WRHN Celebrates "Year of Firsts" and Unveils Strategic Plan

Kitchener, ON | April 1, 2026 — One year ago, St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital officially merged to become the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). Today, the Network celebrates its first anniversary by reflecting on a “Year of Firsts” as they reimagine healthcare, and formally launch its Care Reimagined – Strategic Plan 2026-2029, a roadmap designed to build a world-class, integrated health system.

“Just as our merger was informed through extensive engagement, so was WRHN’s inaugural three-year Strategic Plan,” says Ron Gagnon, President and CEO, WRHN. “Waterloo Region is projected to reach one million residents by 2050. Meeting future demand is more than expanding hospital capacity. It calls for new models of care, innovation and technology, strong partnerships, and diverse voices to improve access, outcomes, and sustainability—successes that we are already seeing tremendous progress in over our first year as WRHN.”

Since voluntarily coming together last year, the past 12 months have been marked by many “firsts” demonstrating the impact of one team, one values-based culture, and one approach to seamless, integrated care. Through innovative care, WRHN’s team of dedicated, highly-skilled teams have brought care closer to home as leaders in healthcare.

• Clinical Excellence: WRHN became the first centre in Southern Ontario to perform endoscopic spine surgery, allowing patients to undergo major procedures through a 7mm incision and return home the same day.
• Cardiac Leadership: The Network solidified its reputation as a national and global leader in heart care, performing Ontario’s first SmartSync MRI for cardiac device patients, launching a breakthrough non-invasive cardiac radiation therapy program, and performing cardioneural ablation for vasovagal syncope—making it only one of a few globally to perform this procedure.
• Innovation: In a groundbreaking collaboration, the pediatric team delivered the first ketamine therapy for youth mental health, improving quality of life for young patients and paving the way for broader access to this transformative therapy.
• Personalized Care: The WRHN Regional Cancer Centre launched a pharmacist-led oncology clinic, transforming breast cancer care improving access, efficiency, and personalized care through a made-in-Ontario approach.
• High-Quality Care: In January 2026, WRHN achieved Accreditation with Exemplary Standing across all acute-care sites—the highest possible rating from Accreditation Canada—marking its first such distinction as a unified network.

The Network’s first year also saw significant strides in environmental sustainability with launch of the Neptune Waste Management System at its Queen’s Blvd. site, which is expected to divert 20.5 tonnes of biohazardous waste from landfills annually. Furthermore, the inauguration of the Patient and Family Partnership Council (PFPC) ensures that the voices of those served by WRHN are embedded in every policy and service moving forward.

“Our first year was about more than just a name change; it was about proving that we are stronger together,” says Gagnon. “From building our first set of Grandmother drums to honor our commitment to Reconciliation, to performing life-saving cardiac procedures that used to require hours of travel, we are delivering on our promise to provide better care, closer to home.”

Developed through extensive consultation with team members, patients, partners, and the communities it serves, over the next three years, WRHN will advance three transformative priorities:

1. Thriving Teams Deliver Outstanding Care: Cultivating a unified “One WRHN” culture that prioritizes inclusion, leadership, and the wellbeing of the healthcare workforce.
2. Advance Personalized Care: Co-designing care with patients and families to ensure services are equitable, culturally safe, and extend beyond the hospital walls.
3. Build Our Network for Better Health: Investing in a digitally connected system and advancing major redevelopment projects, including the highly anticipated new hospital for the Waterloo Region.

“Patients and families are at the heart of this plan,” Janet Davidson, Chair, WRHN Board of Directors added. “Every goal we’ve set for the next three years is focused on our purpose as WRHN: Lead boldly, serve with compassion, consistently deliver high-quality care, and partner to advance health for all. Together, we are improving the care experience and ensuring that our rapidly growing community has access to a modern, compassionate, and sustainable health system.”

Visit WRHN’s website to learn more about Care Reimagined: Strategic Plan 2026-2029.

# 30 # 

About Waterloo Regional Health Network

Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, we provide outstanding care that’s personal, seamless, and reimagined.

Learn more at WRHN.ca.

Media Contact:
Cassandra Easton
Public Affairs Lead
Waterloo Regional Health Network
[email protected]
519-584-5548