From preparing for a potential COVID wave in the fall to strengthening our healthcare system, Unity Health experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits from August 13-19. 

To address Canada’s health care crisis, start by containing COVID-19
The Globe and Mail on Aug. 16, 2022
Op-ed co-written by Dr. Fahad Razak and Dr. Arthur Slutsky

With winter coming, low-burden and effective public health measures to contain COVID-19 must be adopted to avoid further disruptions to health care services, Dr. Fahad Razak and Dr. Arthur Slutsky wrote in an opinion piece in The Globe and Mail.

Doctors advise Ontarians to keep up with vaccines ahead of fall flu season, possible COVID-19 surge
The Canadian Press on Aug. 17, 2022
Interviews with Dr. Andrew Petrosoniak and Dr. Sloane Freeman

At an Ontario Medical Association briefing, Dr. Andrew Petrosoniak warned that wait times in Emergency Departments will likely worsen in the fall, while Dr. Sloane Freeman said parents should catch up on their child’s routine vaccinations.

‘It’s crazy what they expect’: Newmarket Residence part of a troubled housing system for Ontario’s most vulnerable
The Newmarket Era on Aug. 14, 2022
Interview with Dr. Stephen Hwang

Privately-run, for-profit group living facilities lack the same level of monitoring that shelters or long-term care homes have, says Dr. Stephen Hwang, the director of the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions

Despite rising OD deaths linked to smoking drugs, no supervised inhalation services exist in Ontario
CP24 on Aug. 14, 2022
Interview with Dr. Tara Gomes

Data from the Ontario Coroner’s Office found an increase in overdose deaths from inhaling opioids during the pandemic, according to research led by Dr. Tara Gomes.

Pregnant women facing challenges with epidural catheter, health care staff shortages
CityNews on Aug. 17, 2022
Interview with Dr. Tali Bogler

Dr. Tali Bogler tells CityNews that an epidural remains the “gold standard” for pain relief and is the most common choice among pregnant people.

Also on CP24

What we know about why some kids are missing routine vaccinations
CBC News on Aug. 19, 2022
Interview with Dr. Sloane Freeman

Some children across Canada have fallen behind on routine vaccinations during the pandemic. Dr. Sloane Freeman, pediatrician at Unity Health, says there must be a focus on keeping children up to date on their immunizations.