Dear friends,

It seems like just yesterday that I first stepped into the cardiac cath lab at Peterborough Regional Health Centre – a moment that began the journey of a lifetime. I am enormously grateful for my time here, and while I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead for me, I will leave with a heavy heart.

When I first came to PRHC, I had no way of knowing that my time here would span nearly two decades and culminate with me serving more than eight years as President & CEO of this excellent organization. Since those early days, I have seen our team evolve in so many ways as this hospital has grown in both size and stature. I have come to know and highly respect the work everyone does each day on behalf of this organization for the people of our community, and I thank them for that. Working with wonderful people doing extraordinary things has been one of the great joys of my career, and I’m proud to have been part of it.

There is no group of people more committed or more capable when there is a challenge to be faced – and as we all know, the last few years have brought more than their fair share of challenges. Change is inevitable, and the world is a much different place today than it was when PRHC first opened its doors in 2008. When I think about what PRHC stands for, I think about how our values come to life in the countless acts of care and compassion that happen within our walls every single day. Those values are as important as the care we provide, and as I prepare to step away, I encourage you to stay true to them, while not being afraid to look at things differently and innovate. Continue to lead the way with empathy and by embracing your humanity. Be kind to yourself and to others. And take the time to celebrate when you achieve your goals through hard work and teamwork – you deserve it.

It’s been my honour to serve this community and region, and I want to thank all of you. Our healthcare and community partners, our patients and families, and of course our hardworking healthcare professionals, staff and volunteers, without whom this organization would not be what it is today. Not a day has gone by that I have not appreciated your heroic work.

Thank you to the organizations and people we have collaborated with over the years, and to past and present members of the leadership team and the Board of Directors. My time with you has inspired me, taught me and helped me to grow.

Thank you to the PRHC Foundation, who have been an incredible support over the years, and without whom we would not have access to the leading-edge equipment and technology that makes excellent care possible at PRHC.

And finally, thank you to my family, who have been by my side throughout this journey. Their love and support have meant the world to me.

This will be an emotional transition; the 50 years I have spent in healthcare have given me a lifetime of memories, and now it is time to look ahead at what the future holds.

I know that the great work of this organization will continue after I leave, and that under the leadership of Dr. Lynn Mikula, our hospital, our community and our region will be in excellent hands. Dr. Mikula is a truly visionary and inspirational leader who will take this organization through the next phase of its journey. PRHC is fortunate to have her, and a senior leadership team who are extraordinarily capable and passionate about what they do.

Having access to safe, quality healthcare is a fundamental principle of our Canadian democracy, and providing this care is our most important role and responsibility, today and always. I wish each and every one of you all the best as you continue to fulfil the promise of this exceptional organization. You are part of something wonderful.

Yours truly,

Peter