Members of the Niagara Health System Oncology Program team met recently with physicians, nurses and community and regional partners to discuss ways to enhance the patient experience. This gathering was part of the planning for existing cancer services as well … More about Enhancing the patient care experience for cancer patients»

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and the Niagara Health System are holding a Celebration of Hope and New Beginnings for patients and families of the Lung Diagnostic Assessment Program (LDAP) who have had lung resection surgery. LDAP is a partnership between … More about Celebration of Hope and New Beginnings event»

NIAGARA, ON: The Niagara Health System is experiencing an enteric outbreak on the Extended Care Unit of the Welland Site. Five residents in the Extended Care Unit are showing symptoms; two staff are showing symptoms and off work. The outbreak … More about Welland Site’s Extended Care Unit experiencing enteric outbreak»

An outbreak of Norovirus at the Niagara Health System Welland Site’s Woolcott Wing has been declared over, effective today… More about Norovirus outbreak declared over»

Hospital emergency departments and emergency services personnel across Niagara are extremely busy this time of year. It is important that Niagara residents know the options available to them for emergency and urgent care… More about Be prepared for the holiday season»

The Niagara Health System is experiencing a Norovirus outbreak on the Woolcott Wing of the Welland Site. Eight patients on the Woolcott Wing are confirmed positive for the virus… More about Welland Site’s Woolcott Wing experiencing Norovirus outbreak»

Excitement is mounting in the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Program as everyone is now counting down to the completion of what will be a state-of-the-art centre for the treatment and care of cancer patients… More about Making rapid gains in Niagara»

New data shows the Niagara Health System (NHS) is making significant progress in improving patient safety and quality of care. The Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio (HSMR)… More about New data shows major improvement in patient safety at NHS»

The Niagara Health System today declared a C. difficile outbreak at the Greater Niagara General Site’s Unit D. Three patients have confirmed positive for hospital-associated C. difficile… More about C. difficile outbreak declared on unit at Greater Niagara General Site»

Over the past year, the St. Catharines General Auxiliary, Canada’s oldest hospital auxiliary, has raised more than $30,000 to purchase a new bariatric bed for the Medical Unit thanks to the dedication from the volunteers on the Bingo Team. The … More about St. Catharines General Auxiliary Raises $32,000 in Support of Quality Patient Care»

Impressed with the care; impressed with the physicians and staff. These were two of the key takeaways for Dr. Carol Sawka, Cancer Care Ontario’s Vice-President of Clinical Programs and Quality Initiatives, after a recent visit to NHS’s Oncology Outpatient Clinic. Dr. … More about Cancer Care Ontario doctor impressed with NHS Oncology Clinic»

A cancer patient who has just completed their last cancer treatment at the NHS Oncology Clinic takes a baseball batter’s stance and brings their arm back, ready to strike. GONG! The sound resonates through the Outpatient Oncology unit. The deep … More about Oncology patients bang gong to celebrate life»

The Niagara Health System is pleased to announce Sue Matthews, Interim President and CEO as the recipient of the 2011 Margret Comack Award of Excellence in Nursing Leadership. Sue was presented the award last week at the Ontario Hospital Association’s … More about Interim President and CEO Sue Matthews Honoured with Award of Excellence at OHA Conference»

The Niagara Health System today declared the C. difficile outbreak at the St. Catharines General Site over… More about C. difficile outbreak at St. Catharines General declared over»

The Niagara Health System will provide an update on the status of C. difficile at its sites during a news briefing on Monday, October 24, from 3 to 4 p.m. The news briefing will be held at the Ontario Street … More about News media briefing on C. difficile at NHS»

Niagara Residents: I was disappointed this week to learn of a situation where a family did not receive the standard of care they deserved after their mother fell in the entrance area of our Niagara Falls site. There have also … More about Statement from NHS Supervisor Dr. Kevin Smith»

Learn about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) risk factors, symptoms, treatment options and preparing for those difficult winter months… More about Fall Health Education Series continues with session on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease»

Each time you enter and exit one of the Niagara Health System’s seven sites, a voice will now urge you to “please, clean your hands!” The goal of the new motion-activated hand hygiene kiosks is to remind everyone entering the … More about Using technology to increase hand cleaning»

Niagara patients with a suspicion of lung cancer are being diagnosed and treated much faster since a new program, the largest and busiest of its kind in the province, began a year ago. Listen to CKTB interview Dr. Giesbrecht or Read More More about Significant reduction in wait time for diagnosis, treatment of patients who may have lung cancer»

