St. Joseph’s Health System unveils transformation plan for continued care in the community
Building on a legacy of care, St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) is launching St. Mary’s Health and St. Mary’s Health @ Home to renew Catholic care in the Region of Waterloo and meet the changing health and social needs of the community for generations to come.
SJHS launched a series of community engagements last summer to gather perspectives on how to advance Catholic care to meet the Region of Waterloo’s growing healthcare needs. This work was in preparation for the merger of St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital to form Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), supported by the St. Joseph’s Health System’s Board of Directors. The existing St. Mary’s General Hospital site, now WRHN, will continue to be an acute care hospital for the next several years.
“For 100 years, St. Mary’s General Hospital has been at the heart of care in the Region of Waterloo, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph to meet community need,” said Roger Fulton, Chair of the St. Joseph’s Health System Board of Directors. “Today, we renew our commitment to that mission, shaping the future of health and social care through community-driven solutions that emphasize access, equity, and integrated services that go beyond the walls of traditional hospital care.”
Rapid population growth in the Region of Waterloo has increased demand for health care services, resulting in longer wait times and limited access to primary and specialty care services. Additional support is also needed for seniors as the region’s senior population is expected to double in the next 20 years.
St. Joseph’s Health System is one of the largest Catholic corporations in Canada, serving more than two million Canadians. With an integrated care model that includes acute care, long-term care, home and community care, rehabilitation, and hospice services, SJHS provides high-quality, compassionate care to people throughout their lives.
“Our vision is to transform home and community care services, expand primary and specialty care access, and combine services across the lifespan to advance the legacy and honour the contributions of St. Mary’s in the community,” said Mike Heenan, Interim President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System and President of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Strengthening Home and Community Care to Meet the Needs of People at Home
Home care services are essential to help seniors age safely at home and meet the needs of the region’s fast-growing senior population. St. Mary’s Health @ Home is the first service provided by St. Mary’s Health. It will continue serving people who no longer require hospitalization — but still need medical and personal support — by safely discharging them from hospital so they can continue recovering at home with support. Care at home is best for people while also alleviating pressure on hospitals.
“‘Caring for the Dear Neighbour’ has always been at the heart of our mission,” said Heenan. “Home care professionals are in the homes of our neighbours every day, delivering high-quality, compassionate care that enhances recovery in a familiar, safe and healing environment.”
St. Mary’s Health @ Home builds on the St. Joseph’s Hospital-to-Home Program that provides preventative care to seniors and patients with complex health conditions as they are discharged from the hospital. These transitions can be challenging for patients. For example, frail elderly patients as well as those who are transitioning back home after a long hospital stay need proactive care to reduce complications or hospital re-admission. Caregivers need support too so they can confidently look after their loved one.
Supported by an interdisciplinary team including nurses, personal support workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, rehab assistants, and social workers, St. Mary’s Health @ Home provides ongoing, personalized care that supports both clients and their caregivers, helping individuals regain independence and continue their healing journey.
“Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives the care they need, when they need it, and where they need it along their entire healing journey,” said Nadia Surani, VP of Post-Acute Care at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Home Care. “Together with our hospital and community partners, we’re expanding our home care services to enhance access to urgent in-home supports for people in the Region of Waterloo.”
A Bold Vision for the Future: Removing Barriers and Enhancing Access to Care Across the Lifespan
In addition to recognizing the growing need for home care support, SJHS community engagements identified a critical gap in primary care access – 13 per cent of residents don’t have a family doctor. To help address this gap, St. Mary’s Health will look to strengthen partnerships with primary and specialty care providers and the Ontario Government’s primary care action team to ensure more people in the community can access the care that they need.
“Traditionally, healthcare is provided in a hospital or institutional setting, but healthcare environments are changing to meet the needs of diverse populations through team-based care,” said Heenan. “Our vision for the future of care combines a variety of primary, home and long-term care services so it’s easier for everyone — particularly seniors, people with complex conditions, and underserved populations — to receive care outside of the hospital.”
Continuing the Legacy of Mission-Based Care in the Region of Waterloo
Guided by the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph, SJHS will continue its mission by collaborating with community partners to adapt, innovate, and create a healthcare system that prioritizes compassionate, equitable, and sustainable care for generations to come.
“As we embark on this transformation, St. Joseph’s Health System is building upon a century of excellence in healthcare, under the St. Mary’s Health name in the Region of Waterloo,” said Fulton. “We are grateful for the community’s trust and support as we take this next step toward a stronger, more connected healthcare future for all.”
St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital officially received approval from the Ministry of Health to become Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) effective April 1, 2025. This is supported by the St. Joseph’s Health System’s Board of Directors.
St. Joseph’s Health System is committed to continuing St. Mary’s General Hospital’s legacy of healing and compassion, inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Building on that legacy of care, St. Joseph’s Health System is renewing Catholic care in the Region of Waterloo to meet changing community needs and bring care to where people need it most.
While things are changing, our work is not done. St. Joseph’s Health System will continue to honour our vision and values as we forge forward, inspired by our unwavering mission. We look forward to launching new models of care to meet unmet needs through partnerships that emphasize access, equity, and integrated services that go beyond the walls of traditional hospital care.
