Lakeridge Health Celebrates a Transformative Year of Care and Launches New Strategic Plan at Annual General Meeting
(Oshawa) – June 15, 2026 – Lakeridge Health celebrated a year of innovation, collaboration, and expanded access to care at its 2025/2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 11, highlighting achievements that have strengthened health-care delivery across Durham Region and unveiling its new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan.
Held under the theme Care Without Boundaries, the AGM brought together staff, physicians, volunteers, learners, donors, partners, patients, and community members to reflect on a year defined by a commitment to delivering the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
“Over the past year, we continued to challenge traditional models of care and build a more connected health system for Durham Region residents,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “From expanding specialized services closer to home to strengthening partnerships across our communities, our teams have demonstrated what’s possible when we remove barriers and put patients, residents, and clients at the centre of everything we do.”
The organization also formally launched its new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan. This new plan will guide Lakeridge Health over the next five years as Durham Region continues to experience rapid growth and increasing health-care needs. Developed through extensive engagement with hundreds of patients, residents, clients, families, team members, partners, and community members, and informed by hundreds of thousands of touchpoints across our health system and the communities we serve, the plan is anchored by four strategic directions:
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Exceptional, Equitable, Connected Care
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Great People. Strong Culture.
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Innovation and Technology for Better Care
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Leading Education and Research
“Our new Strategic Plan reflects both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with serving one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions,” said Dr. Randy Wax, Chief of Staff, Lakeridge Health. “It positions us to strengthen partnerships, embrace innovation, advance health equity, and continue building a learning health system that delivers exceptional outcomes for patients and the people of Durham Region.”
The AGM marked a leadership transition for the Board of Trustees. Outgoing Board Chair Cordelia Clarke Julien was recognized for her eight years of service, including more than three years as Board Chair. During her tenure, she helped guide Lakeridge Health through the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of significant growth and transformation. Attendees then welcomed Bill Sims as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. A long-time community leader, President and Owner of Durham Medical, and former President of the Durham Mental Health Services Board of Directors, Bill brings extensive experience in community health care, governance, and strategic planning to the role.
The AGM also celebrated the invaluable contributions of volunteers, foundations, community partners, and donors who continue to support exceptional care across the region. During the event, the four foundations supporting Lakeridge Health highlighted the millions raised collectively over the past year for equipment, infrastructure, and patient care initiatives. Lakeridge Health Foundation also announced a new commitment of $5 million over the next five years to support regional health-care priorities, which includes an initial $1 million contribution toward the Bowmanville Hospital Redevelopment Campaign.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Dr. George Blake Bursary to Durham College nursing student Ola Kolawole, and the presentation of the 2025/2026 Local Healthcare Hero Award to Amy Maebrae-Waller, District Stroke Coordinator and Patient Care Manager, for her outstanding leadership and commitment to improving stroke care across Durham Region.
“Everything we achieved this year was made possible by our people – our staff, physicians, volunteers, learners, donors, partners, and community members,” said Bill Sims, Chair, Board of Trustees, Lakeridge Health. “Together, we are building a stronger, more connected health system and creating a healthier future for the people of Durham Region.”
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About Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s most comprehensive health systems, with five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a state-of-the-art, community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community-based locations delivering acute, ambulatory, and long-term care. We are home to leading regional programs in cancer care, chronic kidney disease services, and critical care. In addition, we offer specialty services such as a Level 3 Trauma Centre, The Shoulder Centre, thoracic surgery, gynecology oncology, eye care, and a full continuum of mental health and addictions care. Through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and over 160 active clinical studies, we are advancing medical knowledge and training the next generation of providers through the Queen’s–Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program and the LHEARN Network. Supported by nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, and working in collaboration with the Durham Ontario Health Team and community partners, we are committed to building an integrated system of care and empowering people across Durham Region to live their best health.
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