Celebrating donors’ $6 million reimagination of interventional radiology at PRHC

On December 9, 2025, donors gathered at Peterborough Regional Health Centre with the PRHC Foundation and members of the hospital’s leadership team to celebrate the official completion of the Campaign for PRHC’s $6 million investment in interventional radiology (IR) made possible by the generosity of our regional community.

Guests toured the bright, modern spaces where PRHC’s IR team now performs some of today’s most advanced minimally invasive procedures. It was an opportunity to see the new, cutting-edge technology and better understand the impact that donations are having on patient care at PRHC.

“This is a transformative moment for patient care at PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Because of you, the Health Centre’s experts have the advanced tools and space they need to perform even more complex, minimally invasive procedures right here, while innovating for the future. Thank you!”

Interventional radiology is a fast-growing field. Dr. Fady Abdelsayed, PRHC Interventional Radiologist says, “Interventional radiology is the future of medicine. Using real-time imaging technologies such as CT, X-ray and ultrasound, we perform procedures through a tiny incision, using only needles, wires, and catheters. This means less pain, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays compared to conventional surgery. We’re so grateful to the donors for their generosity. Their support means we can deliver even better care in our region.”

The renovation and upgrade were made possible through a multi-year fundraising effort championed by grateful patient ambassadors, PRHC’s interventional radiologists, nurses and medical radiation technologists, hospital leadership, and donors from across the region. This collaboration raised an extraordinary $6 million to expand PRHC’s two existing IR suites, replace out-of-date equipment with state-of-the-art imaging technology, and add a third suite dedicated to rapid, high-demand procedures. The preparation and recovery area was also expanded to accommodate 14 patients instead of ten.

Before this advancement, PRHC’s five interventional radiologists, who work on a 24/7 rotation, were already performing more than 6,000 procedures a year. Now, on a typical day, they’re equipped to care for 20 to 25 patients suffering from critical conditions such as cancer, stroke, organ failure, bleeding and trauma, among others.

As a regional hospital, PRHC’s IR team supports a population of more than 300,000 people across Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Peterborough, and North Hastings County. With the new suites, PRHC is better positioned to meet the growing regional demand for minimally invasive care, enhance patient outcomes, continue attracting and retaining top medical talent, and pave the way for the future introduction of new minimally invasive treatment options.

“Donor vision and support have once again proven to be a driving force behind innovation at PRHC,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC. “Together, we’re reimagining what’s possible for patients from across our region. Thank you so much.”

BWXT Peterborough raises an incredible $100,000 for cancer care at PRHC

We are grateful to BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc.’s Peterborough team for their extraordinary generosity. Through the dedication and community spirit of their employees, BWXT Peterborough raised an incredible $100,000 in support of reimagining cancer care at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

This generosity will help PRHC invest in state-of-the-art cancer care technology like digital pathology.

Did you know?

PRHC’s pathologists play a crucial role in diagnosing cancer by examining tissue and blood samples. Traditionally, this work requires a microscope and physical slides. With digital pathology, pathologists can instead view high-resolution digital images on a computer monitor.

This advancement means:

  • Faster, more accurate diagnoses
  • Easier collaboration, with digital images securely shared and reviewed by specialists anywhere in the world
  • Greater efficiency, helping experts make timely decisions for patients and their families

Thank you BWXT for investing in the future of cancer care at PRHC. Your generosity is helping patients receive world-class care close to home, when it matters most.

Another record-breaking year for Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival

On October 6, the PRHC Foundation welcomed members of the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival Planning Committee, the Survivors Abreast Dragon Boat Team, Platinum Sponsor Kawartha Credit Union, paddlers, volunteers and supporters, to celebrate the Festival’s historic achievement: A record-breaking donation of $400,104.01 – the largest single gift in the Festival’s history!

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Celebrating the opening of the donor-funded Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit Courtyard

On August 6, 2025, donors, community members and the media joined PRHC and the PRHC Foundation to celebrate the opening of the new Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Courtyard. This secure, purpose-built outdoor space is designed to support the recovery and well-being of some of the hospital’s most vulnerable mental health patients.

Made possible by donor generosity, the $1.5 million courtyard is more than a new physical space—it’s a symbol of compassion, community and progress. It’s also one of the early mental health priorities brought to life through the Campaign for PRHC.

“This is a transformative moment for mental health care at PRHC,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “The PICU Courtyard changes where and how patients heal. It will support PRHC’s healthcare team in delivering expert, compassionate care.”

Patients in the 6-bed PICU have never had access to the outdoors, even though hospital stays can last weeks or even months. “This secure, outdoor treatment space is not only safe and dignified—it’s healing,” says Jennifer Cox, PRHC’s Director of Mental Health & Addictions. “It allows our patients to engage in mindfulness, movement and connection with others and their environment in ways that improve outcomes and quality of care.”

The new outdoor space has already been recognized as a model for other Ontario hospitals. And the need for such innovation is clear: like hospitals across the country, PRHC has seen a staggering increase in patient volumes. In the last year alone, PRHC experienced more than 31,000 mental health patient visits.

“Thanks to donor support, PICU patients now have access to natural light and fresh air—factors that are proven to improve outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and decrease the need for medications like antidepressants,” says Sean Martin, Vice President of Clinical Services & Health Equity and Chief Quality Officer at PRHC.

