On May 15, as 2026’s National Nursing Week came to a close, VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) found itself with one more reason to celebrate as Dr. Karima Velji, Ontario’s Chief of Nursing & Professional Practice and Assistant Deputy Minister joined us for a special visit.

Starting first thing in the morning, we were excited to have Dr. Velji shadow one of our exemplary nurses, Wendy, as she performed a homecare visit with a nearby resident, Patricia, who experiences firsthand the value home care within the Ontario healthcare system.

“I have a rare condition, and depending on my health, I have stages in my life where I require nursing care 3 times a week, and at other times, 3 times a day. Without home care, I would not be able live at home, and I am incredibly grateful to the care providers who monitor my condition, support my health and keep me safe,” she said.

After that, it was off to a tour of VHA’s North Clinic where our skilled Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) deliver essential support, like managing wound care, which reduces the need for our clients to revisit hospitals for follow-up care and significantly diminishes the number of readmissions. Always with a warm smile, Dr. Velji interacted with the nurses working in the clinic that morning. Drawing on her own nursing knowledge and experience, she asked questions to better understand their impact on community health and how the clinic ensures the best possible care for the clients who depend on it.

Finally, her visit concluded with a roundtable discussion with nine VHA nurses who welcomed the opportunity to discuss their home care nursing experiences with Dr. Velji in person. RPN Teisha even excitedly joined after having worked a full night shift for a client requiring 24/7 care. Hearing this, Dr. Velji praised the dedicated nurse. “Imagine that! A client who needs round-the-clock care receiving it at home. There was a time when that wouldn’t have been possible. And the relationship you get to form with them! Other than his family, no one knows that patient better than you!”

Similar stories were shared around the room with Dr. Velji, transforming the round table into a genuine bonding experience between fellow nurses. RPN Emma delighted her with her story about assisting chemotherapy care for clients at home. “There was a time as a nurse where I would have never imagined that,” exclaimed Dr. Velji. “Patients receiving chemotherapy at home!” The same nurse, an international educated nurse, was proud to share her career progression journey and how VHA had supported her beginning work in Canada as a PSW through a bridging program into her current designation as an RPN and how she was currently working towards becoming an RN. “Have you applied for bridge funding this time?” inquired Dr. Velji as she looked around the room. “We’re ensuring that funding and support is available for every nurse who wants to bridge.” Many nurses around the room echoed this sentiment, speaking to how VHA and bridging programs had supported their career growth and how grateful they were.

Another common theme shared by our nurses was just how much they loved home care and working for VHA. “I love my job and I love VHA,” said Emma, an RPN, as Dr. Velji grinned. “I had the opportunity to work somewhere else, and I chose to stay here.” Home care is a very special kind of care that often allows for deep bonds to develop between nurse and client. The passion our nurses shared with Dr. Velji showed the pride they have as nurses but also the pride they have as homecare providers.

As the visit wrapped up, Dr. Velji was clearly touched by much of what she had witnessed that day. As the health care needs of Ontarians continue to evolve, so too must the care we provide. VHA is proud of the incredible work our nurses and health care providers deliver every day and we were so grateful for the opportunity to share a glimpse of how we’re contributing to excellent care across our province.