By Ana Gajic

(December 17, 2020) – The Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) recognized the St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital teams with three awards for their efforts to integrate organ and tissue donation into quality end-of-life care in 2019/20.

“A transplant has the ability to save the life of the person receiving a new organ, and the lives of the people that surround that person,” said Dale Clement, Vice President of Clinical Programs at St. Joseph’s.

“Families who make this choice – for their loved one to be a donor – are extremely generous in a time of loss and require compassion, kindness, support and knowledge. At Unity Health, as the Provincial Conversion Awards demonstrate, our team members have provided this for many families this year. This work, in the midst of a pandemic, is no easy feat.”

In 2019/2020, Unity Health Toronto had 39 organ donors, which led to 124 transplants and 60 tissue donors, enhancing the lives of many. In recognition of this work, both sites have been selected to receive the Provincial Conversion Rate Award for exceeding the target of a 63 percent conversion rate set by TGLN. St. Joseph’s and St. Michael’s have reached 75 percent and 71 percent conversion rate, respectively.

In addition, St. Michael’s has received the Award of Excellence for exceeding the provincial target for conversion rate in four or more consecutive years, demonstrating an outstanding commitment to the implementation of the donation best practices.

“When we think of organ and tissue donation, what often comes to mind is the patient story of the person who receives the transplant – a story of joy and celebration knowing someone has received the gift of life,” said Sonya Canzian, Executive Vice President, Clinical Programs and Chief, Nursing and Health Professions Officer at Unity Health.

“With these three awards, we are celebrating are those on the other side of that narrative, reflecting the work of the donation journey. Today we have the very important opportunity to thank and celebrate the teams that work towards this end goal of hope and life after illness.”

Recognizing the work of the teams in the Emergency Department, Surgery, Critical Care, Anesthesia and Palliative Care at St. Joseph’s; and the work of the teams in the Emergency Department, Surgery, Critical Care, Nephrology/Urology, the Transplant Clinic, Anesthesia and Palliative Care at St. Michael’s; along with all others who contribute to the transplant journey for patients, Clement and Canzian accepted awards for the two sites during a virtual Trillium Gift of Life Network awards ceremony earlier this week.

“It is especially heartwarming that both sites of Unity Health that work with organ and tissue donation are receiving awards this year – it really reflects our vision: The best care experiences. Created together.,” Clement said.

“Thank you to Trillium for recognizing our teams’ efforts. And, to our teams, their leaders, and the families whose generosity changes lives – you have made a huge difference with your efforts and we thank you sincerely.”