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Over the past several months, I have been struck by how the healthcare landscape continues to evolve and change, driven by technological advances, demographic shifts and exciting new ideas that are transforming how we deliver care. Adapting to these changes through innovation, leadership, partnerships and attracting and retaining high-quality talent is critical if we are to stay true to our vision of relentless pursuit of exemplary care and experiences for all.

It is with immense pride and excitement that I share our 2024-2025 annual report with you, which highlights some of our many successes over the past year and the transformative initiatives currently underway to enhance the care we provide to our patients and the Burlington and area communities, now and in the future.

Our journey to introduce a new integrated health information system (HIS) has begun. JBH will move from a largely paper-based system to a modern digital health platform by partnering with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton to adopt their award-winning version of Epic’s clinical health information system.

This transformation is a game-changer for both our patients and our people, and will revolutionize our capacity to create healthier communities. It will streamline communication, improve the efficiency of care delivery, and support positive outcomes. Most importantly, it will ensure that every patient’s experience within our hospital is seamless, safe, and personalized.

We have also made extraordinary strides in advancing an important capital project that will help us meet the rising demand for timely and comprehensive mental health and addictions services in Burlington. It has been a long road, and through the relentless advocacy and tireless efforts of our healthcare teams and partners, Patient Family Advisors, elected representatives, donors and members of the community, we were able to reach a critical milestone this past year.

In November, Premier Doug Ford visited JBH to announce his government’s support and investment in what will become the Michael and Laura Paletta Mental Health and Addictions Unit. We are deeply grateful to the Paletta family for their landmark gift towards the redevelopment and expansion of this space, which will enable us to continue to provide person-focused care for both adults and children in a warm, dignified and accessible environment that promotes healing. You can read more about this exciting project in this report.

In addition, the Labour and Delivery Unit is being rejuvenated to provide a more welcoming, modern, and comforting space for families to experience the miracle of childbirth. By enhancing this unit, we reaffirm our promise to support growing families during one of life’s most memorable moments.

As we celebrate these significant achievements, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to members of the Board of Directors who are retiring for their hard work and commitment, and special thanks to our outgoing Board Chair, Barbara Elliot. Barbara’s inspirational leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of Joseph Brant Hospital. On behalf of the entire team, I offer deepest thanks to Barbara and the entire Board for their dedication to our vision and mission.

All of these achievements are only possible because of the remarkable talents and collaboration of our staff, physicians, volunteers, and Patient Family Advisors, as well as the critical support of our patients, their families and our broader community. Together, we are building a brighter, healthier future.

As I reflect on the past year, I feel a great sense of pride in the meaningful progress Joseph Brant Hospital has made with our Strategic Plan. We continue to take significant steps to enhance the quality of care we provide – demonstrating our shared commitment to innovation, compassion, and excellence.

One of our most vital priorities has been embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into every layer of our organization. From inclusive hiring practices to Board-level engagement and education, we are committed to ensuring that Joseph Brant Hospital reflects and serves the diverse community we are privileged to support.

We celebrated a major milestone in the redevelopment and expansion of our Mental Health and Addictions program in obtaining provincial government approval to move forward with planning and construction. This achievement was made possible through exceptional collaboration across our Board of Directors, medical and clinical staff, the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, and Natalie Pierre, Burlington’s Member of Provincial Parliament. This investment will play a vital role in supporting individuals and families by providing accessible, integrated and compassionate care close to home.

In addition, we have taken a significant step forward in our digital transformation journey. JBH is partnering with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton to adopt their health information system (HIS). This partnership will create greater efficiencies in our healthcare system, by streamlining access to patient records and enhancing workflow efficiency, ultimately allowing us to better serve patients, providers and our communities.

As I complete my term as Chair, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to JBH’s Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors for their unwavering dedication and thoughtful collaboration. The progress we’ve made this year was both ambitious and complex, and it was only possible because of your deep commitment to thoroughly assess opportunities, risks and priorities at every turn. It’s been this powerful combination of commitment and competency that has truly enabled us to move our hospital forward in meaningful ways.

It has been a privilege to serve alongside such a dedicated and principled group of leaders.

