From the impact of the cold on the homeless population to how the global blood tube shortage affects patients, Unity Health Toronto experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits for the week of March 5-11.

Winter taking heavy toll on people who are homeless, from amputations to freezing to death
The Canadian Press on March 10, 2022
Interview with Dr. Stephen Hwang

People experiencing homelessness are at risk of hypothermia in the winter, but a lack of systematic data collection means we don’t know the true extent of the problem. Dr. Stephen Hwang, director of MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, speaks with The Canadian Press about treating patients experiencing homelessness this winter.

Time for a regular checkup? Here’s what doctors say you should ask about
CBC White Coat, Black Art on March 10, 2022
Interview with Dr. Tara Kiran

Dr. Tara Kiran, family physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, speaks to CBC White Coat, Black Art’s podcast The Dose, about what routine screenings and vaccinations may be needed for those who delayed doctor’s appointments during the pandemic.

Community and public health harm reduction services save lives amidst abstinence bias
CJRU 1280AM on March 6, 2022
Interview with Hayley Thompson

Hayley Thompson, project manager at Toronto’s Drug Checking Service, speaks with Ryerson’s radio show CJRU 1280AM about the high contamination level of the street drug supply. The service found that of the thousands of submitted fentanyl samples, only 5 per cent contained only fentanyl.

New palliative care unit designed to improve patient, staff and family experiences
Hospital News on March 7, 2022

Construction is underway on the new palliative care unit at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. Named the Lake House, the unit was designed to improve patient, staff and family experiences. Hospital News features its unique design.

‘This will have a massive impact’: Blood tube shortage could limit non-essential tests
CTV News on March 8, 2022
Interview with Dr. Daniel Beriault

Amid a global shortage of blood collection tubes, the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists issued a practice alert to conserve resources for high-priority patients. Dr. Daniel Beriault, Unity Health head of biochemistry, explains what’s behind the shortage.

Pandemic creates opportunity for change
Winnipeg Free Press on March 9, 2022
Opinion piece written by Dr. David Gomez

Roughly 560,000 fewer surgeries than expected were performed across Canada from March 2020-June 2021. Dr. David Gomez calls for a recovery strategy that includes a redesign of how Canadians receive surgical care to reduce lengthy wait times

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