From helping to speed up the surgical backlog to the concerns around a global shortage of blood collection equipment, Unity Health Toronto experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits for the week of February 5-11.

New partnership helps tackle surgical backlog
CTV News Toronto on February 4, 2022
Feature of Unity Health Toronto partnership, interview with Dr. Ian Bookman

With surgical backlogs mounting, Unity Health and Kensington Health have joined forces to speed up patient access to procedures like colonoscopies. Dr. Ian Bookman, Head of Gastroenterology at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, explains how this first-in-the GTA partnership can save lives.

Shortage of blood-test materials leaves hospitals scrambling to treat patients
The Globe and Mail on February 11, 2022
Interviews with Dr. Cathy Streutker and Dr. Fahad Razak

In light of the global shortage of blood collection tubes, Dr. Cathy Streutker and Dr. Fahad Razak speak with The Globe and Mail about the significance of blood testing in medicine and how hospitals are currently managing patient care.

Pregnant people face addictions too. Instead of shame, we must approach with compassion
Toronto Star on February 5, 2022
Opinion piece by Dr. Alice Ordean

In this opinion piece, Dr. Alice Ordean, medical director the Toronto Centre for Substance Use in Pregnancy  at St. Joseph’s, and her co-authors call for more compassionate care for pregnant people with addictions.

Once a cornerstone of the pandemic response, COVID-19 testing undergoes a paradigm shift
The Globe and Mail on February 5, 2022
Interview with Dr. Irfan Dhalla

As the pandemic response evolves, many provinces have adjusted their COVID-19 testing strategies. Dr. Irfan Dhalla speaks to The Globe and Mail about how this may impact patients who require life-saving COVID-19 antivirals.

Filling the AI knowledge gap in health care
The Globe and Mail on February 4, 2022
Summary of event featuring Dr. Amol Verma

Dr. Amol Verma joins a panel organized by The Globe and Mail to discuss AI and the future of healthcare.

Ottawa facing mounting pressure to drop all COVID-19 testing for fully vaccinated travelers
CBC News on February 10, 2022
Interview with Dr. Prabhat Jha

Should PCR testing still be required for full-vaccinated travelers returning to Canada? Dr. Prabhat Jha shares his thoughts with CBC News on what may be a better approach to screening.

Should Ontario accelerate its reopening timeline?
CP24 on February 10, 2022
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St. Michael’s Hospital, joins CP24 to discuss Ontario’s re-opening plan and his hope for a safe approach.