Name change for hospitals serving York & Durham

MARKHAM, Ont. – The corporation formerly known as Markham Stouffville Hospital has announced the launch of Oak Valley Health, a new overarching name for the organization’s two hospital sites – Markham Stouffville Hospital and Uxbridge Hospital (formerly Uxbridge Cottage Hospital).

The name Oak Valley Health was chosen after extensive research and engagement with staff, physicians and volunteers, as well as external stakeholders and community members, to explore a new corporate identity better unifying the multi-site organization and representing the pivotal role it plays in providing care to the expanding communities of Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Uxbridge, and beyond.

The names of the two hospital sites will not be changing. The new overarching name will represent the entire organization, which includes Markham Stouffville Hospital and Uxbridge Hospital, the Reactivation Care Centre and a number of community based services.

“Because of the broad reaching consultation with many stakeholders and community members in our catchment area, we were able to create a brand, name and visual identity that resonates with the diverse communities we serve,” says Jo-anne Marr (pictured), president and CEO, Oak Valley Health.

The new name honours the proud history of the hospitals’ historical roots and also reflects the future of healthcare for the community. The name is a hybrid of Oak Ridges Moraine and Rouge Valley, two prominent geographical landmarks that span across the two unique regions, York and Durham region, which Oak Valley Health serves.

“Oak Valley Health will build on over 30 years of delivering high quality healthcare programs and services at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Over three decades, the hospital has undergone substantial change, doubling in size and taking responsibility for another site: Uxbridge Hospital and its catchment area. During Markham Stouffville Hospital’s history the brand has not changed, even after the acquisition of the Uxbridge Hospital,” says Mike Arnew, chair of the Board of Directors, Oak Valley Health.

“When we launched our new Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan two years ago, the Board of Directors identified the need for a new, overarching name and visual identity for the hospital corporation. We are thrilled to launch Oak Valley Health, a regional healthcare provider to better serve and that continues to evolve to meet the care needs of the people of Eastern York Region and North Durham.”