Every day at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, emergency teams have to make lifesaving decisions in critical moments. As a Level III Trauma Centre, PRHC serves more than 600,000 people across Peterborough and the surrounding area, treating some of the sickest and most seriously injured patients.
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When the first procedure using Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) was performed at PRHC in March 2026, it marked more than the introduction of new technology. It represented a major milestone made possible by the generosity of donors, one that is already improving care for patients from across our region.
The first EUS procedure at PRHC was performed by gastroenterologist Dr. Olufemi Aoko, using specialized, donor-funded equipment. EUS combines an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) and ultrasound technology to create detailed, real-time images of the gastrointestinal tract and nearby organs, including the pancreas, liver and gallbladder. It helps physicians diagnose complex conditions, stage cancers, guide biopsies and plan treatment with greater precision.
Until now, patients who needed this advanced procedure had to travel to other hospitals, often while facing significant uncertainty about their diagnosis. Today, thanks to donor support, they can receive this care much closer to home, surrounded by family and loved ones.
“Before EUS was launched at PRHC, we would have had to send patients to other hospitals,” says Dr. Aoko, who joined PRHC in October 2025. “Having access to this technology was a big selling point for me when deciding to come to Peterborough.”
“Every gift to PRHC Foundation helps make moments like this possible,” says Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Your generosity is helping PRHC grow specialized programs, attract exceptional physicians like Dr. Aoko and ensure families in our region have access to the best possible care without travelling so far. We’re so grateful for every donor who is making that future possible.”
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.
Meet Dr. Sajjid Hossain and Dr. Mary Lu, a physician couple who chose Peterborough as the place to raise their family while growing their careers and caring for patients at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
In Episode 7 of Heart of Healthcare, PRHC Foundation President & CEO, Lesley Heighway, sits down with Dr. Hossain and Dr. Lu to talk about what brought them to Peterborough, the meaningful work they do each day, and the vital role donor support plays in funding state-of-the-art equipment and recruiting top physicians. From managing family time to managing complex medical cases, they’re grateful for all the ways their supportive community stands behind them.
Watch the full episode to see how these doctors – with the help of donors – are shaping the future of healthcare 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.
PRHC is growing and evolving. At the heart of that growth are experienced professionals like Intensive Care Unit RN Emma Harris. Emma is playing a key role in creating a stronger, more connected workplace through the development of the Peer Support program. Watch episode 6 of Heart of Healthcare to learn more.
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A hybrid operating suite allows specialists to perform imaging, minimally invasive procedures, and open surgery—on one patient, in one room, on the same day.
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As the number of cancer cases in our region continues to grow, so does the urgency for faster, more precise diagnoses and treatment plans.
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Peterborough Regional Health Centre has been recognized as one of Canada’s best employers. In January, PRHC earned an impressive spot on Forbes’ list of Canada’s top employers, ranking among the top 20 healthcare and social services employers nationwide.
One of the things that helps set our regional hospital apart is the incredible support from donors. Your generosity plays a pivotal role in helping PRHC attract and retain top-tier healthcare professionals. By supporting state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology, donors are helping create an environment that fosters excellence in healthcare delivery, where the best and brightest want to work.
At a time when healthcare faces numerous challenges, including staff shortages, PRHC is making great strides in recruitment, especially in nursing. Your regional hospital welcomed 250 nurses last year alone. There are now over 1,600 on staff – a compassionate team of dedicated professionals. Led by a strong leadership group, their skills and expertise play a vital role in delivering exceptional patient care at PRHC.
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With your support, strong leadership, and a growing team of nurses, our regional hospital is set to continue providing exceptional care for years to come.
More people are seeking mental health care than ever before, with waitlists at Peterborough Regional Health Centre growing. To meet that increasing need and support the higher standard of care expected today in mental health spaces built more than 16 years ago, it’s crucial to make changes now so patients receive the best care possible.
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In 2024, PRHC introduced exciting, new donor-funded technology for breast cancer patients called breast seed localization. As PRHC general surgeon Dr. Brie Banks explained at the Peterborough’s Dragon Boat Festival donation presentation in June, the technology is already making an impact on care.
Essentially, breast seed localization is a tiny radioactive seed, about the size of a grain of rice, placed directly at the site of a patient’s tumour. It helps surgeons locate the tumour more precisely during surgery.
This process is a big improvement from older methods, which were less comfortable, more invasive and stressful for patients. And the best part? Because of this donor-funded advancement, PRHC can perform more breast cancer surgeries every day. That means more patients are getting the care they need, faster.
“Having breast seed at PRHC has dramatically increased access to state-of-the-art surgery for breast cancer patients. Not only are we able to look after more patients in the day, but the process is much less difficult for them. Seed localization is more comfortable and convenient,” says Dr. Banks. “I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the donors who made this advancement possible.”