Barbara Elliot

Barbara is currently Director, Public Affairs Global Skin Health with Kenvue, a global leading healthcare company focused on consumer products and over the counter medicines. With over 25 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry Barbara has proven to be an inspiring business leader developing talent and delivering results across multiple portfolios with Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and now Kenvue. Her accomplishments are directly linked to her ability to identify and assess shared value with both internal and external stakeholders championing strategy development and inspiring teams to deliver against organizational goals.

Early in her career Barbara was a licenced Dental Hygienist and clinical instructor. It was this experience coupled with her deep commitment to patient centred care that inspired her to advance her ambition into the broader healthcare industry leading her to senior leadership roles with global healthcare industry organizations.

Barbara holds an ICD.D (Institute of Corporate Directors Designation) earned through The Rotman School of Management Directors Education Program which serves to advance and strengthen directors' contributions to Canada's boardrooms and beyond.

Barbara was elected to the Joseph Brant Hospital Board in 2018. She has served across all committees to include Vice Chair of the board from 2021-2023 and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Eric Vandewall

Eric Vandewall is President and Chief Executive Officer of Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) in Burlington, a position he assumed in 2009.

Under Eric’s leadership several major accomplishments have been realized at JBH. An ongoing focus to continue to improve quality care, safe care, and service excellence is evident throughout the hospital. In April 2014, and in 2018, Joseph Brant Hospital received Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada.  In addition, JBH recently completed the largest redevelopment and capital expansion project in the history of the hospital. Phase 1, the Halton McMaster Family Health Centre and new parking structure was completed in the Fall of 2014. Phase 2, the redevelopment and expansion of the hospital was completed in the fall of 2018.

Prior to joining JBH, Eric served as the Senior Vice President, Trillium Health Centre, and Vice President of Planning and Corporate Services at Trillium Health Centre. Eric has held a number of other senior management positions including Director, Health Outcomes at Glaxo Welcome; Director, Health Reform Implementation Team, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; and, Director, Health Promotion Branch, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. He has held several other senior positions at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care over an 11 year period.

Eric is a graduate of Queen’s University and holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, Health Policy. He also has an undergraduate degree from Ryerson University in Architectural and he holds a Chartered Director designation from the Directors College, McMaster University.

Barbara Elliot who was appointed to the Board in 2018 and assumed the role of Board Chair in 2023. Barbara leaves behind a legacy of progressive board achievements, most notably her leadership and advocacy in support of JBH’s mental health and addictions redevelopment project approvals, spearheading the Board’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and being a champion for JBH’s new Epic health information system, all of which has paved the way for continued organizational excellence for many years to come.

Lisa Garland was appointed to the Board in June 2021 and has served as Vice Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee since 2022. Lisa has provided tremendous value to the overall financial health of JBH through thought leadership and finance expertise making a significant contribution to financial planning, risk, and audit oversight for the work of the FAC.

Margaret Doma was appointed to the Board in June 2022. Margaret's background and keen understanding of healthcare quality and risk provided unique perspective and understanding to the work of the Board, its Quality Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee. Margaret has been a tireless advocate for the involvement of patients and families through JBH's multi-year Patient and Family Advisory committees and strategy.

Transforming Mental Health and Addictions Care at Joseph Brant Hospital

 

Mental health challenges affect all Canadians at some point, either personally or indirectly through a family member, friend or colleague. In our community, the demand for care is growing exponentially.

In response, JBH is embarking on a full redesign of the Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) facilities to meet the needs of both patients and families as well as the clinical team. This will be a phased project beginning with the relocation and expansion of the Inpatient MHA Unit, and following that, the redevelopment of the Outpatient MHA Unit and a new Child and Youth Mental Health Day Hospital, with the addition of program space to provide specialized services for these vulnerable patients.

"Our dedicated staff provide incredible care and will continue to do so, but environment matters," said Tony Wright, Manager, Mental Health and Addictions. "Redevelopment will provide a person-centred, dignified and respectful space to meet the unique needs of our patient population. Staff will support patients in a state-of-the-art setting that provides best practice care with innovative treatment."

For All Minds Campaign

 

When JBH's Mental Health and Addictions program was there for Michael and Laura Paletta and their family, they understood the impact and importance of having high quality care available close to home. Their personal experience motivated them to make a $5 million gift to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation's For All Minds Campaign in support of the new Michael and Laura Paletta Mental Health and Addictions Unit.

