(August 13, 2020) – Living and working through COVID-19 is tough, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the wonderful things that are happening at our sites – and for our people – along the way.

Each week, we’re sharing a list of 10 great things that happened this week. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Send it to communications@unityhealth.to.

1) Najma Ahmed receives the Sir Charles Tupper Award for Political Advocacy from the Canadian Medical Association (CMA)

After the Danforth shooting two summers ago, Dr. Najma Ahmed brought together a group of like-minded physicians that eventually took the name Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns. She was recognized for her leadership, commitment and dedication in advancing CMA goals and policies through grassroots advocacy. Learn more (https://www.cma.ca/news-releases-and-statements/change-agents-health-care-cma-presents-recipients-2020-cma-awards).

2) Musicians reward our hardworking staff and physicians with a live outdoor concert

To thank our dedicated front-line workers, Tapestry Opera and Soul Pepper Theatre visited St. Joseph’s Health Centre as part of their Box Concert series. Asitha Tennekoon delivered a powerful performance outside the hospital. Take a look at the photos from the event (https://www.facebook.com/StJoesPromise/posts/3118306471619982).

3) Sam Minassie’s dedication to Providence patients is spotlighted in #BehindtheMask

Sam Minassie is an e-visiting coordinator at Providence Healthcare where you can find him arranging virtual visits for all patients when requested. Over time, he’s realized “the positive impact that I can make is greater than the fear factor of the virus.” Read his story #BehindtheMask. https://www.instagram.com/p/CDwUd3thgHH/

4) How are Canadians handling mental health issues during the pandemic? Our expert weigh in.

Stress and anxiety is common in the pandemic. Dr. Thomas Ungar, Psychiatrist-in-Chief at St. Michael’s Hospital, says those feelings are normal and encourages individuals to acknowledge and validate them. He provides a few ways people can ease their worries and concerns, which includes slowly incorporating activities that are within their comfort zones. Watch the CBC segment (https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1773550659669).

5) Three Ontario Health Teams connected to Unity Health get the green light

The pandemic put a pause on the implementation of new Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). But now, the province has announced that three teams connected to Unity Health have been invited to complete full applications to become recognized OHTs: St. Joseph’s is part of the West Toronto Team, St. Michael’s is part of the Downtown East Toronto Team and Providence is part of the Scarborough Team. A fourth OHT that we are connected to was approved at the end of last year (Providence – East Toronto OHT).

6) How does the support of our community make an impact? Our expert weighs in.

Our front-line workers are working tirelessly to care for patients and communities during the pandemic. Dr. Carolyn Snider, chief of the St. Michael’s emergency department, shares how the community can support St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation in raising funds for the hospital’s fight against COVID-19 on Breakfast Television Toronto. Watch the segment (https://www.bttoronto.ca/videos/st-michaels-hospital-foundation-urban-angel-golf-classic-auction).

7) What does orthopaedic and amputee rehabilitation look like for those who have COVID-19? Our experts weigh in.

Patients with COVID-19  may need orthopaedic and amputee rehabilitation services, so Providence Healthcare opened a COVID-19 positive rehab and recovery program to meet this need. Caroline Monterio, Patient Care Manager, shares how it all came together. Read more (https://hospitalnews.com/specialized-covid-19-rehab-and-recovery-program/).

8) How did a St. Joseph’s team support wellness while caring for COVID-19 patients? Our experts weigh in.

When the Interprofessional Resource team at St. Joseph’s Health Centre was redeployed to care for COVID-19 patients, Managers Kate MacWilliams and Sandy Santos quickly focused on ways they could support their team’s wellness. This included organizing debriefs and meeting with the Spiritual Care team for mindfulness sessions. Learn more (https://hospitalnews.com/staff-provide-wellness-supports-to-team-caring-for-inpatients-with-covid-19/)

9) We spotlight a study from St. Michael’s that will increase collaboration between researchers across the globe

As part of the WHO Clinical Characterization and Management Working Group, Dr. John Marshall from the Keenan Research Centre co-led a study that identified a set of outcome measures for COVID-19 studies. This will help global partners compare their research more rapidly during the pandemic and future outbreaks. https://bit.ly/3fIA3Qo

10) We spotlight exciting job opportunities across our network

For our staff and physicians, working at Unity Health Toronto is more than just a job – there is meaning and purpose in the work they do every day. See what our people had to say about their experience at the St. Michael’s Emergency Department.  (https://www.facebook.com/UnityHealthToronto/photos/a.380641201967454/3412542805443930).