Integrated care leader appointed at St. Joseph’s

GUELPH, Ont. – To lead integrated care among three sites, John Woods (pictured) has become the inaugural integrated president of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph, St. Joseph’s Villa Dundas and St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre Brantford. The appointment became effective October 7, 2024.

“We are advancing health beyond boundaries and transforming how we work together to care for our patients, clients and residents, families and care partners,” said Elizabeth Buller, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health System. “Through this integrated model, we are continuing to build innovative systems of care where individuals can age in place, connected to high-quality, compassionate healthcare and supports.”

St. Joseph’s Health System is one of Ontario’s largest not-for-profit long-term care providers with more than 900 care beds on three campuses of care across three cities in the Ontario Health West region.

As a campus of care, each site is home to local and regional programs and services that support holistic care for patients, clients, residents, and families, including long-term care, complex care, rehabilitation, hospice and palliative care, community support and outreach services, respite and day programs, seniors housing, and behavioural support programs.

“Our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, believed it was an honour to serve their community. Inspired by their legacy, the Integrated President will strengthen and develop new partnerships, advocate for our communities, and continue pushing the boundaries to build innovative campuses of care where individuals can age in place, connected to high-quality, compassionate care and housing supports,” said Roger Fulton, chair of the St. Joseph’s Health System Board of Directors.

John Woods has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the St. Joseph’s Health System community, most recently serving as president of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph and interim president of St. Joseph’s Villa Dundas.

Woods is currently vice president of the St. Joseph’s Health System Nunavut Partnership. He has also served as interim president of St. Joseph’s Home Care, and interim president of St. Mary’s General Hospital, and he has held leadership roles at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

As the integrated president, mission-based leader and advocate for integrated care, John will work collaboratively with the healthcare providers, leadership teams, local boards, and foundations across SJHS’ three campuses of care to deliver innovative care from the perspective of the patients, clients, residents and families.