Lakeridge Health Recognized with Two Awards from Trillium Gift of Life Network
DURHAM REGION – November 10, 2026 – Lakeridge Health has been recognized for its continued commitment to organ and tissue donation after helping save and transform lives across Ontario in 2025/2026.
Over the past year, Lakeridge Health supported nine organ donors, resulting in 31 organs donated for transplant and 27 lives saved. An additional 88 tissue donors helped transform the lives of many more people through the gift of donation.
In recognition of this work, Lakeridge Health has received two provincial awards from Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN): the Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award and the Award of Excellence.
The Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award recognizes Lakeridge Health for ensuring that families or substitute decision-makers were offered a conversation about organ donation in every eligible case. This represents a 100 per cent eligible approach rate, exceeding the provincial target of 90 per cent, and marks the sixth time Lakeridge Health has received this award.
This marks the sixth time Lakeridge Health has received the Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award. The award specifically recognizes hospitals that demonstrate leading practices by facilitating crucial donation discussions with eligible patients and families at end of life.
“Every donation begins with an extraordinarily generous decision by a donor and their family,” said Dr. Randy Wax, Chief of Staff, Lakeridge Health. “We are deeply grateful to the individuals and families who chose to give others the opportunity for more time, better health and hope. Achieving a 100 per cent eligible approach rate also reflects the commitment of our teams to ensuring donation is thoughtfully and consistently considered as part of end-of-life care.”
Lakeridge Health will also receive the Award of Excellence for the third time, recognizing the organization for meeting or exceeding the provincial eligible approach rate target for four or more consecutive years and demonstrating an outstanding commitment to leading donation practices.
Across Ontario in 2025/2026, hospitals collectively supported 372 organ donors, providing life-saving organ transplants to 965 individuals. An additional 1,965 tissue donors enhanced the lives of many others.
These achievements are made possible through the dedication of hospital and system partners across Ontario that continue to make organ and tissue donations a priority.
“The impact of organ and tissue donation extends far beyond our hospitals,” said Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health.” “Behind every number is a person whose life has been saved or transformed and a donor and family whose generosity made that possible. We are proud of our teams and partners for their ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for donation and supporting patients and families through these important conversations.”
Every Ontarian has the opportunity to demonstrate their support for this life-saving work by registering their consent to organ and tissue donation at BeADonor.ca.
PHOTO - Caption: Team members from Lakeridge Health's critical care and surgical teams recognized by Trillium Gift of Life Network for their commitment to organ and tissue donation.
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About Lakeridge Health
Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s largest community health systems, serving Durham Region and beyond through five hospitals, a same-day surgical centre, a long-term care home and more than 30 community locations. Guided by its vision, One System. Best Health., Lakeridge Health provides a broad range of acute, ambulatory, community and specialized services, while advancing education, research and partnerships that connect care across the region. Learn more at lh.ca.
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