journey. Thank you!”

PRHC’s first ICD procedure was successfully performed by Dr. Heather Cox in March 2026, with support and training provided through collaboration with University Health Network. PRHC is now the only hospital between Kingston and Scarborough offering this surgery.

For PRHC Foundation donor Jim Neill, whose visionary philanthropy inspired so many others to support the future of cardiac care in our region through the Campaign for PRHC, this latest advancement reflects the incredible impact a community can have when it comes together.

“The new lifesaving treatments coming to PRHC will once again change the face of cardiac care in our region,” says Mr. Neill. “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.”

Swing Fore Mental Health will benefit patient care at PRHC

The second annual Swing Fore Mental Health golf tournament is returning to Black Diamond Golf Club on September 17, 2026, bringing our community together in support of mental health care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. This year’s tournament will be held in memory of Fred Smith, a cherished friend to so many at Black Diamond Golf Club.

Mental health affects families, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Events like Swing Fore Mental Health help shine a light on the importance of compassionate mental health care while continuing the conversation to eliminate stigma in our communities.

PRHC Foundation is grateful to the organizers, sponsors, golfers, volunteers and supporters who make this tournament possible. Proceeds from this year’s event will directly support mental health care services at PRHC, helping ensure patients and families in our region have access to the care and support they need, close to home.

For questions or tournament registration information, please email Barb Timms.

Turn up the volume for patient care with Pay to Play for PRHC on Oldies 96.7

What happens when great music, local radio and community spirit come together for a good cause? You get Pay to Play for PRHC! This radiothon will give listeners the power to pick the playlist and support world-class care close to home.

On Friday, June 5 from 9am to 5pm, PRHC Foundation is teaming up with Oldies 96.7 for a full day of music, storytelling, and fundraising live from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre cafeteria. The best part? Every song request helps fund patient care at PRHC.

Here’s how it works:

Go online to the Pay to Play page, make a minimum $50 donation to PRHC Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC and request your favourite song, then hear it played on Oldies 96.7. Whether you’re into classic rock, country, pop hits, guilty pleasures, or a power ballad that deserves another moment in the spotlight, this is your chance to take over the airwaves for a great cause.

Throughout the day, listeners will hear inspiring stories from patients, physicians, nurses, staff, donors and hospital leaders about how your donations help bring leading-edge equipment and technology to PRHC and why that matters for families across our region.

“This is what local radio is supposed to be. Not just background noise, but a force,” says Rob Mise, VP of Content at My Broadcasting Corporation, operator of Oldies 96.7. “When our audience shows up, we can literally change the level of care in our own regional hospital. That’s powerful.”

Oldies 96.7 Morning Show Host Bill Porter, who will host the event, agrees.

“You’re not just hearing great songs, you’re funding lifesaving equipment, better care, and real outcomes for people you might know,” says Bill. “That’s the difference.”

Presented by sponsor Home Instead, the event highlights the incredible impact community support has on healthcare in our region. While government funding covers many hospital operating costs, it doesn’t fund the equipment and technology healthcare teams rely on every day.

That’s where community generosity comes in.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Oldies 96.7 and Home Instead for partnering with us to bring this exciting new event to life,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation. “Community-driven events like this are vital to ensuring exceptional care remains close to home, when we need it.”

Song request spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis until the broadcast schedule fills up. Donations will continue to be accepted until the fundraiser wraps up on Friday, June 5 at 5pm. Click here to make your request. 

Heart of Healthcare – Episode 8: Caring for patients and building community at PRHC

In honour of Physicians’ Day in Canada on May 1, we’re excited to share our newest episode of Heart of Healthcare.

In this video, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway, sits down with Dr. Neera Jeyabalan, an oncologist, and Dr. Greg Bishop, an ICU physician, for a thoughtful conversation about work at PRHC and life in Peterborough. As both colleagues and partners, they offer a personal perspective on what brought them to our regional hospital, what it’s like raising their family in this community, and why they’ve chosen to stay.

They speak openly about their experiences at PRHC, what makes it such a special place to practise, and the role community support plays in helping them deliver the best possible care. We’re thankful for how candid and generous they are in sharing their story.

It’s a reminder that building a strong healthcare team includes creating a place where people feel connected and supported.

Watch the full episode to see how physicians, with the support of donors, are helping shape the future of patient care at PRHC.

This video, along with past episodes of Heart of Healthcare, are available through the PRHC Foundation’s social media and Vimeo channels. Watch them for inspiring conversations filled with compassion, resilience, and innovation. You can also subscribe to receive each new episode plus Foundation news and exclusive content straight to your email inbox.