Oakville Hospital Foundation

03/31/2025

When you're undergoing cancer treatment, every moment matters.

That’s why Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital has opened the FOCUS Clinic—Fast Oncology Care for Urgent Symptoms—a same-day urgent care clinic designed for cancer patients experiencing serious symptoms like dehydration, fever, or infection.

No long waits. No unnecessary ER visits. Just expert, compassionate care when it’s needed most.

Thanks to your generosity, OTMH is bringing vital programs like the FOCUS Clinic to life—ensuring patients get the urgent support they need, close to home.

➡️ Learn more or support cancer care at OTMH: https://oakvillehospitalfoundation.com/stories/introducing-the-focus-clinic/

03/31/2025

“You can’t do everything at once.”

Meet Trish, a leader who’s helping shape the future of healthcare in Halton. In honour of women in healthcare, we want to share her story, which is a powerful reminder about balance, mentorship, and the strength of female leadership.

03/25/2025

03/24/2025

03/19/2025

Ramadan is a time of reflection, discipline, and connection—but it’s also an opportunity to rethink how we nourish our bodies. Choosing balanced meals for suhoor and iftar can help sustain energy, improve well-being, and honour the spirit of the month.

Incorporating high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and fibre-rich foods can make all the difference. And while traditions like breaking fast with dates remain a staple, small changes—like swapping fried foods for baked alternatives—can help maintain strength throughout the day.

Explore the power of mindful nourishment during Ramadan: https://oakvillehospitalfoundation.com/stories/from-tradition-to-nourishment/

03/12/2025

Incredible news for our community!

CIBC has pledged their support to enhance Interventional Radiology and Cancer Care at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. This partnership will bring cutting-edge technology and expanded care to patients and families in our community.

A huge thank-you to CIBC for helping us make a difference in the lives of those facing cancer. Together, we’re building a healthier future for our community!

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/wzlK50Vgqsv

03/11/2025

"I think women need to know that this is a part of our body we can’t ignore." – Dr. Carolyn Best, Urogynecologist at OTMH

On Canadian Women Physicians Day, we’re shining a light on Dr. Carolyn Best, the only subspecialist of her kind in Oakville. Dr. Best is helping break the stigma around pelvic health. Thanks to donor-funded equipment, she can provide specialized care to more women in our community.

Let’s celebrate Dr. Best and the many women physicians making a difference every day! 💙

🔗https://ow.ly/VzZS50Vb4Lk

03/10/2025

Mindful Eating for 🍽️✨

We stress over carbs, protein shakes & trendy diets… but what about how we eat? In honour of Nutrition Month, we're highlighting tips from the Halton Diabetes Program to explore the power of mindful eating—a simple habit that can empower your relationship with food.

Slow down & savor your meals with these simple tips:

😮‍💨 Pause & Breathe – Take a deep breath before each bite.
⏱️ Eat Slower – Add an extra minute to each meal.
🍴 Break Between Bites – Set down utensils, sip water, or chat.
😋 Savor the Flavors – Notice the taste, texture & aroma.
🎶 Adjust Your Environment – Music, silence, or setting can affect eating speed.

You can experiment for one meal, or take on a full “30-day challenge! Read more here: https://ow.ly/wWZw50Vanyx

03/08/2025

International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the women in our lives and our community, and to take action to support their health and well-being.

We're committed to making a difference for women in our community. Here’s how you can be part of it:

👟 Walk or run to support vital mental health programs for women at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.
🏃‍♀️ Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women – May 24 | Bronte Creek: https://ow.ly/3Tfy50VaiJP

💃 Hit the course for an unforgettable day supporting women’s health!
⛳ Queens of the Greens Women’s Golf Tournament – June 12 | Milton: Registration opens soon!

When women have access to the care they need, our whole community benefits. Tag your friends and get involved today!

03/03/2025

In honour of Black Mental Health Day, we’re proud to amplify the call for ongoing mental health education and culturally relevant resources to break down the barriers and inequities faced by the Black community.

Thank you for sharing your journey and insights, Claudia!

Claudia Barning, the Program Director of the Mental Health and Addictions Program immigrated to Canada from Ghana with her family as a child. Her journey to Canada was both exciting and challenging as they navigated a new culture while establishing a sense of belonging.

On Black Mental Health Day, Claudia stresses that mental health education should be woven into daily practices, not just discussed during Black History Month.

"Mental Health awareness and education should be woven into our daily practice, and not just a topic of discussion during Black History Month. Service delivery models and the lack of culturally appropriate resources to help mitigate health inequity, economic insecurity and racism within the Black community needs to remain a priority at all levels."