"Our family has felt firsthand the impact of mental illness and understands the value of innovative and lifesaving care," Michael said. "Laura and I firmly believe that this campaign has the ability to transform lives and help make Joseph Brant Hospital a world-class provider of mental health and addictions care right here in Burlington."

The Foundation has raised more than half of its $20 million campaign goal to support JBH in providing the safest and most dignified care to every patient in a space designed to instill hope and foster healing.

"The For All Minds Campaign recognizes the need for the redevelopment and expansion of our Mental Health and Addictions program, and the support of generous donors like Michael and Laura is integral to this life-changing transformation," noted Leon Denbok and Phil Davidson, Co-Chairs of the For All Minds Campaign. "We are grateful to the community of supporters who are rallying behind our vision to build better mental health care and recognize the importance of donors in making this project a reality."

A Vision of Person-Centred Care

When complete, the new unit will place patients at its core, with the capacity to reduce wait times for service and offer increased access to specialized services for all ages. The first phase will see the Inpatient MHA Unit move from the first floor to the third floor, and the revamped space will include:

  • A significantly larger unit with 26 beds (a 23% increase), which includes a new 6-bed adult psychiatric intensive care space, allowing more person-centred care
  • Fully private, better equipped patient rooms, with ensuite washrooms/showers
  • Accessible kitchen
  • Accessible gym
  • Large, light-filled dining area
  • Direct access to a secure outdoor courtyard
  • Specialized social and recreational spaces
  • Improved privacy and safety for patients, families and clinical providers
  • Interprofessional teams of nurses, physicians, social workers, occupational therapists, recreational therapists and peer supports to support complex patient care needs and provide crisis intervention, psychiatric assessment, treatment and stabilization

Partnering with Government and Our Community to Improve Patient Care

Government and our community both play a vital role. Carole Caron is a Patient and Family Advisor (PFA) in the MHA program's Person Family Care Partner Advisor Council (PFCAC). She has an extensive background in healthcare and became involved as a PFA after a family member experienced care at JBH.

Carole believes the redesign will be uplifting for patients and their families. "Having better equipped patient rooms, an improved layout with dedicated spaces for specific kinds of care, private areas for confidential consultation... all of these elements will enhance wellness and healing for patients," she said. "It will give families a sense of security and optimize safety and the work environment for staff."

One joint action between the PFCAC and the community has been the Walk To The Lighthouse, an annual event where the public and local mental health agencies come together to build awareness and raise funds for JBH'S MHA Unit. The last walk in September 2024 brought together a wide range of community members and agencies and raised more than $100,000 to support the MHA program.

In November 2024, the Province of Ontario committed to supporting the redevelopment project with a significant investment. "Mental health and addictions impact so many individuals and families in our community, including my own," said Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington. "The new Mental Health and Addictions Unit at our hospital will make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and families right here in Burlington and reflects our shared commitment to providing best-in-class care closer to home, for generations to come. I'm so incredibly proud to see our community come together to make this new unit at Joseph Brant Hospital a reality."

Improving mental health care has profound implications not only for individuals' well-being, but public health as well. When access to high-quality mental health services expands, people receive the right support, leading to better outcomes, fewer Emergency Department visits, increased stability, productivity, and overall life satisfaction. The ripple effects for families, the hospital overall and the community are undeniable.

The redevelopment and expansion of JBH's Mental Health and Addictions Unit marks a turning point in how we can deliver innovative and empathetic care and will empower staff, patients and families in addressing mental health challenges now and for many years to come.

Learn More About How You Can Support MHA Care

 

Starting an Epic Journey 

Adopting St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton’s health information system (HIS) is a large-scale transformation that will allow us to digitize and modernize care across our entire organization. This is an important step in our journey toward a digital system that connects our patients to the care they need, when and where they need it.

Learn more

HIS parrtnership signing

3 people in front of Diagnostic Imaging department

Improving the Patient Experience in DI

JBH's Diagnostic Imaging (DI) department is a busy place! When our Switchboard team flagged a high number of telephone calls coming in for the DI unit resulting in longer wait times for patients to connect to hospital staff, the DI team took action.

Recognizing the need for a more streamlined approach, DI along with the IT team collaborated to redesign the phone system to enhance the speed of communication and responsiveness to callers. A relatively quick and creative solution that led to an immediate improvement in the patient experience.