Almost 10 per cent of Niagara adults have type 2 diabetes. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, lifestyle changes and treatment options to prevent this growing issue. These sessions will include presentations by Niagara Health System care providers, question and answer … More about Fall Health Education Series begins with sessions on preventing diabetes»

The Urgent Care Centre and other services at the Ontario Street Site of the Niagara Health System (NHS) will remain open as usual to treat patients throughout the duration of the Niagara Wine Festival. The Ontario Street Site, located at … More about Ontario Street Site will remain open as usual during Niagara Wine Festival»

An online survey is being hosted by Dr. Terry Flynn’s research team from McMaster University so that everyone has an opportunity to voice their opinion… More about Voice your opinion through an online survey»

Niagara-on-the-Lake has a rich history, and once again the Town has the opportunity to celebrate its heritage with a 90th Birthday Party… More about NOTL Hospital Auxiliary’s 90th Birthday Party»

The Niagara Health System, in consultation with Niagara Region Public Health, today declared the C. difficile outbreak at the Greater Niagara General Site over.

“We know the last few months have been extremely difficult for our patients, visitors and staff, and on behalf of the NHS team, we would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support,” says Dr. Sue Matthews… More about Niagara Falls C. difficile outbreak declared over»

An outbreak of VRE at Greater Niagara General Site has been declared over… More about VRE outbreak declared over»

The Ontario government appointed Dr. Kevin Smith (bio | email) as Supervisor for the Niagara Health System effective Wednesday, August 31, 2011.

Read the news release from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, or listen to an interview with Dr. Smith on CKTB.

Follow Dr. Smith’s blog on his work to strengthen the Niagara Health System.

More about Dr. Kevin Smith begins work as NHS Supervisor»

An outbreak of MRSA at Port Colborne General Site’s 2 West floor has been declared over. “I would like to thank the public for its support and co-operation with our infection prevention and control measures,” says Kim Stephens-Woods… More about MRSA outbreak declared over»

The Niagara Health System recognizes that healthcare is important to everyone and public discussion is fundamental to improving it. The Ontario Health Coalition has been a catalyst for public debate about healthcare in the province, and the public forums taking place across Niagara this week provide additional opportunities for members of the public to bring forward their views and concerns… More about Public forums in Niagara about healthcare»

Niagara Health System feels deep compassion for those who have been affected by the C. Difficile outbreaks in our communities. We deeply respect the grief of those who have lost loved ones, and are deeply sorry for their loss… More about NHS Statement on Today’s Event for Families Affected by C. Difficile Outbreaks»

The Niagara Health System (NHS) is heading in a new direction by working with an international leader in trust and reputation to improve the hospital’s relationship with the communities it serves… More about NHS heading in new direction to improve trust and reputation»

A third patient related to the C. difficile outbreak at the Welland Site has died.  “We care deeply about our patients, and on behalf of the hospital, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends … More about Update on C. difficile outbreaks»

Briefings for members of the news media regarding the status of C. difficile at Niagara Health System hospital sites… More about News Media Briefings on C. difficile Outbreak at Niagara Health System Starting Tuesday, July 5th»

A second patient related to the C. difficile outbreak at the Welland Hospital site has died.

“On behalf of the hospital, may I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the patient. We deeply care for our patients and sincerely… More about Hospital reports patient death related to the outbreak at Welland site»

Two Niagara teens are packing to go on a whirlwind trip to Kenya June 25 to aid in development efforts. The trip for the duo was made possible by the fundraising efforts of Niagara Health System nurses over the past year.

Emily Oliver, 16, of Welland and Krista Scott, 16, of St. Catharines will experience the life of the… More about Niagara teens helping out in Kenya»

Dr. Janice Giesbrecht, Medical Director of the Niagara Health System’s Oncology Program, takes us on a brief tour of the Walker… More about Walker Family Cancer Centre Tour»

NIAGARA (Ontario) – Après avoir reçu des commentaires de plus de 800 résidents de la région de Niagara, la direction du Système de santé de Niagara est heureuse de présenter une nouvelle Déclaration des droits et responsabilités des patients et des … More about Nouvelle Déclaration des droits et responsabilités des patients et des clients»

