PHSS in Ireland: Sharing Person-Centred Care and Support on the International Stage

In December, Brian Dunne, President and CEO, and Donnie Antony, Executive Lead- New Directions & Opportunities, had the privilege of representing PHSS at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Ireland, where they connected with international colleagues and shared PHSS’s approach to person-centred care and support.

Brian delivered the 16th Ernest Goulding Memorial Lecture at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH). His lecture, titled “From Patienthood to Personhood: A Complex Journey Home,” was warmly received and provided a platform to showcase PHSS’s leadership in person-centred care and support on an international stage. The event reinforced the importance of our work and the global conversations happening around healing, humanity, and belonging.

While there, Brian and Donnie met with the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) in Dublin. They were surrounded by kindred spirits who not only understand integrated care in theory, but carry the same heart and commitment behind the work. The evening was filled with meaningful conversations, shared learning, laughter, and the deep sense of connection that comes when you’re with people moving toward a common purpose.

On Friday December 5^th, Brian and Donnie proudly represented PHSS at NRH’s National Conference on Specialist Rehabilitation Services. Brian’s presentation, “Travelling Together to Get Home,” highlighted PHSS’s journey from a local Ontario-based agency to a recognized voice in international integrated care and support. His remarks emphasized the values that anchor our work: personhood, belonging, and supporting individuals to live full lives in community.

Throughout the visit, PHSS was recognized alongside global colleagues for our contributions to advancing integrated care and support, as well as the pursuit of a good life in community. Brian and Donnie returned inspired, grateful for the opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and stand alongside leaders, partners, and advocates from Ireland and beyond who share this important journey with us.