By Michael Oliveira


Dr. Andrew Baker shares a laugh with a former trauma patient and his family at the 2nd annual Legacy Tea event
Dr. Andrew Baker shares a laugh with a former trauma patient and his family at the 2nd annual Legacy Tea event. (Photo by Katie Cooper)

Fifteen former trauma patients and dozens of their family members, friends and members of their care teams attended the second annual Legacy Tea event on May 10, organized by the Unit Based Council in the Trauma and Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit.

The event was launched to celebrate the experiences of trauma survivors while also providing an outlet to help nurses, first responders and other staff heal from their work.

“It’s easy to lose touch with humanity and each other, it’s sometimes easier to focus on injuries and tubes,” said registered nurse and council co-chair Karen Diaz, speaking of the emotional aftermath that follows a traumatic event.

“We want to send our endless gratitude to survivors for being brave and their resilience during this time,” said Diaz, standing alongside fellow council co-chair and registered nurse Brittany Gravesande.

Dr. Andrew Baker, chief of the Department of Critical Care and medical director of the Trauma and Neurosurgery program, said seeing so many former patients again meant so much to everyone involved in their care.

“The real energy that drives all of the health care workers here is really the compassion and love for the patients we take care of, that’s what drives us, and that’s why today is so beautiful for all of us,” Dr. Baker said.

“The love and compassion that’s brought to the work here is an incredible part of the privilege of working at St. Michael’s Hospital and working with all of you as part of our family,” he said to the patients and their loved ones in attendance.

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 27 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

About Unity Health Toronto

Unity Health Toronto, comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital, works to advance the health of everyone in our urban communities and beyond. Our health network serves patients, residents and clients across the full spectrum of care, spanning primary care, secondary community care, tertiary and quaternary care services to post-acute through rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, while investing in world-class research and education. For more information, visit www.unityhealth.to.