Joseph Brant Hospital continues to be recognized for its exceptional efforts to organ and tissue donation as part of compassionate end-of-life care.

By Gazette Staff

April 7th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) continues to be recognized for its exceptional efforts to organ and tissue donation as part of compassionate end-of-life care.

JBH received a Provincial Eligible Approach Rate award from Trillium Gift of Life (TGLN), given to hospital partners for demonstrating leading practices by facilitating a donation discussion with eligible patients/families of patients at end of life.

The Joseph Brant Hospital ICU team gathers to show their support for BeADonor Month.

In 2024-25, JBH achieved a 100% eligible approach rate, ensuring that when donation is possible, eligible patients and families were given the opportunity to have a conversation with the JBH care team in a compassionate, timely and respectful manner.

That year, JBH supported 1 organ donor, which led to 5 organs donated for transplant, saving 4 lives. In addition, there were 24 tissue donors, enhancing the lives of many.

The award highlights the dedication of JBH’s physicians, nurses, social workers and donation coordinators to support families in honoring their loved ones’ wishes and making informed decisions about organ and tissue donation, said Theresa Ferrari, Manager of JBH’s Intensive Care Unit.

“The opportunity for organ or tissue donation can create meaning and hope during one of the most devastating moments in a family’s life,” said Ferrari. “It’s inspiring and humbling to see that even in grief, many choose to think of others and say yes to donation.”

JBH is one of 50 hospital partners across the province to be awarded a 2024-25 Trillium Gift of Life Network Hospital Achievement Award. This marks the largest number of hospitals ever honoured in the history of the awards.

“This year’s record level of recognition is a testament to the dedicated, patient-centred care provided by Joseph Brant Hospital’s healthcare team as they honour and support the decisions of patients and their families to donate,” said Janet MacLean, Interim Vice-President, TGLN. “It also reflects the deep commitment of Ontario hospitals to fostering a culture where organ and tissue donation is a natural and meaningful part of end-of-life care.”

One organ donor can save up to eight lives, and a single tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people. Yet right now there are 1,627 Ontarians on the transplant waitlist in need of an organ to save their life – while thousands more are waiting for tissue donations.

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. It’s also important to talk to your family about your wishes, so your loved ones can confidently move forward in fulfilling your wishes without doubt or uncertainty.

Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) is a full-service, academic community teaching hospital located in Burlington, Ontario, along the picturesque banks of Lake Ontario. It is a modern, state-of-the-art facility, serving residents in Burlington as well as surrounding communities of Halton Region, Hamilton, Waterdown, Flamborough, and Stoney Creek.

JBH’s skilled staff of 189 physicians, 2,019 full- and part-time staff and 340 volunteers are committed to providing exemplary care and living the hospital’s core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

JBH is a Clinical Education site in conjunction with McMaster University and a partner member of the Burlington Ontario Health Team. It is honoured to be recognized as one of Hamilton Niagara’s Top Employers for 10 consecutive years.