Windsor Hospital Staff Receive Wellness Treatments Through College Partnership
Staff members at Windsor Regional Hospital are experiencing a welcome change of pace as they transition from their demanding work environments to relaxing spa chairs. This innovative wellness initiative has been made possible through a strategic collaboration between the hospital's workplace wellness program and the esthetician program at St. Clair College.
A Mutually Beneficial Arrangement
The partnership represents what organizers describe as a classic win-win situation. Hospital employees receive complimentary professional services including manicures, pedicures, and hair removal treatments, while St. Clair College students gain invaluable hands-on experience that directly supports their educational and career development.
"It's amazing that we can give back to the hospital," explained program coordinator Deborah Agostini. "They work hard and have long shifts. Being able to come in, de-stress and relax while enjoying a service is great for their well being and mental health."
Structured Wellness Sessions
The wellness clinic operates from the student spa facility located at St. Clair College's main campus in Windsor. The program, which began in early February 2026, will continue offering services to hospital staff through April. Sessions are conducted twice weekly with capacity to accommodate up to ten employees during each appointment block.
For the esthetician students, this represents a significant fifteen-week opportunity to develop practical skills and professional confidence. "Our students get hands-on work experience for 15 weeks," Agostini emphasized, "which will help them build the skills for their trade and the confidence for the workforce."
Meaningful Student Experiences
Esthetician student Phoenix Shortreed described working with hospital staff as one of the most rewarding aspects of her educational journey. "It's been really lovely," she shared. "I enjoy working with the nurses and giving back to health care workers who support our community."
Shortreed noted that the consistent flow of clients has been particularly valuable for building student confidence, especially significant given that the student spa has only recently opened to public clients. Manicures have emerged as a particularly popular service among hospital staff, many of whom spend extensive hours working with their hands in clinical settings.
Targeted Treatment Benefits
Treatments typically span forty-five minutes to one hour and include comprehensive services such as cuticle care, polish application, and therapeutic hand massages. These services address specific needs of healthcare professionals who frequently wash and sanitize their hands throughout demanding work shifts.
"They're washing their hands all day, especially in the winter," Shortreed observed. "It's nice to help rejuvenate them and give them a moment to relax." The program represents a thoughtful approach to supporting frontline healthcare workers while simultaneously providing practical educational experiences for aspiring esthetic professionals.
