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Unity Health Toronto Newswire

October 2024

Happy Halloween, readers! In this month’s Newswire, learn how to protect your family from RSV, read about a St. Michael’s Hospital nurse who ran a marathon in an inflatable COVID-19 costume, and see babies in the St. Joseph’s Health Centre NICU dressed up for the 31st.

Remembering a historic Toronto disaster and St. Michael’s tradition of providing trauma care

One early morning in 1949, a Canadian steamship docked in the Toronto Harbour erupted in flames. Nearly 80 patients were rushed to St. Michael’s for care. In a conversation that was shared by CTV News, Lenore, a former nurse who was there that night, looks back at the hospital’s inspiring response.

Buzzworthy

Novel pathway supports patients with rare disease receive treatment and rehabilitation at St. Michael's and Providence.

Novel pathway helps patients with rare disease receive treatment and rehabilitation at St. Michael's and Providence

MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions’ work with The Local showed a 12-year gap in life expectancy across Toronto neighbourhoods

Innovation

First-of-its-kind global trial to test the impact of MDMA, also known as ecstacy, on chronic nerve pain

These Unity Health AI tools are easing administrative burdens, and new funding will help to scale them

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By the numbers

80%

decreased risk in hospitalization by RSV with vaccine,

say Unity Health experts.

20

years of global health research at St. Michael’s, Dr. Prabhat Jha will soon be heading to Oxford.

30

days until the electronic patient record system launches at Unity Health!

Say hello to...

Faye Roberts and Llijah Pearce on how Unity Health’s new equity-based mentorship program are supporting Lijah's career development

Faye Roberts, manager of Volunteer Services at St. Michael’s, on why Unity Health’s new equity-based mentorship program is so important.

Llijah Pearce, registered nurse at St. Michael’s, on how the equity-based mentorship program is supporting his career development.

Patient perspective

Everyone from administrative staff to the therapist, aids, porters, nurses and doctors were brilliant. Couldn't be happier with the care I received.

St. Joseph’s Health Centre Google Review by Marie MacCormack

No one wants to be in rehab but if you need to, this is the best I have ever seen. Staff are so kind and friendly and know what they are doing. Thank you for all the support and help.

Providence Healthcare Google Review by Kathy Neil

Quote of the day

This record is to show people that you can take a negative experience and turn it into something positive, fun and interesting.

Karen Michelsen, MSICU nurse at St. Michael’s, to Running Magazine after winning the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon run in an inflatable costume (dressed as COVID-19!)

Join us on social media

you’ll meet people who have received patient-centred care at our sites and shared their stories of recovery and healing.

Babies in the NICU at St. Joseph's Health Centre are all set for Halloween, dressed in costumes made by their parents and by clinical extern Tanya Di Perri.

Check them out! 🎃