We spoke with Claudia to gain insights into her personal journey and the mental health challenges faced by individuals.

Read more: https://ow.ly/6wP950V9Bpw

03/03/2025

March is Nutrition Month! 🥦💚

This month is all about making informed food choices & building healthy habits! In honor of , Samantha Thiessen, MHSc, RD, Halton Healthcare Cardiac Rehab Clinical Dietitian, shares these simple yet powerful tips for better heart health:

🥦 Eat More Veggies – Lower your risk of heart disease & diabetes by packing more plants into your meals.

🍏 Skip Juice, Eat Fruit – Whole fruit = more fiber, better digestion & fewer calories.

🐟 Eat Fish Regularly – Omega-3s help your heart. Aim for fish twice a week or try flax, walnuts & chia.

🌱 Embrace Legumes – High in fiber & protein, they help lower cholesterol & reduce disease risk. Give lentils a chance!

🥚 Eggs Are Allowed – They don’t actually raise bad cholesterol, but skip the unhealthy extras like bacon & hollandaise.

Small changes = big health wins! Use Nutrition Month as motivation to fuel your body better. 💪

Read all the tips here: https://oakvillehospitalfoundation.com/stories/5-nutritions-tips-for-a-healthier-heart/

02/28/2025

Thank you for sharing your story, Jelesa!

Meet Jelesa Alexander, Registration & Admitting Clerk in the Emergency Department, and advocate for sickle cell awareness.

At just 13 years old, Jelesa was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, blocking blood flow and leading to pain, fatigue, and serious complications.

“I am personally committed to increasing awareness of sickle cell disease, motivated by my own experiences of being frequently ill and misdiagnosed. I never want anyone else to go through what I did, so I try to spread awareness to ensure people with sickle cell disease can receive the best care possible.”

We sat down with Jelesa to hear her story and understand what motivates her to advocate for change.

🔗 https://ow.ly/JPpj50V7LLl

02/25/2025

💙 Thank you, Shiri and Etta Shastri! 💙

After receiving amazing care at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, they wanted to give back. Their $100,000 donation to the cardiology department will help patients get the best care—right here in our community.

“Seeing the kindness and expertise of the hospital staff firsthand, especially during the holidays, reminded us of the importance of investing in healthcare and those who provide it,” they shared.

They hope their gift inspires others to help too!

“Strong local healthcare helps everyone,” says Etta.

We are so grateful for their generosity! Read more about their story: https://oakvillehospitalfoundation.com/stories/a-familys-gratitude/

02/21/2025

We’re thrilled to share that RBC Foundation has recently pledged a donation of $250,000 to support the training and education of our Emergency Department nurses at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. 🏥

Shannon Tyrrell, Director of the Emergency Program, shared her gratitude:
“On behalf of our extraordinary emergency nursing team, I want to express heartfelt gratitude to RBC Foundation for supporting nursing education and training. This commitment not only helps to enhance patient outcomes but also helps build our team’s skills, recognizes their dedication, and helps strengthen the care we provide to our community.”

This incredible donation highlights what we can achieve when we come together to support healthcare heroes. Thank you, RBC Foundation, for supporting the health and well-being of our community!

📲 Find out how this will make a difference for our community: https://ow.ly/5fJa50V2P6u

👏 Join us in celebrating RBC Foundation for their incredible commitment to our community!

02/20/2025

💙 Your heart matters—take charge of your heart health! 💙

This , we’re sharing expert advice from Talking with Docs, a video series featuring OTMH physicians Dr. Brad Weening and Dr. Paul Zalzal, along with cardiologist Dr. Michael Heffernan. Their easy-to-follow, engaging videos will help you understand your heart health and make choices that keep it strong.

Did you know that heart disease is one of Canada’s leading health concerns? Small lifestyle changes—like staying active, eating heart-friendly foods, and managing stress—can make a big difference.

❤️ Knowledge is power, and your support makes expert cardiac care possible right here in your community. Watch the videos and learn more: https://ow.ly/r8NF50V3xO4

02/18/2025

Being in the hospital can feel unfamiliar and stressful. But small comforts—like a supportive chair—can make a big difference.

Thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Oakville, we were able to equip the Adult Mental Health Inpatient Program at OTMH with two Broda chairs. These additions will help create a more calming, home-like space for patients who need extra support.

Broda chairs help patients feel safe and comfortable, especially those at risk of falling or in Dementia Behaviour Care.

It’s these thoughtful details that improve patient care—and they’re only possible because of a generous and caring community. Thank you, Rotary Club of Oakville, for making a difference! 💙