Kingston Health Sciences Centre

11/20/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟗, 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 ‘𝐍𝐨.’

It’s a regular prescription for most brain surgery patients. But not for Parker, who injected opioids for over four years and was less than a year into his addiction recovery.

“My surgeon told me he’s been sawing brains for 30 plus years and has never seen anyone able to refuse pain meds post-surgery, and that this was a valid reason to take them. It was up to me to choose.”

Parker remembers the first time he chose to inject drugs; it was the end of his 17-year military career and after his second and last frontline tour in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

“I tried it, I couldn't stop, and within a year, everything was a disaster.”

Taking pain meds after surgery was different, yes, but somehow the risk felt similar.

Parker says the support and advice addiction specialist Dr. Adam Newman gave him over several years is why he was able to recover from surgery sober.

“Doc Newman has always gone out of his way to assure and support me, and that helped me go through a painful recovery with no drugs. He gave me the confidence I didn’t think I had to see it through and the desire not to let him down.

“I was able to stay sober and refuse the two weeks of free designer pharmaceuticals they were gonna give me.

“So now, I take all the credit when he's not around, and I carry that clean surgery recovery like a badge of honour. It is an accomplishment that I am most proud of today, and he got me here.”

Dr. Newman says Parker’s clean surgery is highly unusual and that pain management after surgery for people recovering from addiction should be tailored to the individual.

“The need for individualized and specialized hospital care is precisely why the Substance Treatment And Rehabilitation Team (START) was created, and I would say Rick is one of the spiritual founders of the team,” he adds.

𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬🫶

The two first met by chance in 2016 (three years before START began) when Parker was being wheeled out of Kingston Health Sciences Centre’s (KHSC) Emergency Department just as Dr. Newman was starting his shift. A couple of days later, when Parker was in a hospital unit recovering from a blood infection related to injection drug use, Dr. Newman was at his bedside.

“We talked for a while. He told me that things don't have to stay like this. He said that when I was ready to make some changes, he would be happy to talk about some options and some support groups like Narcotics Anonymous. He gave me his info and told me how I could get in touch with him if I chose to.

“I was admitted four or five more times after that for the next two years for various infections, psych-wing visits and a surprise heart surgery.

“He came and saw me each of those times while I was in the hospital to check in and to talk and to let me know his offer still stood if I was ready.

“Doc Newman saw me again when I was leaving the hospital after my brain surgery. By then, I was seven months sober after the seventh and final time in a residential rehabilitation treatment centre.

“I would have been dead long ago if it weren't for him and his care, understanding, concern, dedication and expertise.

“I'd take a bullet without hesitation for that man, if it ever came down to it. I feel he went above and beyond to help me, and I am still his patient seven years later. I am currently tapering off my monthly sublocade shots with his guidance and management.

“I follow every bit of direction and advice he gives me like it were gospel.

“After you’ve lived with addiction for a while, it’s really hard to imagine yourself sober and functioning at all; your thoughts are so polluted and self-defeating.

“I didn't expect to be where I am now in my recovery, especially while I was still using drugs. It’s impressive what someone can do in tough times. With some help and the right support, it’s not as hard as you think.

“I hope it is somewhat reassuring for someone reading this to see someone like me on the other side of what they might be going through.”

11/19/2025

✨ 𝐀 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 ✨

Help us recognize and celebrate the generosity of our very own Corey Dunn, an Environmental Services team member at our Hotel Dieu Hospital site, who has walked an extraordinary path of recovery and philanthropy.

Two years ago, Corey faced a life-changing moment: after worsening back pain, he lost all feeling from the waist down due to a spinal infection that damaged his vertebrae.

With expert care from the neurosurgery team at KHSC, he underwent complex spinal surgery — including two metal rods and 12 screws — and spent 57 days in hospital, plus months in rehabilitation, relearning how to walk.

In honour of his journey, through September and October, Corey set out to walk 570 km (10 km for each day he spent in the hospital), raising funds for KHSC’s Neurosurgery Department. We’re grateful to share that he recently presented a cheque for $4,110 to support the very team that helped change his life.

Corey says he “didn’t have it easy, but had it easier than others … if me doing this makes what I went through easier for the next person, then it’s worth it.”

To the neurosurgery team: thank you for giving Corey his mobility back, and for being there every step of the way.

To Corey: thank you for turning your recovery into a force for good. Your resilience and commitment remind us of the power of the KHSC community.