Together with our partners, we will embrace the future of care with light, hope and an openness to what lies ahead.
Click here to read the Waterloo Regional Health Network announcement.
St. Joseph’s Health System, a leader in mission-based health care and innovation, is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its executive team: Dr. Azim Gangji as Vice President, Academic and Dr. Lehana Thabane as Vice President, Research.
These appointments mark a significant step forward in St. Joseph’s Health System’s commitment to advancing discovery, fostering collaboration, and building a strong learning ecosystem. As part of one of Ontario’s largest academic health sciences networks, SJHS is uniquely positioned to lead the way in transforming evidence-informed care delivery and education.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Gangji and Dr. Thabane to our leadership team,” said Elizabeth Buller, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System. “Their expertise, vision and passion will enhance our culture of discovery and enquiry, ensuring that every innovation and learning opportunity aligns with our mission of service to our community.”
Creating a Common Learning Ecosystem
As Vice President, Academic at St. Joseph’s Health System, Dr. Gangji will focus on developing common learning ecosystems that support the recruitment, growth and development of health care professionals. He will ensure that SJHS is recruiting and equipping care teams with the tools and skills needed to thrive in a dynamic health care environment.
“Innovation, collaboration and academic partnership are at the heart of transforming health care education,” said Dr. Azim Gangji, Vice President, Education, at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. “By working together with our academic and clinical partners, we can build a dynamic and innovative learning ecosystem that not only supports and empowers the teams of today but also trains and prepares the workforce of tomorrow to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.”
Dr. Gangji is also a Professor of Medicine at McMaster University. He is a nephrologist, transplant physician, and has a strong interest in medical education and global health. He has received provincial and national awards for his innovation in education and holds leadership roles including chair of the Academic Advisory Committee chair of the SJHS International Outreach Program and chair of several Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada committees including the AFC Accreditation Committee. He was also pivotal in establishing the West Ontario Academic Health Sciences & Hospitals Education Network, comprising hospital and academic organizations working together to enhance learning and prepare learners for the workforce of tomorrow.
Driving Innovation Through Research
As Vice President, Research at St. Joseph’s Health System, Dr. Thabane will lead efforts to expand SJHS’ research enterprise, cultivating partnerships that bring innovative solutions to life. Under his leadership, SJHS aims to strengthen its reputation as a global leader in health research, translating knowledge into impactful advancements in care for those we serve.
“Our mission is to ensure that the discoveries we make in the lab translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of the people we serve,” said Dr. Thabane, Vice President, Research, at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Scientific Director of The Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton. “By bridging the gap between bench and bedside, we are creating opportunities to deliver compassionate care and innovative treatments that address real-world challenges. It’s this commitment to making a tangible difference for patients, residents, clients, families, and communities that drives our work every day.”
Dr. Thabane is also a Professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University where he has held numerous academic roles as a biostatistician and academic leader. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Advancing our Mission
These strategic leadership roles reflect SJHS’ unwavering commitment to our mission: Living the Legacy. Compassionate Care. Faith. Discovery. By investing in academics and research, SJHS is enhancing its ability to create meaningful partnerships, serve the community and drive innovation in health care.
St. Joseph’s Health System is one of the largest corporations in Canada devoted to health care. We are a large network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, home care, research institutes and foundations located in four cities in the Ontario-West region, connected by the legacy of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph. Together, we are continuing their legacy by reimagining how we provide care, conduct research, and educate our healthcare professionals.
As a system of care, SJHS supports patients, residents and clients across the lifespan: from acute care, post-acute care, long-term care, home and community care to rehabilitation and hospice. St. Joseph’s Health System’s presence across the care continuum, combined with academic, research and innovation partners creates unique, rewarding and distinctive experiences for staff, physicians, researchers and learners. St. Joseph’s Health System plays a significant role in training the next generation of health care professionals; more than 6,000 learners come through SJHS every year.
“Dr. Thabane and Dr. Gangji will enrich our culture of enquiry and expand opportunities for our care teams as part of an academic health sciences network and learning health system,” said Elizabeth Buller. “By innovating together and learning together, we can navigate through complexity, advance our mission, and transform the way we serve our communities.”
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Vaillancourt
Senior Communications and Engagement Officer
St. Joseph’s Health System
nvaillan@stjoes.ca
The Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) announces that after almost 40 years of leadership in health care, Elizabeth Buller has decided to retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph’s Health System, effective April 1, 2025.
Liz is recognized for her exceptional contributions to healthcare as a health system leader at both the provincial and national levels at prominent health care organizations across British Columbia and Ontario. She has led multiple health system integrations, built extraordinary teams, mentored the health leaders of the future, and has never wavered from her commitment to accelerate clinical excellence and innovation.
Wherever Liz has worked she has led with compassion and grit and is known for her progressive, collegial, and inclusive leadership style that consistently “got things done.” At SJHS, Liz has brought the same passion and dedication to the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, driving SJHS to new heights.
