Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) emergency departments are here for serious and urgent health concerns. For other care needs, there may be options that can connect you with the care you need sooner.
Your health always comes first. Find the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
At Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), team members and providers bring forward new ideas to make healthcare better. This helps us care for patients in the best way possible and support local communities.
Research and innovation help us:
We lead and join many projects that help us improve how we care for people. We also work with schools, the government, and businesses to achieve change. These projects help us find better ways to treat patients. All projects must match WRHN’s mission, vision, values, and key areas of care.
Partnerships and collaboration fuel innovation at WRHN. By working alongside researchers, leaders, and organizations, we improve care and make it more accessible for everyone.
WRHN works with academic partners to improve the health of our region. Together, we inspire new ideas and shape the next generation of health professionals to:
This work brings talented health professionals to local communities. It also helps us plan for the future and work towards becoming One Million Ready by 2050. Learn how our work together is helping us get ready.
For decades, WRHN and the University of Waterloo have worked together to improve healthcare. This includes shared work in education, research, and innovation. Together, we offer hands-on learning opportunities for the University’s pharmacy and optometry students. We also explore new ways to improve treatment and care through research.
As strategic partners, we plan for the region’s future health needs together. This includes bringing innovation into health programs and spaces through the CareNext Innovation Coalition. The University’s Global Futures framework also supports our shared goal of building stronger, healthier, more sustainable communities. We work together to make it easier to get the right care at the right time. Our goal is to advance healthcare across the region and beyond.
As a community teaching hospital, WRHN partners with the McMaster University School of Medicine at the Waterloo Regional Campus to train medical residents. Each year, about 140 residents train at WRHN.
By offering training locally, we give students the skills and connections to build their careers here. As our population continues to grow, the next generation of doctors will play an important role in providing high-quality care.
WRHN also partners with McMaster University to offer placements in other health fields like radiation science and nursing. Together, we offer practical and professional learning opportunities for students.
WRHN partners with Conestoga College to help train the next generation of health professionals. Students work with experienced preceptors to learn to provide compassionate, patient-centred care.
Leaders from WRHN actively participate in Conestoga College’s program advisory committees. They provide important insight into the skills and roles health organizations need. Together, we create a stronger workforce that can meet local communities’ health needs.
Wilfrid Laurier University is known for its strong business programs and growing offerings in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These areas of focus complement the work we do at WRHN. Our organizations prepare students with knowledge and skills that support high-quality care and healthier communities. We are always looking for new opportunities to partner in areas such as business, the health economy, and STEM.
Nipissing University empowers registered practical nurses (RPNs) at WRHN to advance their careers. Their bridging program helps RPNs upgrade their education to become registered nurses (RNs). Team members study part time while they continue to work at WRHN. They can also complete their clinical placements here. This partnership helps us build a strong team and supports excellent care.
WRHN also has many other academic partners, including:
Together, we support better health for our region and beyond.
This list of partners is accurate as of October 2025. We continue to review and update it regularly.
WRHN works with research partners to find new and better ways to deliver care and improve patient experience.
In 2018, WRHN joined the Network of Networks. This group connects research teams across Canada. It gives us helpful tools, advice, and clear steps to follow, so our research is well done and organized. Our other research partners include:
The CareNext Coalition is a unique partnership between WRHN and the University of Waterloo. It brings together doctors, researchers, and business leaders to:
This work will make healthcare more personal, easier to use, and available to more people. It will use new approaches that save time and money and help patients get better care.
Innovation and Research teams focus on real life projects that improve care.
Some examples include:
If you want to do research at WRHN, you should already know or be thinking about who you might work with. If you need help finding someone, contact us. We are happy to help.
All research must undergo an institutional review before the ethics review. Please contact the Office of Research who will guide you in that process.
WRHN is supported by multiple Research Ethics Boards. Our office will help you determine the most appropriate board and direct you to their application process.
If you have questions or want to start a research project, please contact: