Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.

I hope this message finds you well and that you’re enjoying the beautiful summer season. As we move through these warm months, I wanted to take a moment to connect and share some important updates.

If you’ve been around the Hospital and Health Research Institute lately, you’ve likely noticed a buzz of construction and renovations. Thank you all for your patience as these much-needed upgrades take shape. Our building is over 20 years old, and with the growth in services and clinical demands, it’s essential that our facilities evolve to meet the needs of patients, staff, and community.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll see more construction activity across the campus. One of the projects underway is the expansion of Lot G, which will add 15 additional patient parking spaces. While these improvements might temporarily affect parking and traffic flow, we are committed to minimizing disruptions and enhancing safety. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that supports the well-being of everyone who walks through our doors—patients, families, and staff alike. Your understanding during this time is truly appreciated.

We are also making great strides with the Cardiovascular Surgery Program. Physically, construction is progressing steadily; clinically, we continue to recruit specialized talent essential to building a strong, skilled team. This program is being developed in collaboration with the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) at the University Health Network (UHN), following their proven processes to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. We’re excited about the life-saving cardiac and vascular services this program will bring to our community. Recently, our city has experienced an increase in community violence and we continue to be at the top on the crime severity index. It is concerning for all of us and we understand that information and certain situations may raise concerns for our Hospital users, staff, and Professional Staff.

Please be assured that we are carefully finalizing plans to enhance safety and security measures throughout our facilities. Our priority is to ensure a supportive and protected environment for everyone.

Looking ahead, we’re eager to introduce further facility enhancements, adopt new technologies, and deepen our engagement with the communities we serve. I hope you continue to feel inspired and valued in your role, as together we build a brighter and more supportive future.

On a lighter note, I’m always energized by the innovative ideas shared during our Hello Innovation events. This staff-driven initiative welcomes ideas from everyone at the Hospital and Health Research Institute, fostering a culture of learning and creativity. The recent Innovation Pitch Ideas Series in June showcased eight fantastic proposals, with valuable feedback from a panel of experts. These efforts directly support our Strategic Plan 2026, and I encourage you to explore these ideas and consider participating in upcoming events.

Thank you again for the incredible work you do every day. I hope you find moments of rest and rejuvenation this summer.

As always, I welcome your feedback—whether about this blog or anything else on your mind. Feel free to reach out to me anytime at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I truly appreciate hearing from you.