❤️ University Hospitals Kingston Foundation

11/17/2025

💜 𝑻𝒐𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.💜

Anyone who has spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at KHSC knows it’s a 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞. Every year, hundreds of premature infants and their families show us what resilience truly looks like as they navigate the early days of life together with 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞.

✨Behind each tiny milestone is a remarkable NICU team of nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, dietitians, social workers and more. Their steady hands, world-class skills and unwavering commitment give premature babies the 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. ✨

Wishing a special to our extraordinary care teams, our youngest patients, and the families who support them. 👩‍⚕️👶🏼🧑🏼‍🍼

11/14/2025

💛 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 💛

The health specialist role with Ininew Patient Services (IPS) may be newer, but it’s clear Christine Hennigar was made for it ✨.

With her warm smile, friendly presence and signature dry wit — plus 40 years of health-care experience! — she brings deep knowledge, empathy and calm confidence to her work supporting Indigenous patients far from home 🫶.

Based at Geaganano Residence in downtown Kingston, which means “our home” in Cree, she creates a welcoming, culturally safe space for patients and families travelling from remote James Bay and Hudson Bay communities to receive care at .

“𝐌𝐲 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞, 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝,” she says.

“We do everything we can to make their stay comfortable.”

A registered nurse who’s been with KHSC for two decades, she’s known for her compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to the people she cares for 💛.

She’s brought that same warmth to the IPS team for nearly three years 🌟.

Hennigar conducts daily wellness checks, guides complex discharges and works with KHSC teams and northern partners to ensure individuals’ journeys home are smooth, safe and culturally respectful.

“Many of our guests are far from their families. I help build those connections so they always feel supported,” she says.

For her, the most meaningful part of the job is listening and learning from the people she serves — their stories, teachings and strength.

“𝐈’𝐦 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 — 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.”

11/13/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲?

Earlier today, KHSC President & CEO David Pichora, and a panel of local health care experts, met with local business leaders at the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce Community Voices Breakfast to share a bold vision for the future of health care in our region — one where care, research, education and innovation come together to drive both better health outcomes and local economic growth.

From advances in genomics, CAR-T therapy, and robotic surgery, to the long-term vision for a new health and life sciences district, we’re positioning Kingston to become Canada's next great hub for health innovation.

A huge thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for hosting this important conversation and to all of the local community leaders who attended.

11/12/2025

🚀 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧-𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧

Teams at KHSC and Queen's University have developed a groundbreaking new tool: a 3D-printed surgical biopsy capsule. It has the potential to transform how brain tumours are studied — and ultimately how they'll be treated in the future.

It allows teams to systematically sample brain tumours —giving researchers a far richer understanding of how aggressive tumours like glioblastoma grow, spread, and respond to treatment.

The tool was designed and patented by neurosurgeon-scientists Dr. James Purzner, Dr. Teresa Purzner, and Queen’s Engineering PhD candidate Kaytlin Andrews.

Think of it this way: studying a tumour by grabbing just one fragment is like trying to study an elephant only using snapshots of its toenail, trunk or ear. They'd all suggest you could be looking at something completely different.

🧬 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:

• With dozens of precise samples (each mapped with MRI imaging) teams can understand tumour diversity, map high-risk zones, and build better treatments.

• The tool is already in use at KHSC’s operating room, making us the only centre in the world currently using it.

• And here’s the kicker: thanks to 3D printing the capsule costs about 30 cents each—meaning this innovation can be easily shared with other hospitals.

💡 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: This kind of precision brings hope—for better treatments, to reduce the chance of cancer returning, and accelerates the discovery of new treatments for what is one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

At KHSC, we’re committed to turning innovation into impact. Thank you to teams who make this possible. Together we’re redefining what’s possible in brain tumour care.

Queen's University Health Sciences Canadian Cancer Society

11/11/2025

Kingston Health Sciences Centre paused for a moment of silence to honour the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of Canada's veterans and active service members.

We remember those who have served and those who continue to serve our country - standing for peace, freedom, and hope. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who have given selflessly, and to the families who have supported them.

Lest we forget.

11/10/2025

The KGH Auxiliary has officially launched its 2025 Show Children You Care Teddy Bear Campaign! 🧸💛
 
The campaign kicked off this week with a launch event at Kingston General Hospital, where Auxiliary members, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate the community’s continued commitment to improving care for children and families.
 
