A Landmark Collaboration Aims to Bring Specialized Care Closer to Home for Families Across Southwestern Ontario
Families in London and across southwestern Ontario who have long relied on specialized care in Montreal for rare bone disorders may soon experience fewer long-distance trips and improved access to local treatment. The next phase of a growing collaboration between London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and the Shriners Hospital for Children – Canada is now underway, bringing new hope and relief to parents who have spent years navigating complex medical travel.
The joint initiative—known as STAR, short for Specialized Treatment for Advanced Rare Bone Conditions—marks a significant expansion of services available in London. After decades of advocacy and an earlier unsuccessful attempt to bring the Shriners Hospital to the region, this enhanced partnership represents a long-awaited step forward for families seeking world-class pediatric orthopedic care closer to home.
A Long Road to Local Support
Two Decades After a Failed Bid, New Progress Emerges
Nearly twenty years have passed since efforts to relocate the Shriners Hospital from Montreal to London fell short. Despite strong local support at the time, the relocation did not proceed, leaving families in the region to continue traveling to Quebec for consultations, surgery, and follow-up assessments.
While the new STAR program does not eliminate the need for occasional trips to Montreal—especially for highly specialized procedures—it promises a more balanced and accessible approach to ongoing care. With coordinated services now in place at LHSC, many children will be able to receive portions of their treatment plan without leaving their community.
A Growing Clinic Already Making an Impact
One of the partnership’s earliest successes has been the launch of a monthly pediatric orthopedic clinic at LHSC, staffed collaboratively by specialists from both institutions. According to program leaders, the clinic has already assessed 111 patients, demonstrating both strong demand and the potential for rapid expansion.
“We want to make sure that we can reach out to our partnering pediatric sites to ensure that we can bring care closer to home,” explained Kelly Thorstad, acting administrator of Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada.
Thorstad emphasized that many children currently split their treatment between London and Montreal, which can be difficult for families juggling travel, appointments, and complex medical needs.
“If we can make that trip one less trip, so that they can come locally, that is one of our main goals,” she added.
Local Shriners Step Up With Major Funding Commitment
Mocha Shriners Pledge $1.5 Million to Support LHSC Programs
The advancement of the STAR program is receiving crucial support from the Mocha Shriners, the London-based chapter of the global fraternal organization known for championing pediatric healthcare. In an interview with CTV News, representatives confirmed a $1.5-million commitment over five years, with one-third of that amount dedicated specifically to STAR.
This major financial investment will help accelerate diagnostic pathways, integrate research tools, and strengthen service delivery, enabling LHSC to reduce treatment delays for children with rare skeletal and genetic bone conditions.
Improving Quality of Life Through Early and Optimized Treatment
Dr. Leanne Ward, a renowned researcher and co-investigator in the STAR program, highlighted how optimized treatment can fundamentally change the lives of affected children.
“When you have an optimized treatment for a rare bone condition, you expect to have less pain,” she said. “You expect to have less need for surgery. You expect to have improved function of mobility—so running, playing, jumping, and doing all the things we want kids to be able to do.”
Her remarks underscore the program’s emphasis on reducing disability and enhancing day-to-day activities for children whose lives have often been shaped by ongoing discomfort, mobility challenges, and frequent medical interventions.
A New Model of Care With Province-Wide Potential
First Partnership of Its Kind Outside Quebec
The STAR initiative stands out as the first formal collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children and another Canadian medical centre outside Quebec, signalling a new model that may inspire similar partnerships across the country.
Dr. Craig Campbell, chair of the department of pediatrics at LHSC, believes Montreal and London each bring complementary strengths to the effort.
“As we work together, we’ll continue to find ways to capitalize on the expertise in each of the spots to build programs that serve these kids with very rare genetic bone disorders,” he said.
The collaboration purposely blends clinical knowledge, advanced imaging, care coordination, and pediatric research, creating a framework that could streamline care for extremely rare conditions—conditions that many hospitals lack the specialized resources to treat independently.
A Strong Foundation for Cutting-Edge Pediatric Research
Beyond clinical treatment, STAR also supports enhanced research capacity. By connecting academic teams in London and Montreal, the program aims to fast-track discoveries and transfer them more quickly to patient care.
Thorstad echoed that vision, emphasizing the synergy created when medical experts join forces.
“This is just the beginning of so much more to come,” she said. “Partnering makes you better. It’s that synergistic effect of bringing great minds together to optimize clinical care and bring the research to the bedside much more quickly.”
Better Access, Less Burden: What Families Can Expect
Reducing the Practical and Emotional Strain on Families
For many parents, the burden of managing a child’s rare bone disorder goes far beyond medical complexities. Frequent long-distance travel—often involving overnight stays, missed work, and emotional stress—has been an unavoidable reality.
With STAR expanding, families can expect:
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More appointments in London rather than Montreal
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Better coordination between LHSC and Shriners specialists
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Streamlined diagnostic and treatment plans
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Fewer disruptions to school and family routines
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Improved access to clinical trials and research innovations
These improvements could be transformative for families who have struggled for years with the logistical challenges associated with rare-disease care.
Keeping Montreal Expertise Within Reach
While the partnership increases local access, it does not eliminate the crucial role of the Montreal Shriners Hospital. Complex surgeries and highly specialized procedures will still take place there, ensuring patients continue to benefit from world-leading expertise.
The STAR model instead seeks to reduce unnecessary travel while maintaining seamless continuity between London-based clinicians and their counterparts in Quebec.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Pediatric Bone Health in Ontario
A Long-Term Vision Built on Collaboration
Leaders from both institutions view STAR not as a final destination but as the beginning of a deeper and more expansive healthcare strategy. As the partnership matures, future developments could include:
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Additional regional clinics
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Enhanced telehealth integration
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Greater participation in collaborative research
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Expanded support programs for families
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New pathways for early diagnosis and prevention
With strong community support and significant funding already in place, the foundation is set for long-term growth that could reshape pediatric orthopedic care across the province.
Conclusion: A New Era of Hope for Children With Rare Bone Disorders
The expanded collaboration between the London Health Sciences Centre and the Shriners Hospital for Children marks a milestone moment for families throughout southwestern Ontario. By bringing expert care closer to home, reducing travel burdens, and accelerating access to advanced treatments, the STAR program represents a meaningful step toward compassionate, efficient, and family-centered healthcare.
For children living with rare bone conditions—and for the parents who guide them through every appointment and procedure—this partnership offers something invaluable: less pain, fewer disruptions, and a brighter path forward.