The Niagara Health System would like to thank all staff, physicians, patients and visitors for their cooperation and assistance following a bomb threat at the St. Catharines General Site which occurred earlier this afternoon. The hospital would also like to … More about Normal activities resume at St. Catharines General Site after bomb threat»

Whether it is your family doctor who has provided care for years or a specialist who treated you through a very difficult time, physicians all play a special role in our lives. Niagara hospital foundations welcome all to show… More about Visionaries, Explorers, Pioneers, Specialists … Niagara hospital foundations welcome all to honour local doctors»

Doctors at Niagara Health System (NHS) and Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre are participating in a new initiative… More about New network gives doctors in Niagara immediate access to patient medical records from Hamilton and area hospitals»

When most students are getting ready to head south, play in hockey tournaments or just chill out over March break, 24 high school students interested in careers in healthcare are gearing up to spend the week at the hospital… More about High school students interested in healthcare careers to spend March break at the hospital»

With all required approvals in place, including rezoning for medium density residential development and an official plan amendment by the City of St. Catharines, the property where… More about St. Catharines General property on the market»

“A pure act of care that brought added joy” to a cancer patient by arranging for her to get married in the hospital chapel in a bridal gown and tiara, complete with a floral bouquet, is a perfect example of what makes staff member Cathy Caton so special… More about Recipient of 2010 President’s Award brought added joy to cancer patient’s hospital wedding»

A new program launched by the Niagara Health System targets diabetes patients in Niagara who put their health at increased risk by smoking. Thirty to 35 per cent of diabetes patients registered in the regional Niagara Diabetes… More about New smoking cessation initiative targets diabetes patients»

Quality performance indicators for the Niagara Health System show that wait times are improving in surgical and diagnostic care.

The latest data for January 2011 shows that wait times for cancer surgery, hip replacement surgery, and CT and MRI scans are all better than the LHIN target. The data shows there is still work to do in knee replacement surgery and cataract surgery, which are above the LHIN target… More about Quality performance indicators show wait times are improving»

Patients with heart conditions and in need of cardiac rehabilitation can now get the supervised exercise services they need in Fort Erie at a satellite clinic operated by the Niagara Health System. Cardiac rehabilitation is a set of lifestyle programs … More about New cardiac rehabilitation service now offered in Fort Erie»

Niagara Health System (NHS) is taking its infection prevention and control strategies up a notch to encourage everyone to clean their hands more often when they are at the hospital. Visitors, doctors and staff at… More about New motion-activated voice messages, kiosks encourage hand washing»

With what is being described as the worst snow storm so far this winter coming our way, Niagara Health System would like to remind the public that the hospital will be open providing patient care throughout the storm as usual. … More about Hospital will be open for patients throughout storm»

Emergency Departments across Niagara are seeing a higher number of patients with cardiac conditions and pneumonia, prompting longer wait times in the ERs and the postponement of some elective surgeries as healthcare providers respond to the needs of the sickest … More about High number of cardiac patients coming to Niagara Emergency Departments»

NIAGARA, Ontario: The Niagara Health System (NHS) Board of Trustees today announced a change in the senior leadership at the Niagara Health System (NHS). Effective today Dr. Sue Matthews has been appointed as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer replacing … More about Niagara Health Board Announces Leadership Change»

“The goal of this new program is to help patients stay active as long as they can and prepare them for surgery if required.” Dr. Bryan RittenhouseChief of OrthopedicsNiagara Health System NIAGARA, Ontario: A new clinic for patients with hip … More about New clinic at Niagara Falls site for hip, knee patients»

Beginning this week, a new outpatient clinic is being offered at the Douglas Memorial Site for patients with chronic lung disease and asthma. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is among the leading causes of hospitalization of Fort Erie and area … More about New service at Douglas Memorial Site for patients with chronic lung disease, asthma»

New healthcare information along with some familiar topics make up the list of the 2011 Niagara Health System Speakers Bureau. Now in its third year, the Speakers Bureau is a free service where service clubs and groups can book a … More about Learn about healthcare through 2011 Speakers Bureau»

“Nos patients sont notre priorité. Nous jetons un nouveau regard sur notre Déclaration des droits et des responsabilités des patients afin de nous assurer que les intérêts de nos patients passent avant tout et que nous soutenons notre philosophie de … More about Le Système de santé de Niagara demande l’opinion du public sur sa Déclaration des droits et des responsabilités des patients»