Issue No. 8, October 2013 New surgical simulation suite a place to hone life-saving skills The Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre recently celebrated the opening of its new state-of-the-art surgical skills suite. In the new suite, trainees of all levels receive instruction in both basic and complex surgi- cal skills.

The simulation centre houses advanced medical simulation equipment that pro- vides trainees the opportunity to practise in a controlled environment. Established in 1995, the Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre was the first of its kind in the country. Dr. Shady Ashamalla demonstrates laparoscopic suturing during the opening of the surgical skills suite.

Learners – from medical students to long- repetition of both basic and advanced tech- “Evidence shows that simulation enhances time physicians – are welcomed for expe- niques and direct feedback, residents will the OR learning experience rather than re- riential training in communication and develop these skills prior to performing them placing the educational value of observing in teamwork as well as various techniques and in the operating room. the OR,” says Dr. Jordan Tarshis, simulation protocols. centre director. “We are so pleased that our The suite will also allow undergraduates and new surgical skills suite will contribute to In the new surgical suite, surgery residents international observers to take part in tech- the education of trainees as well as current will have the opportunity to participate in nical aspects of surgery they would typically health-care professionals looking to enhance technical skills rounds once a week. Through only observe. their skills.” Alexis Dobranowski

At 105, wishes do come true for this Sunnybrook Veteran Second World War veteran and Sunnybrook (Left to right) Former resident James Houston recently celebrated Maple Leaf Jim his 105th birthday with far more than ice McKenny, Syl Apps Jr., cream and cake. Braden Houston and Maple Leaf alumnus A hockey fan since he was a boy, James sub- Bob Nevin present mitted a wish to the Sunnybrook Veterans James Houston with Grant a Wish Program for a blue and white his birthday wish, a Maple Leafs sweater with his favou- vintage Syl Apps jersey. rite player’s name and number on it.

The day before his birthday, Veterans Centre staff held a party and arranged for some for- mer Maple Leafs to deliver a vintage sweater complete with the name Apps, a big C and the number 10 on it. In the 1940s, Syl Apps On hand to make the special presentation to realizes the hopes and dreams of Canada’s was the superstar captain who led the Leafs to James was Syl Apps Jr. and Toronto Maple war heroes living at the Sunnybrook Veterans three victories. Leafs alumni Jim McKenny and Bob Nevin. Centre. The program is a resident-focused “My dad would have been very honoured if initiative that strives to provide an enhanced As well as being a hockey legend, Apps was he were here today,” said Syl Apps Jr. “This is quality of life for veterans through the also a war veteran, serving his country in the really a magical moment for James, who has realization of heartfelt wishes. It is funded Second World War, as did so many other been a big Leaf fan from day one.” through the generosity of many donors and professional hockey players at the time. community sponsors. Once a month, the Grant a Wish Program Sally Fur Celebrating 40 years at Sunnybrook’s Geriatric Day Hospital For 40 years now, Sunnybrook’s W.P. Scott balance and falls pre- Geriatric Day Hospital has been helping vention; -setting to frail seniors live independently. Staff mem- achieve optimal physi- bers, former patients and community agency cal function; home partners recently came together to mark this safety and assessing special milestone. activities of daily liv- ing; communication 1n 1973, the Day Hospital opened as and swallowing; nutri- Canada’s first freestanding geriatric day hos- tion and weight loss, pital. A new concept at the time, 10 patients mental health, bowel a day would spend several hours receiving or bladder concerns; treatment and group therapy, returning to coping with multiple their homes in the late-afternoon. chronic illnesses; lei- sure pursuits; educa- Today, an inter-professional care team pro- tion and community vides a therapeutic, outpatient day program supports; and relief for (Left to right) Betty Matheson, Day Hospital patient care manager, Dr. Rory and sees an average of 20 patients daily. The caregiver burden. Fisher, founder of the Day Hospital, Dr. Barry McLellan, Sunnybrook’s president & CEO, and Mr. Ferd Longo, chief of staff for the minister responsible for goal of the program remains the same today Seniors Affairs, celebrate the 40th anniversary of the W.P. Scott Geriatric Day as it was in 1973 – to provide comprehensive Dr. Rory Fisher was Hospital. geriatric assessment, maximize an indi- the visionary behind vidual’s function and enable frail seniors to the Day Hospital’s creation. Last year, he growing population in our community and live independently in their own homes for as was appointed to the Order of for they have many complex medical and social long as possible. his professional leadership in the area of issues. We need to rise up and support this geriatric medicine. population now more than ever.” Each senior receives a thorough geriatric as- sessment, after which a care plan is developed “The Day Hospital has evolved over the Last year, the Day Hospital had 3,664 by the care team, comprised of a geriatrician, years into a truly vital component of the patient visits, and the average age was 87. clinical nurse, physiotherapist, occupational broad spectrum of services available to meet Seniors attend the program once or twice a therapist, recreation therapist, speech lan- the needs of the frail elderly,” Dr. Fisher says. week for a three- to five-month period. To guage pathologist and social worker. access the program, please call 416-480- “It remains a logical extension and an im- 6888. There is no catchment area, but a The team has expertise in dealing with a portant bridge between acute care hospitals referral from a family physician is required. variety of complex issues, such as cognition and the community. Seniors are the fastest Sally Fur and detecting the early signs of dementia;

