We are Niagara Health is a series of stories that celebrates the incredible people working and volunteering in our organization and how they make a difference in the lives of patients and coworkers every day.
Laura Morrison still remembers the first day she walked through the doors at the Niagara Falls Hospital a newly minted nurse.
It was 1990. She had just finished her consolidation on Unit B — a surgical inpatient unit — and was stepping into the same space as a full-time staff member.
“It feels like yesterday, and at the same time, like a lifetime ago,” she says.
Now, 35 years later, Morrison is preparing to retire from her role as Director of Kidney Care and Ambulatory Programs. While she’ll step away officially in early October, her legacy at Niagara Health is already firmly established — a career built on compassion, innovation and a deep love for the community she’s always called home.
“I’ve been so fortunate to do work I care deeply about, in the place where I grew up,” she says. “It’s never just been a job to me.”
From her early days on medical and surgical units, Morrison built a strong foundation in frontline nursing. In 1997, she moved into outpatient hemodialysis, where she discovered a passion for kidney care. Over the next several years, she progressed into leadership roles, becoming a Charge Nurse and later a Clinical Manager in the Kidney Care Program. She went on to broaden her experience as Medical Inpatient Manager and Manager of the Scheduling Office. In 2018, she returned to the Kidney Care Program as Director, bringing her career full circle.
“It felt like everything aligned,” she says. “To come back and support the program that shaped me early on — that was a full-circle moment I’ll always treasure.”
Known for her collaborative style and people-first approach, Morrison has led major initiatives that will leave a lasting impact, including the Ambulatory Program Re-design Project — a transformation effort that is setting the stage for the opening of the new South Niagara Hospital.
She also helped guide Niagara Health to earn Stroke Distinction from Accreditation Canada, a milestone on the path to establishing the South Niagara Hospital as a future Stroke Centre of Excellence.
This past spring, she was recognized with an Excellence in Nursing, Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Nursing Excellence Awards, honouring her career of dedication, leadership and service.
“It was humbling,” she says. “A lot of emotions — pride, gratitude, reflection. It gave me the chance to pause and really appreciate the journey.”
Heather Paterson, Executive Vice-President, Clinical Operations, says Morrison’s departure marks the end of an era at Niagara Health.
“Laura’s impact on this organization, and on the Niagara community, is woven into everything we do,” says Paterson. “She’s a leader, mentor and friend — her influence will continue to guide us well into the future.”
Morrison says it’s the people — patients, colleagues and teams — who have kept her passionate about her work over the decades.
“Every role I’ve taken on has taught me something new. But what’s always stayed the same is the incredible people I’ve worked alongside. Their commitment, their heart — that’s what has made this journey so meaningful.”
She’s quick to point out that while she’s proud of the strategic projects and system improvements, it’s the small, day-to-day moments that she’ll miss the most.
“The hallway conversations. The brainstorms. The shared challenges. The sense of being part of something bigger,” she says.
“Those connections are the things that matter most to me.”
As she looks toward retirement, Morrison plans to slow down, spend more time with family and friends and stay open to new opportunities — whether through community involvement or other meaningful contributions.
“I’m not making any big plans right now. Just looking forward to a bit of balance — and cheering on the amazing Niagara Health teams from the sidelines.”
To the next generation of healthcare leaders, she offers a few words of advice.
“Keep learning. Stay grounded in your values. And always put the patient first.”
