Windsor Regional Hospital wants public input on new name and brand

Windsor Regional Hospital Ouellette Campus' emergency department seen on Aug. 30, 2024 in Windsor, Ont. (Travis Fortnum/CTV News Windsor)

Windsor Regional Hospital is initiating a renaming and rebranding effort, asking for input from staff, patients and the community through a survey.

This process is expected to last nine months and aims to result in a new name and visual identity for the organization.

The current name, Windsor Regional Hospital, has been in use for over 30 years, but hospital officials believe it no longer accurately represents its evolving role as a regional healthcare leader, the services it offers, or the communities it serves.

Hospital president and CEO Karen Riddell says that this rebranding aligns with major redevelopment projects.

“As we look ahead to a new hospital, the time is right to create a name and brand that reflects the work we are doing today, incorporates the future vision, and honors the legacy of our past,” said Riddell. “This is a common step many large healthcare organizations have undertaken in conjunction with major redevelopment projects to ensure the corporate identity reflects their facilities, services and role in the community.”

Board chair Ian McLeod views it as an opportunity.

“We are not just building a new hospital, we are building a new identity, and this is a chance for everyone to help shape that future together,” said McLeod

The public is invited to complete a three-minute survey on the project website to provide feedback, which will inform the new corporate name, visual identity, and brand strategy.

The survey closes on Dec. 15, 2025, and is available in French and English, with more languages coming soon. Paper copies are available at the redevelopment office.

WRH will also engage with the community in person, starting at the Healthy Communities Activity Hub during Open Streets Windsor on Sept. 21. Future in-person opportunities will be announced on the project website, social media, and via email.

In August, WRH announced that the new acute care hospital at Cabana Road East and the 9th Concession will be named The Fancsy Family Hospital, honoring a significant donation from the late John Thomas Fancsy.

The new corporate name is expected to define the overall organization, while site-specific names will distinguish corporately run facilities, including the existing Metropolitan and Ouellette Campuses, and the future Fancsy Family Hospital. More information is available at wrh.on.ca/TogetherWeBuild.