Published On: October 6, 2026
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) was recently recognized by Trillium Gift of Life Network for its exceptional efforts in 2025/26 to support organ and tissue donation as part of compassionate end-of-life care.
STEGH was presented with the Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award for demonstrating leading practices by facilitating a donation discussion with eligible patients/families of patients at end of life.
The recognition is especially meaningful in a community that continues to demonstrate strong support for organ and tissue donation. With an organ and tissue donor registration rate of 53%, Elgin County ranks among the highest in Ontario and well above the provincial average of 35%. This remarkable level of community participation reflects the generosity of local residents and their commitment to giving others a second chance at life through the gift of donation.
“Receiving this award for the fourth year in a row is a testament to the commitment of our healthcare teams to provide compassionate, patient-centred care at every stage of life,” said Mike Cullen, Manager, Intensive Care Unit, STEGH. “Organ and tissue donation offers hope to thousands of people waiting for a transplant, and we are proud to support eligible patients and families in making informed decisions that honour their wishes. We are also fortunate to be part of a community that strongly supports donation, and each year we are inspired by the donor families and recipients who share their stories and demonstrate the lasting impact a single decision can have on countless lives.”
STEGH is one of 48 hospital partners across the province to be awarded a 2025/26 Trillium Gift of Life Network Hospital Achievement Award.
“This achievement reflects the dedicated, patient-centred care provided by St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital’s healthcare team as they honour and support the decisions of patients and their families to donate,” said Janet MacLean, Vice-President, Trillium Gift of Life Network. “It also reflects the deep commitment of Ontario hospitals to foster a culture of organ and tissue donation as a natural and meaningful part of end-of-life care.”
ABOUT THE AWARDS
Each year, the Hospital Achievement Awards recognize hospital partners that meet or exceed Ontario’s targets in key areas of the donation process. “Behind every award is a team of dedicated healthcare professionals committed to providing compassionate, patient-centred care,” said Dr. Andrew Healey, Provincial Medical Director – Donation, Trillium Gift of Life Network. “By ensuring every opportunity for donation is thoughtfully considered and supporting families in honouring their loved one’s wishes, these teams help make the gift of organ and tissue donation possible. It is this commitment to excellence that builds trust and strengthens Ontario’s donation system.”
WHY DONATION MATTERS
Did you know? One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a single tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people through the gift of skin, eyes and bones. Yet right now there are almost 1,700 Ontarians on the transplant waitlist in need of an organ to save their life – while thousands more are waiting for tissue donations.
Despite this need, only 34 per cent of eligible Ontarians are currently registered as organ and tissue donors—that means more than 9 million Ontarians haven’t registered. Anyone 16 years or older with a valid Ontario health card can register at beadonor.ca or in person at any ServiceOntario location during a visit to renew your health card or driver’s license.
Just as important as registering is talking to your family about your wishes. When a person has both registered their consent and discussed their decision with their families, their loved ones can confidently move forward in fulfilling those wishes without doubt or uncertainty of their wishes.