This Remembrance Day, join OPERATION RAISE A FLAG RAISE A FLAG and say “thank you” to Canada’s veterans when you plant FOR CANADA’S a flag on the lawn at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. Be a hero to our heroes. Join Operation Raise a Flag. hEROES This Remembrance Day, you can be a hero when you join Operation Raise a Flag. In the early morning hours of November 11, we will honour our brave veterans with a sea of Canadian flags on the front lawn of Sunnybrook’s Veterans Centre.

Join thousands of Canadians and show your support by ordering your flag today. Your compassionate donation will help provide our veterans with community outings, continued learning opportunities, and special time with family members. Your message of thanks will encourage the hearts of the veterans and their families.

Be a hero and honour our heroes today. Join Operation Raise a Flag and help us continue to offer the best quality care to our noble veterans at Sunnybrook.

Order a flag today atraiseaflag.ca or by calling 416-480-4483. Donation is available at $25 for a small flag or $50 for a large flag. Lab results Cancer screening could save your life available online Regular cancer screening is an important ü Cervical cancer is almost entirely prevent- part of your health. It sees what you cannot able with regular Pap tests, appropriate Sunnybrook and CML HealthCare Inc. have and it is the only way to detect changes that and timely follow-up and human papil- announced a significant step forward in the lead to cancer or detect cancer at an early lomavirus (HPV) immunization. delivery of patient-centred care for Ontarians. stage before symptoms develop. Research ü If breast cancer is found early, when it Working together, the organizations will deliv- shows that regularly screening for colorec- is very small, there is a good chance of a er CML laboratory test results to Sunnybrook tal, cervical and breast cancer saves lives. cure. patients and physicians through secure portal access on Sunnybrook’s MyChart personal ü When caught early, people with colorectal To find out when you should start screening health record system. cancer have a 90 per cent chance of being for cancer, and to encourage your family cured. and friends to get checked, visit the Time to The partnership will enable Sunnybrook’s Screen Tool at www.ontario.ca/screenforlife. MyChart users greater access to labora- Laura McDonald tory services performed outside of the hospital, including CML HealthCare’s 114 Client C.A.R.E. centres across Ontario.

This makes it convenient for Sunnybrook patients to have lab services performed closer to home and gives referring physicians more options outside of the hospital, with all test results accessible online on Sunnybrook’s MyChart patient portal. Colorectal

“Sunnybrook con- tinues to evolve our personal electronic health record service for improved ac- cess to information, timely decision mak- ing and healthier outcomes for patients managing and monitor- ing their health at home, or while travelling,” says Sarina Cheng, director of the Health Records Department & eHealth Strategies at Sunnybrook.

“We are proud to be the only community-based laboratory services provider to be partnering with Sunnybrook in delivering lab results directly to patients via the hospital’s MyChart patient portal,” says Thomas Wellner, presi- dent and CEO of CML HealthCare.

“Our doctors and their patients have been ask- ing for this capability for a long time, and we are pleased to make it available,” Wellner adds.

