video module issue – Unity Health Toronto

“I’m so proud of our team. We’re always looking for opportunities to save. By being careful with our spending, we’re helping to make sure our volunteers and staff members have the tools they need to succeed and that our patients have the best care experience during every step of their care journey.” – Adrian William, interim manager of supply chain, Providence Healthcare

William is photographed here with his colleague Nahid Alam, environmental services coordinator, in the Central Supply Room at Providence.

Gwen Merrick, St. Michael’s Voice Clinic speech language pathologist, is seeing patient Amber Risk for a Voice Clinic appointment via telemedicine. This real-time videoconferencing technology was developed to reach a greater number of patients who cannot attend the Voice Clinic in person, while also addressing equity and access issues.

“Without telepractice, I wouldn’t have access to this therapy. None of the speech language pathologists in my city specialize in trans care. I would have to travel to Toronto for every appointment.”
– Amber Risk, speech language patient from North Bay

Leah Xing was a dialysis patient at St. Joseph’s for nine years until she received a new kidney at St. Michael’s on May 31, 2016. Today, Leah continues to receive kidney treatment at St. Joseph’s. She’s also an active Patient and Family Advisor. Patient and Family Advisors are an integral part of Unity Health Toronto’s care teams. They provide valuable first-hand insight into the patient experience, helping shape policy and organizational decisions.
“I know what it’s like to be a patient—I’ve been one for twelve years. I come from a complicated health situation. It’s only through my blood work that you can tell I have health issues. It’s so important to bring the patient voice to health care decisions. As a Patient and Family Advisor, I contribute directly to building and improving patient centered care.”
– Leah Xing
Patient and Family Advisor

The Simulation Centre provides education and research opportunities to more than 6,000 participants each year, welcoming a wide range of students, health care professionals and administrators to improve the safety and effectiveness of our services. Pictured here is Tine Muir (left) a respiratory therapist at St. Michael’s with Daniel Gold-Bersani from Peel Paramedics, in a simulation exercise.

“From participating in a major trauma exercise to practicing basic communication skills, the Simulation Program provides opportunities to prepare for critical and high-pressure situations before they happen — and that can make all the difference.” – Nazanin Khodadoust, manager, Allan Waters Family Simulation Centre

Basic science fuels fundamental knowledge about the world. Dr. Cynthia Luk is a scientist at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science and an endocrinologist at St. Michael’s Hospital. She studies obesity, diabetes and other related diseases – and is part of a research team that’s focused on finding solutions for these conditions which affect a growing number of Canadians. Dr. Luk’s research findings inform how she works with her patients and, conversely, her patients’ questions help to shape her research. She enjoys being able to blend basic research and patient care.

“We are very lucky to be here where there is a strong history of translational medicine, and where basic science has made a real impact.” – Dr. Cynthia Luk, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science

“The kids we see are resilient, have so much optimism and a sense of humour and they bring those qualities to their lives in the face of illness or significant challenges. Seeing how they approach problems is really inspiring – I think that’s my favourite part of my job.”
– Dr. Katie Mennie, paediatrician
St. Joseph’s Health Centre
“I work with a great team that brings empathy, kindness and humour to the workplace. We are always ready to step up when anyone needs extra help. I have the opportunity to be of service every day, something I value greatly.”
– Lorna D’Souza, administrative assistant
Providence Healthcare
“I believe it is important for me as a nurse to provide compassionate and comprehensive care that best suits my patients’ individual needs. I truly value how, with great teamwork and working together, we can achieve more.”
– Juliana Chan, registered nurse
St. Michael’s Hospital

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often called Canada’s disease because of its high prevalence across the country. More than one in every 300 Canadians is affected by MS, which is the highest rate in the world. Some of the world’s leading MS clinicians and researchers are part of the Unity Health Toronto team, serving about 7,000 patients in Canada’s largest multiple sclerosis clinic. The new facility is currently under construction – the 30,000 sq. ft. BARLO MS Centre will be a world leading Centre dedicated to multiple sclerosis treatment and research.

“We are providing our patients with the best care possible. Our multidisciplinary team is working with patients and their families to improve quality of life. Care providers are working alongside researchers — allowing us to adjust our care models based on the newest findings.” – Dr. Xavier Montalban, medical director, BARLO MS Centre, one of the world’s most renowned MS neurologists, recruited to St. Michael’s from Spain

What’s unique at Unity Health Toronto is our vision — The best care experiences. Created together. — which crosses all of our clinical and residential settings. A great example of this is the work that Shannon McManus, a registered dietitian in the Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence does with our long term care residents like Lisa Fitzsimmons, pictured here, to create diet plans that fits both health challenges and personal preferences – making sure there is a balance between healthy eating and quality of life.

The Navigator Program supports patients experiencing homelessness in General Internal Medicine at St. Michael’s. Fred Ellerington, homeless outreach counsellor, meets each homeless patient admitted. After discharge, he helps patients follow their care plans in the community to stay healthy and reduce the likelihood of readmission. Partnerships with community service providers like Margaret’s Toronto East Drop-In Centre/Respite Services, where Leon works, allow us to create better integrated care in our urban communities.

“Margaret’s collaboration with the St. Michael’s Hospital homeless outreach counsellor has been very helpful in providing seamless service to our clients, connecting them to needed supports and services. – Leon, Operational Facilitator, Margaret’s Toronto East Drop-In Centre”

Six-year-old Dixon was first referred to the Paediatric School Outreach clinic at Parkdale Public School because of separation anxiety he experienced when leaving his mom. With the help of Dr. Anne Wormsbecker and the team, Dixon’s mom Tammy was able to get him the resources he needed to succeed at school.

“Working with the doctors, we were able to get my son in smaller class sizes to meet his needs. Dr. Anne Wormsbecker gives my son 110% care. She was really great with me too, and helped me find resources in the community for parents.” – Tammy, Dixon’s mom

Here is a video which uses the video module at 50%