This year, funds raised will help bring a point-of-care ultrasound machine to the pediatric unit at KHSC - an essential tool that supports faster diagnosis and greater comfort for our youngest patients.
 
By sponsoring a teddy bear for $100, you’re helping make this goal a reality. Last year, more than 300 bears were distributed to young patients across and partner sites - a small gesture that means a great deal during hospital stays.
 
🧸💛 Your kindness makes a difference.

11/07/2025

“𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀,” says centenarian 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗵𝘂𝗺𝘂𝘀, as he looks at the quilt made by community volunteers and given to him in early October, when every Davies 5 patient was gifted a blanket to call their own.🧵💝

These quilts are more than just bed coverings; they symbolize 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 and 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 for patients whose health conditions may not allow them to return home.

Posthumus knows about resilience and that there are few guarantees in life.

Having spent many of his early years working on his family’s farm in the 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀, he wanted to be a Dutch farmer. But when he was 16, 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝗜 came to his town and changed everything.

His refusal to work in the German bomb factories forced him into hiding with the 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆, supporting Allied troops. Constantly on the move to stay safe, he often bartered for food or a warm place to sleep by doing fieldwork or spinning wool for farmers.🧶

After the war, he returned to farm work, including helping develop the planned agricultural community known as the North East Polder. However, with many competing farmers at the time and no formal agricultural schooling, he couldn’t secure bank support.

Eventually, after saving enough money for a ticket on a plane called “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗻,” he immigrated to 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮, where there was more space and opportunity for farming.

He landed in Montreal and journeyed through Tweed, Ontario, before settling on 𝗪𝗼𝗹𝗳𝗲 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱.

The road to starting his own farm on the island had many curves and bends that led him to work on other people’s farms, in lumber camps, mining, construction, car manufacturing, fruit picking, and at a sawmill, butcher shop and cheese factory.

“𝗘𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴,” are his words of advice and might be one of his secrets to longevity.

While waiting to transition to a long-term care facility, he enjoys visits from three generations of his family and has taken up new activities such as co****le, a popular game where players try to toss bean bags in a hole on a slanted board. He wins most of the time!🏆

“𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲,” says Posthumus.

Those words are a true testament to the 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 of the 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝗛𝗦𝗖.💖

11/05/2025

Meet Owen de Wolde - local student and budding clinical engineer! 🛠🦾

Inspired by his own hospital stay as a young child, 17-year old Owen designed and produced custom fidget toys to help kids who may be experiencing moments of stress and anxiety during their hospital stay. 🥰💜

In collaboration with Child Life Services, Owen sourced a design that was functional and safe for children of all ages. After more than 200 hours of work on his 3D printer, Owen dropped off the special gifts which are already being distributed to patients.

👏Hats off to this young man for going above and beyond in making a difference for patients at !

11/03/2025

💙 It’s MRT Week!

Across KHSC, more than 170 Medical Radiation Technologists work in X-ray, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, radiation therapy, and now PET-CT — providing essential insights that help care teams deliver life-changing care.

From cancer screening to emergency diagnosis, MRTs bring together technical precision and compassionate care to guide patients through some of their most important moments.

Their precision, expertise, and compassion make all the difference. 💙

11/03/2025

Where is health care headed, and what does it mean for Kingston’s business community?

Join the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce for an exclusive breakfast event featuring Dr. David Pichora, President & CEO of KHSC, and a panel of local healthcare leaders.

Explore how health innovation, research, and community partnerships are shaping our region’s economic future.

📅 Thursday, November 13, 2025
🕢 7:30–9:30 a.m.
📍 Quality Inn Hotel & Conference Centre, Kingston
🔗 Reserve your spot today — space is limited!
👉 https://bit.ly/43HYx8b

2025 Community Voices is fast approaching — now is the time to secure your spot and your team’s with our special Chamber member pricing!

Join us on November 13, 2025, to hear from Dr. David Pichora, President & CEO of KHSC, on the hospital’s bold redevelopment vision and how innovation is transforming health care in our region.
Following the keynote, a panel discussion with local health-care leaders will explore the economy, access for families, emerging technologies, patient experience, and stronger community partnerships.

💲 Special price for Chamber members
🌟 Limited: Only 10 booths available to promote your business!
➡️ Register today: http://bit.ly/4o0mak7

👏 Thanks to our sponsors: Museum of Health Care at Kingston (Title Sponsor) & Evolve Home Care (Breakfast Sponsor).