The PICU Courtyard has been designed with outdoor therapy in mind, with input from mental health experts, PRHC staff, and the lived experience of volunteer community members. Every detail of the space was chosen with intention:

  • Colourful native vegetation to attract butterflies, a natural aid for mindfulness
  • Seating areas in different configurations that offer patients solitude when they need it and space to visit with care providers and loved ones
  • Open gathering areas for group activities and social connection
  • A shaded area to accommodate those who are sensitive to sunlight due to their treatments
  • A colourful, tactile recreation surface

During the PICU Courtyard celebrations, Lesley also announced a $10 million expansion to the Campaign for PRHC.   

“The hospital has brought forward some additional, extraordinarily visionary, future-focused projects,” she says. “These projects will fundamentally change the way patient care is delivered across all areas of care at PRHC. We’re ready to rise to the occasion once again and we know our incredibly generous community is ready, too.”

The Campaign for PRHC began with a $60 million dollar goal and is now a $70 million campaign. This increase will allow PRHC to move forward with cutting-edge initiatives that directly respond to the specific healthcare needs of our region. One of those bold, innovative projects is a digital command centre.

“It’s still in the early stages of planning,” says Sean. “Once complete, the command centre will be a behind-the-scenes hub that will use real-time data to streamline patient flow, reduce wait times, and improve access to care.”

“This is a bold, transformational project and we’re excited to say, yes, let’s support it,” says Lesley. “Let’s continue to reimagine health and care—just like donors have done through the PICU Courtyard.”

Pictured left to right: (back row) PRHC VP Finance & Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer Jen Taylor, PRHC Outpatient Mental Health Manager Miriam McCann, PRHC Mental Health & Addictions Chief & Medical Director Dr. Raj Basker, PRHC PICU Manager Dakota Forsyth, PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway; (front row) PRHC Director of Mental Health & Addictions Jennifer Cox, PRHC RN Erica Earl, PRHC RN Shayne Luangvisa.

District A3 and A16 Lions Clubs raise over $100,000 for pediatric cancer care

Lions Clubs from Districts A3 and A16 are celebrating a remarkable community achievement with the PRHC Foundation: 21 Clubs from across the two Districts, with an additional gift on behalf of each of those Districts, have collectively raised more than $100,000 in donations to the Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC. These funds will support the building of an expanded, purpose-built pediatric cancer clinic space at the hospital to meet the growing needs of young patients, close to home. With the Lions’ donation, the fundraising goal for this critical investment has now been met.

Thank you, Lions Districts A3 and A16 and the following Clubs for all your hard work and commitment to the Lions for Pediatric Cancer Care initiative!: Bobcaygeon District, Brighton, Campbellford, Chemung Lake, Bridgenorth & Ennismore District, Coboconk & District, East Peterborough, Fowlers Corners & District, Haliburton & District, Havelock, Keene, Kendal, Kinmount & District, Lakefield & District, Lakefield Village, Lindsay East & District, Marmora Crowe Valley, Millbrook & District, Norwood, Oakwood & District, Peterborough, and Stirling & District.

Donors are helping transform the path from hospital to home with a new model of care for short-stay patients

On December 9, the Reactivation Care Centre opened its doors at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, providing patients with specialized care so they can return home safely. PRHC Foundation donors helped make this possible through $400,000 in funding. 

The 12-bed Reactivation Care Centre is helping PRHC patients navigate their next steps with a new treatment model. With a focus on seniors, the Centre supports patients through short-stay admissions, where each individual works towards specific goals so they can return home in safety and comfort.

“The Reactivation Care Unit is a pilot project, ensuring that every patient has access to specialized, restorative care to prepare them for a successful discharge from the hospital,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC. “It’s also helping our hospital address the increasing demands of our growing and aging community in the region.”

At the heart of the Centre is a team of skilled professionals who provide personalized, comprehensive care, working closely with caregivers as essential partners in the recovery process. This team-based approach ensures that each patient’s unique needs are met—patients like Flo Cranley (pictured above), who expressed her thanks to donors for their support of the new facility and its equipment.

Another patient benefiting from the Reactivation Care Centre is Jeff Dumoulin (pictured). A 65-year-old horse trainer, Jeff was injured in an accident with one of his horses in 2022. The incident left him with long-lasting mobility challenges, leading to frequent stays in the hospital.

“I’ve been in and out of the hospital. Every time I return home, I end up falling and coming right back,” Jeff shares. “I was trying, but I needed more support.”

When Jeff found out that he had a spot in the new Reactivation Care Centre, he felt hopeful.

“The minute I walked in the door, the staff had a plan,” says Jeff. “This is the difference of whether I go home and can walk up and down my stairs again. Everyone in my life realizes I’m getting the help I need to get back to living a functional life.”

Stories like Jeff’s are made possible by the generosity of donors who understand the importance of world-class care, close to home. Thanks to their support, $400,000 in funding was provided to the Reactivation Care Centre through the PRHC Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC.

“One of the focus areas for the campaign is to address urgent needs at the hospital as they arise,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of PRHC Foundation. She explains that ‘undesignated’ gifts to the Foundation can be directed to the highest priority need, which enables a quick response to the hospital’s most pressing requests. “So it’s you, donors, who enabled us to fund critical equipment such as patient beds, vital signs monitors, and specialized wheelchairs for the Centre,” she says.

“With these gifts you’re empowering us to do what the hospital needs, quickly, when they need it. Your support is truly reimagining healthcare. Thank you!”

For more information or to donate, please call 705-876-5000 or click here.