For Lara MacNeil, William Osler Health System (Osler) isn’t just where she works—it’s where she grew up, where her children were born, where her family has received care, and where she’s built a meaningful, 20-year career helping patients transition from hospital to home.

As Clinical Services Manager for Osler’s Transition Team, Lara leads the group responsible for complex discharges—helping patients who are medically stable but not yet ready to leave on their own. Her team arranges home care, applies to rehab programs, coordinates support for seniors, and ensures each patient has a safe and sustainable discharge plan.

“I’ve been doing this work since Brampton Civic Hospital opened its doors,” says Lara, who originally started at Osler as a physiotherapy assistant at the old Peel Memorial Hospital. “This role is more than a job—it’s a calling. I truly believe in helping people get back into their communities with the right supports so we can keep hospital beds available for those who truly need them.”

Over the past two decades, Lara has seen firsthand just how vital community support is—not just in delivering care, but in sustaining it. That’s why, even after nearly 20 years at Osler, she only recently became an Employee Donor and joined the Employee Giving Committee—and it changed her perspective.

“What really shocked me was realizing government funding doesn’t cover equipment or all infrastructure,” she explains. “If we want to build a new hospital or get new equipment on our units, that comes from donors—including people like us. We all use this resource. We all benefit from it.”

Lara’s connection to Osler runs deep. She grew up in Brampton, delivered two of her children at the legacy Peel Memorial Hospital and her third at Brampton Civic, and continues to return as a patient and caregiver. “Even now, living in Georgetown, we still come back to Osler. It’s been there for my entire family—from surgeries to sports injuries to urgent care visits. It’s always been home.”

Her decision to join the Employee Giving Committee was rooted in a desire to not only give back but to help educate her peers.

“Our hospital team is doing everything it can to care for our growing community, but as the demand continues to rise, its clear we need more space to provide care closer to home. During the pandemic, the lack of capacity meant we had to transfer some patients as far as Scarborough, Niagara, even Windsor. It was hard to see people separated from their families at such vulnerable times. We have an opportunity now to grow and build a stronger, more connected health system to better meet the needs of this community.”

Now approaching retirement, Lara hopes to leave Osler better than she found it. She’s working with Ontario Health Teams to improve public education around community resources, and championing programs like OsleratHome, a wraparound service that helps seniors stay independent and avoid hospitalization altogether. Her team has helped reduce Alternate Level of Care (ALC) days significantly—and she sees what more investment could mean.

“We have the people. We have the passion. What we need now is the support to grow—to make sure Osler is ready for the future.”

When asked why she gives, Lara doesn’t hesitate. “Osler is where I work. It’s where I’ve delivered babies, cared for loved ones, and seen lives changed. If I can do something—even small—to make it better for the next person, I will. That’s why I donate. That’s why I serve.”