Under her leadership, the current strategic plan has accelerated SJHS’ ability to drive change, support teams and advance care beyond boundaries. Liz’s numerous achievements have positioned us on a path to enhance our mission with continuous growth, a strong focus on our people and those we serve.
Before joining SJHS, Liz was President and CEO of the Scarborough Health Network and served as President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Toronto, where she was instrumental in the voluntary merger of three hospitals to create Unity Health Toronto. Her extensive background in healthcare leadership also includes the position of Executive Vice President Clinical Operations & Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice for the William Osler Health System. In 2019, she was recognized by WXN (Women’s Executive Network) as one of Canada’s top 100 most powerful women.
Liz is looking forward to spending more time with her beloved grandson, Freddie, and daughters. We wish her all the joy, happiness, and good health she so richly deserves.
We are also pleased to announce, in collaboration with the Joint Boards of Governors, and with the approval of the Diocese of Hamilton, the appointment of Michael Heenan, PhD, as the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph’s Health System, effective April 1, 2025. Mike will retain his current role as President of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Mike has done an outstanding job as President of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, improving performance in quality metrics, recruitment and retention, workplace safety, education and research, and community integration, to name just a few.
As many of you are aware, Mike started his career at St. Joe’s before moving to various leadership positions in other large health care organizations, as well serving as Assistant Deputy Minister of Health for Ontario. Mike is staunchly devoted to the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph; he has shown it daily as he leads St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Rooted in our strategic plan and legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph, we will continue to explore opportunities to serve and further our mission. In doing so, we will continue to adapt and pursue unmet health and social needs that will promote our ability to do so with compassionate care, faith, and discovery.
St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) is pleased to announce Sean Sergi as Vice President, Nunavut Partnership, a role dedicated to strengthening relationships and advancing health care collaboration in Nunavut.
“Our Nunavut Partnership is deeply linked to our mission and values at St. Joe’s,” said Liz Buller, President and CEO of SJHS. “Sean’s experience, expertise, and dedication to the mission will allow him to support the delivery of compassionate, high-quality care that meets the unique needs and strengths of Nunavut communities.”
Sean brings nearly 30 years of experience spanning both public and private sectors. Since 2019, Sean has served as a key leader at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton as Director of HR Services. His collaborative leadership style and expertise in project management, HR technologies, and process improvement have been instrumental in supporting St. Joe’s teams.
Sean’s connection to Nunavut began early in his career when he worked with the Nunavut Secretariat at the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. This formative experience deepened his appreciation for the people of Nunavut and their communities.
In his role as VP, Nunavut Partnership, Sean will continue to build meaningful collaborations that reflect the unique strengths and needs of Nunavut communities. In partnership with the Government of Nunavut, he will help advance strategic initiatives to ensure compassionate, high-quality care while fostering innovation in health care delivery. Support for governance, quality improvement, pharmacy services, point of care testing, mental health services are a few of the areas that this role will oversee. This work will be done in addition to Sean’s current position as Director, HR Services.
Advancing our Mission
The VP, Nunavut Partnership role reflects SJHS’ unwavering commitment to our mission: Living the Legacy. Compassionate Care. Faith. Discovery. Through meaningful partnerships, SJHS is enhancing health equity, serving the community and driving innovation in health care.
St. Joseph’s Health System is one of the largest corporations in Canada devoted to health care. We are a large network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, home care, research institutes and foundations located in four cities in the Ontario-West region, connected by the legacy of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph. Together, we are continuing their legacy by reimagining how we provide care, conduct research, and educate our healthcare professionals.
As a system of care, SJHS supports patients, residents and clients across the lifespan: from acute care, post-acute care, long-term care, home and community care to rehabilitation and hospice. St. Joseph’s Health System’s presence across the care continuum — combined with government, academic, research and innovation partnerships — creates unique, rewarding and distinctive experiences for staff, physicians, researchers and learners.
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Vaillancourt
Senior Communications and Engagement Officer
St. Joseph’s Health System
nvaillan@stjoes.ca
Following the announcement of Mark Fam’s appointment of President and CEO of Oak Valley Health, Gary Higgs, Vice President & Chief Information Officer at St. Mary’s, has accepted the role of Interim President of St. Mary’s General Hospital effective December 16, 2024.
Gary will work closely with Mark and the hospital’s leadership team on a seamless handover of responsibilities, ensuring St. Mary’s continues to provide exceptional care while advancing the integration and redevelopment work.
Gary is a compassionate senior executive committed to supporting St. Mary’s team members through the transition and ensuring continuity as a partner in the planned merger with Grand River Hospital and beyond.
Since joining St. Mary’s senior leadership team in 2008, Gary has held many roles, including Integrated Chief Information Officer of St. Mary’s and Grand River Hospitals, VP and Chief Information Officer of St. Mary’s, and VP, Digital and Chief Information Officer of St. Mary’s and Grand River. He supported the senior team through the pandemic and implemented Cerner — the new hospital information system — in partnership with Grand River. He also co-led early-stage planning and redevelopment for the Building the Future of Care Together Project.
Join us in welcoming Gary to the Interim President role.