Local hospitals merge to create Waterloo Regional Health Network
Posted Apr 1, 2025 07:33:30 AM.
Last Updated Apr 1, 2025 12:32:05 PM.
It’s a historic day for Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital as the two century-old institutions complete a merger that will give it a new name but the same level of care.
The Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is the new umbrella name for local hospitals after 90 years of partnership, with plenty of significant developments soon to come in local healthcare.
“We are excited to unite our strengths and expertise to better serve the communities of Waterloo-Wellington, and beyond,” said Tim Rollins, co-chair of WRHN. “This merger is more than just a name change, it’s about building a stronger health care system that prioritizes patient care, innovation, and community well-being.”
According to those behind the name, it’s spelled WRHN, but pronounced “Wren”, with each hospital being given a title related to it’s location.
Going forward, Grand River Hospital will be known as WRHN at Midtown, St. Mary’s Hospital will be known as WHRN at Queen’s Boulevard, and Freeport Hospital will be known as WRHN at Chicopee.
Plans for the merger have been in the works for years, but the intentions were announced in April 2024. According to WRHN, the St. Joseph’s Health System, which St. Mary’s Hospital was a part of, is supportive of the hospital’s decision to merge with Grand River.
WRHN emphasized that there will be no changes when it comes to care or service, and hospital staff will experience no interruptions.
“We’re not anticipating any reductions or downsizing in the staffing that we’ve got. In actual fact, we have vacancies and are looking to hire,” said Sandra Hanmer, co-chair of WRHN.
The new hospital, set to be completed on the University of Waterloo Campus by 2035, has not been named yet, but planning for that hospital is ongoing.
WRHN also announced the appointment of its inaugural president and CEO on Tuesday.
Ron Gagnon will lead the newly merged hospital network as president and CEO. He joins on with 25 years of experience as an executive.
For more information, visit wrhn.ca.
