From predicting how COVID-19 will impact hospitals this fall to coping with escalating violence in emergency departments, Unity Health experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits from August 27-September 2. 

Is the pandemic over for Ontario?
The Agenda with Steve Paikin on August 26, 2022
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

Hospitals have not had a typical recovery period over the summer and are under immense strain as they head into the fall/winter season, warns Dr. Fahad Razak in an interview with The Agenda.

“We are desensitized”: Violence escalating in struggling emergency departments
CMAJ News on August 26, 2022
Interviews with Dr. David Kodama, Samantha Marchand and Orla Smith

In a bid to protect staff, physicians and patients, St. Michael’s Hospital has developed a flagging system and screening tool to identify people who are at risk of becoming violent in the emergency department.

Bracing for fentanyl: NZ experts push for safe drug-using space
1 NEWS New Zealand on September 1, 2022
Interview with Dr. Dan Werb

As New Zealand considers piloting an overdose prevention centre to prepare for the arrival of fentanyl in its communities, Dr. Dan Werb says overdose prevention centres in Canada have saved the lives of every person who overdosed onsite.

Can you take melatonin while pregnant? We asked an expert
Today’s Parent on September 2, 2022
Interview with Dr. Tali Bogler

While melatonin is a popular supplement that’s sold over-the-counter as a sleep aid, there’s limited evidence to show it helps with pregnancy insomnia, Dr. Tali Bogler tells Today’s Parent.

Powder could stop bleeding earlier for trauma patients
Hospital News on September 1, 2022
Feature of research led by Dr. Katerina Pavenski, Dr. Andrew Beckett and Dr. Andrew Petrosoniak

A St. Michael’s research team is investigating if a powder alternative to plasma could be a more accessible, more efficient and safer option for trauma patients.