Location: Mississauga, ON
On July 17, 2025, Partners Community Health (PCH) held its first-ever on-site cancer screening clinic for long-term care staff, bringing preventive health services directly to the people who provide care every day.
The initiative, made possible through collaboration with Mississauga Health, CarePoint Health, and Indus Community Services, offered education and screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer inside a mobile clinic on-site.
“Today is about our people,” said Tess Romain, President & CEO of PCH. “It’s about making sure the women who care for others every single day have access to the care they need for themselves.”
The Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, toured the mobile unit and met with staff. “As healthcare workers, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves,” she said in her reflections on the event. “So please—take care of yourself before you can take care of others.”
Throughout the day, more than 20 staff members received screening appointments, while others engaged with wellness booths, educational resources, and community partners on site. Raffles, giveaways, and a supportive atmosphere helped make the day both meaningful and memorable.
“This initiative is a powerful example of what’s possible when partners come together with a shared purpose,” said Lindsay Wingham-Smith, Executive Director of Mississauga Health.
Staff were able to get screened without needing to take time off, arrange transportation, or secure a referral – removing barriers that often delay essential care.
“Creating spaces like this makes healthcare feel safe, inclusive, and accessible,” said Dr. Sundeep Banwatt, Clinical Director at CarePoint Health.
The initiative also aligned with PCH’s #Belonging@PCH July theme of Wellness, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
“Many of our staff are women of colour working long shifts in frontline roles,” said Kathy Lashley, Director, Strategy and Governance. “This gave them a chance to prioritize their own health, right where they work.”
Thank you to Partners Community Health for sharing this story, read the original article here.