Learn more

New JBH Website: A Better Way to Connect 

In 2024, Joseph Brant Hospital launched a new website as part of our Digital Health Strategy. As a critical source of information for our patients, healthcare providers and community, the website needed to be more accessible, modern, easy to use and person-centred.

Our Patient and Family Advisors, Accessibility Committee, staff, physicians, volunteers and members of the public all provided important insights on how we could enhance the online experience for our patients, their loved ones and our community.

With over 358,000 site visits in 2024-25, we continue to invite all visitors to our website to let us know how we can improve our online presence: jbhwebsite@josephbranthospital.ca

Learn more

Girl at computer looking at new website

Smudging ceremony equipment

Incorporating Sacred Traditions into Healthcare

When patients come to JBH, we know that truly exemplary care means more than helping them to heal physically. It is also about treating the whole person and meeting their spiritual and emotional needs in the most culturally sensitive way. As part of this commitment, we offer the option of incorporating traditional healing practices, such as smudging ceremonies, into our healthcare environment. 

Through the dedicated Sacred Room and outdoor spaces, and with the support of Elders and spiritual care providers in the community, we invite patients, families, volunteers, physicians and staff to honour their sacred and cultural traditions as part of their mental, spiritual and physical healing and wellness.

Learn more

Our Strength is Our People

For the 10th year in a row, Joseph Brant Hospital has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers. This stellar milestone would not have been possible without the ongoing dedication and talents of our people.

Last year, we introduced a new organizational recognition program designed to celebrate the compassion and excellence of our staff, physicians, and volunteers. This initiative upholds our promise to nurture and support our people and foster an inclusive and uplifting culture that honours those who make a profound impact on our hospital community, such as Patricia Medeiros, winner of the award for Mentorship.

Learn more

Trish smiling in blue shirt

Reclaiming clay workshop. Smiling people doing activity.

The Art of Wellness

Without a doubt, healthcare is one of the most emotionally demanding jobs, and protecting the well-being of our staff is a priority for JBH. Art has been shown to be an effective form of therapy, and for that reason JBH partnered with the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) to give staff access to Reclaiming Clay, a program of creative expression as a means of restoration and renewal.

These innovative workshops, held in AGB's studio, offer a unique opportunity for healthcare providers to turn their focus to their own mental health and explore mindfulness and breathwork while shaping clay and embracing the philosophy of reclamation, of the material and of self.

Learn more 

Dr. Rawlinson standing beside DI machine.

A Commitment to Excellence - Dr. John Rawlinson

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) recently honoured Dr. John Rawlinson with its prestigious Board of Directors Award for his outstanding contributions to the field of radiology. The award marks a significant milestone in a career defined by compassion, excellence, and commitment. From his early beginnings in surgery to a pivotal decision to switch to radiology, Dr. Rawlinson has continually sought to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, earning the admiration of colleagues and patients alike.

Dr. Rawlinson’s impact extends beyond his individual achievements; his leadership and forward-thinking approach have helped shape the hospital’s radiology services, emphasizing the essential role of radiologists in modern healthcare.

Learn more

Bringing the Outdoors In for Palliative Care Patients

Even in the most difficult times of life, the natural world is a source of solace and calm. For patients in JBH's palliative care unit, it is not always possible to go outside. But through an innovative project that involved patients, families, staff, and Patient Family Advisors, the outdoors is now reflected inside the hospital in murals that mirror the changing of seasons and the eternal renewal of life.

The murals were inspired by the lived experiences of caregivers and patients and expanded into other changes on the unit to make it a more peaceful and gentle setting using the uplifting power of art and nature. 

 Learn more

Palliative care mural. Daisy design on wall in unit.

Two BOHT staff standing at promotional desk.

A Collaborative Approach for More Person-Centred Care

It’s no secret, the complexity of Ontario’s healthcare system can make it difficult for people to navigate and find the services they need.  

Through its collaboration with the Burlington Ontario Health Team (BOHT), JBH is charting a new course toward a more seamless and accessible continuum of care. By prioritizing accessibility, early intervention, and smooth care transitions, BOHT and JBH are reshaping the healthcare landscape for Burlington and surrounding communities. Initiatives like the Mental Health and Addiction Integrated Care Committee and digital tools like ConnectMyHealth are paving the way towards more accessible and person-centred care in our community.

