A Place of Comfort, Reflection, and Healing

On May 26, Lakeridge Health leaders, members of the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation, local government partners, and members of the community celebrated the official opening of the Indigenous Community and Healing Garden at Ajax Pickering Hospital.

“Healing forests and gardens connect people to a greater community,” explained Sarah Lewis, a spoken word poet from Curve Lake First Nation who was part of the event. “They connect Indigenous people back to our roots and our culture. They even connect Indigenous people with settlers. Gardens have healing properties, and bring people together, so this is a multifaceted healing environment.”

"We feel lucky to have had their help in bringing our beautiful children into the world."

“It’s such a family-centred approach.” This is how Chana Borenstein explains the connection she feels in having the care of a midwife.

Chana has used midwifery care for six of her seven deliveries and delivered her children at the Oshawa Hospital. And Judi Brandson has been her midwife throughout each of her deliveries.

Delivering ‘Winning’ Care the Night of the Big Game

The 2023 Super Bowl football championship game was one that Marco Ranalli and his wife Beverly will never forget.

The Whitby residents had just sat down to enjoy a bowl of chicken wings on February 12, 2023, when, within moments, Beverley began to experience an unexpected, severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

“I was scared for her life,” recalled Marco.

Introducing Olive and Elding!

Meet Olive and Elding, sister and brother chicks that hatched early in May to Lakeridge Health’s resident pair of Peregrine falcons.

In 2014, the pair of falcons were discovered by members of Lakeridge Health’s Engineering team. A nest box was set up for the birds’ wellbeing and safety. The Peregrine falcon pair – who mate for life – have successfully raised chicks atop the Oshawa Hospital every year since. 

#MyBestMoments Campaign

Kathleen Corey, Director of Medical Affairs, Academic Affairs, and LHEARN

In our #MyBestMoments campaign, staff and physicians from across our hospitals and community sites share the moments that have mattered most to them in their careers at Lakeridge Health.

Learn more about Kathleen's story!

Do You Know the Signs of a Stroke?

June is Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function caused by the interruption of the flow of blood to the brain, which causes the brain cells in the affected area to die due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients.

“A stroke is a medical emergency and it’s important to know the signs of stroke, including one side of the face drooping, weakness in the arms, and difficulty speaking,” said Amy Maebrae-Waller, Lakeridge Health’s District Stroke Coordinator and Patient Care Manager of the Stroke Prevention Clinic and the Outpatient Neurological Program. 

Amy adds that “with a stroke, ‘time is brain’ as 1.9 million brain cells die every minute after a stroke. So, it’s vital to call 911 immediately.”

Check out this thirty second video from the Heart and Stroke Foundation that highlights how a young boy saved his father’s life by knowing the signs of a stroke.