When Julie Merhar started working at William Osler Health System (Osler) in 2007, she was part of the team on the inpatient rehab and Complex Continuing Care (CCC) unit at Brampton Civic Hospital, where she supported patients in their recovery through various roles. She became the manager of the unit in 2016. Today, as Director of Access & Flow, Staffing, Scheduling, CRT, Admitting, and IPAC, her scope is broader—but the motivation behind her work hasn’t changed.

“All of the programs I support are essential to how we deliver care—whether it's ensuring we have the right staff in place, tracking capacity across the system, or supporting infection prevention across our sites,” Julie explains. “It’s work that touches every patient, even if most don’t see it.”

Though no longer on the front lines, Julie’s leadership is critical to how Osler operates. Her role spans staffing coverage, patient flow, admissions, and Infection Prevention and Control—work that has only become more complex in a region facing significant hospital capacity challenges.

“Phase II of Peel Memorial is an important step forward,” she says. “It will enhance our capacity and allow us to better meet the needs of this growing community—improving the experience for patients, families, and care teams alike.”

Julie’s connection to Osler runs deeper than her role. She grew up in Brampton, her children were born at Peel Memorial Hospital, and she spent much of her early career working and living in the same community.

It was while managing the rehab unit that Julie first became aware of how much hospital equipment depends on donor support—and not just large machines. “We needed new wheelchairs and therapy tools, and I was surprised to learn that funding had to come from donors,” she recalls. “That was the moment it clicked. That’s when I became an employee donor.”

“We do incredible work at Osler and supporting that—especially through donations—is one way I can keep giving back.”

Julie also serves on the Employee Giving Committee, where she brings her operational mindset and people-first approach to conversations about why giving matters.

“It’s a fun way to connect with staff and talk about the impact we can have when we come together. Most people who work here live here. Even if we don’t, we care deeply about the community we serve. And it shows.”

When asked why she gives, Julie doesn’t overcomplicate it:

“This is my hospital. We do amazing work, and I want to be part of supporting it—whether that’s through my role or my donations. It matters.”