Learn more

Wellness House - Celebrating 20 Years of Compassionate Care

In October 2024, JBH’s Wellness House celebrated its 20th anniversary. Throughout its history, it has been a beacon of hope, healing, and support for patients in Burlington and beyond. Offering a range of outpatient services that enhance health, independence, and quality of life.

 

Achieving this milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of the staff, volunteers and supporters who have contributed to Wellness House’s legacy of providing person-centred healing in our community. Here’s to continuing its mission of wellness for many years to come.

 

Learn more

Wellness House staff smiling for group picture to celebrate anniversary

Dr. Hoppe smiling

Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Daniel Hoppe

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Daniel Hoppe, has not only been a vital member of JBH since 2020, but also a guiding force for medical learners in his role as an Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) at McMaster University. His commitment to the highest quality of patient care was recently recognized with the Mac-CARE Excellence in Teaching Award.

This distinguished honour is a testament to Dr. Hoppe's impact as both a surgeon and educator, sharing his person-centric approach with the next generation of healthcare providers.

Learn more

Growing and Developing Careers in Healthcare

In 2024, nurses Nicholas Rizzo and Hardh (Harry) Thakkar, both dedicated members of the Acute Medicine team, were awarded bursaries through the Frank and Carol Tristani Education Awards. Their stories of why they chose nursing and want to elevate their skills are inspiring. 

The bursaries assist eligible healthcare professionals in growing their skills and careers. By encouraging continuous learning, JBH is not only supporting individuals in achieving their personal aspirations but also ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care.

Learn more

Two men smiling in a shared frame

Joseph Brant Hospital

Statement of Operations 

Year ended March 31, 2025

Revenues: 2025 Total
Ministry of Health and Ontario Health  $255,108,371
Inpatient Services $6,864,317
Outpatient Services $11,924,362
Other Income $18,206,096
Amortization of deferred capital contributions  $18,451,307
Total $310,554,453

 

Expenses: 2025 Total
Salaries, wages and employee benefits $167,539,420
Fees to medical staff $19,900,864
Drugs $17,738,357
Medical and surgical supplies $15,971,242
Other supplies and expenses  $52,776,669
Amortization of property, plant and equipment $21,124,073
Total $295,050,625
Surplus for the year $15,503,828

JBH Fast Facts

  • 1,994 Total Number of Employees
  • 192 Total Number of Physicians
  • 13,573 Inpatient Admissions
  • 56,830 Emergency Department Visits
  • 1,578 Births
  • 11,386 MRI Scans
  • 22,098 CT Scans
  • 115,742 Outpatient Appointments
  • 15,074 Day Surgeries
  • 2,625 Inpatient Surgeries
  • 51,501 Volunteer Hour Contributions
  • 295 Inpatient beds
Average Years of Service
  • All Staff: 8.49 Years
  • RN: 9.17 Years
  • RPN: 6.52 Years

 

As we reflect on the past year, we are humbled and inspired by our community’s continued generosity. Our donors’ support is making a real difference in the lives of the patients and their families who rely on Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) every day.

Those who choose to give to our hospital are powering the best care possible for our community by helping to ensure our incredible team here at JBH has access to life-saving tools and equipment, state-of-the-art facilities, learning opportunities to advance their clinical skills and knowledge, and the funding required to deliver the innovative programs and services that our community relies on.

In the last year alone, our remarkable community has funded critical needs across our Hospital, which would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. Just a few examples include:

  • Two new Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Machines, which provide life-saving support for patients in our Intensive Care Unit who are diagnosed with kidney failure;
  • Critical funding for our Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services Program to support the mental health care needs of children and youth in our community;
  • Portable ventilators to enable the transport of critically ill patients; and
  • Education bursaries to support our nurses and technologists pursuing continued clinical education and training.

There are countless lives that have been changed as a result of an experience at JBH and the generous support of members of our community who are enabling exemplary care. We are truly grateful for our donors’ unwavering commitment to local healthcare.

Thank you.

 

Ashley Davidson President and CEO of Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation

Ashley Davidson

Deepa Ganatra Board of Directors Chair

Deepa Ganatra