With the potential acquisition of CML HealthCare by LifeLabs Ontario Inc., an- nounced in June 2013, this integration of access may potentially make patient portal direct access available for over 60 per cent of Ontario’s community based diagnostic testing. Laura Bristow

We will soon see infl uenza activity both in the community and at Sunnybrook. The number one priority at Sunnybrook is the health and safety of our patients, visitors, residents and staff. There are three ways to prevent infl uenza: get your fl u shot, clean your hands Toronto Central Regional Cancer Program in and don’t come to work if you have an infectious illness. Keep your eyes peeled for information partnership with Cancer Care Ontario on staff fl u vaccination clinics and Toronto Public Health free infl uenza immunization clinics. Your Health Matters is published monthly by the Communications & Stakeholder Relations Department and How to reach us: Sunnybrook Foundation. Submissions to Your Health Matters are welcome, however, they are subject to space availability and Your Health Matters editorial discretion. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.2 million patients the hospital cares for 2075 Bayview Avenue, Suite D1 00 each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research Toronto, ON M4N 3M5 and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada’s premier P: 416.480.4040 academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook specializes in caring for high-risk pregnancies, critically-ill newborns and adults, E: [email protected] offering specialized rehabilitation and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological and psychiatric disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions and traumatic injuries. The Hospital also has a unique and national leading program for the care of Canada’s war veterans. For more information about how Sunnybrook is inventing the future of health care please visit us online at www.sunnybrook.ca

Partnering to improve patient access to vascular services A new partnership between Sunnybrook, Sunnybrook is a recognized leader in EVAR, North York General and Mackenzie Health is a minimally invasive technique that is safer ensuring timely access to care and improved than conventional open aneurysm repair and outcomes for patients requiring vascular results in shortened hospital stays and a surgery services in the Central Local Health quicker recovery time for patients. Typical Integration Network. open surgery often means a seven- or eight- hour operation and six weeks to three months The new Joint Vascular Services Program to recover, while EVAR surgery takes an hour supports the care of urgent and emergent or two and patients are out of the hospital patients, as well as those requiring elective within days. endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). “The very nature of vascular surgery prob- The collaboration ensures that vascular sur- lems require quick and timely access to care geons at the hospitals have tri-site surgical for good patient outcomes,” says Dr. Stan “This is patient-centred care in action,” says privileges, with Sunnybrook agreeing to pro- Feinberg, chief of Surgery at North York Dr. Andrew Dueck (left), chief of Vascular Surgery at vide emergency coverage with a guaranteed General Hospital. “By working together, the Sunnybrook and head of the Joint Vascular Services Program. bed while the local vascular surgeon is away at three hospitals are creating a system where North York General and Mackenize Health. patient care will be streamlined, high quality cluding participation in EVAR surgery at and timely.” Sunnybrook. “This is patient-centred care in action,” says Dr. Andrew Dueck, chief of Vascular Surgery Dr. Dueck notes that the link between an aca- “There is a collegiality that results from this at Sunnybrook and head of the Joint Vascular demic health sciences centre like Sunnybrook structured and organized approach,” Dr. Services Program. “The bottom line is getting and community partners promotes training Dueck adds. “The most important thing is patients the immediate care that they require. and education, as every community surgeon that we’re providing the best care for patients This was our motivation as we planned how is welcome to assist with the treatment of when they need it most.” to ensure the best after-hours coverage for their complex patients at Sunnybrook, in- Marie Sanderson vascular care.”

Family Integrated Care launches in Sunnybrook’s NICU Family Integrated Care, or FICare, has In addition to participating in an expanded launched in Sunnybrook’s Neonatal Intensive education program, parents will also be keep- Care Unit (NICU), a model that will enable ing a journal regarding their infants. This parents to take an even more active front-line includes recording data on basic care, such role at their infant’s bedside. as weight, feeds, diaper changes and skin-to- skin contact. “FICare is a natural evolution of our current Family Centred Care model in the NICU. Parents will not replace nursing care, but will The goal is to support parents in becoming actively participate in daily rounds with the more involved in their infant’s care while in inter-professional team. hospital, as bona fide partners of the health- care team,” says Cathy Travell, FICare co- “When my baby was in the NICU at ordinator at Sunnybrook. Sunnybrook, I felt welcomed and encouraged to participate in her care. I firmly believe that Sunnybrook will also begin recruiting “The primary goal of this innovative study made a huge difference to my baby and my families to participate in a FICare Study. The is to see if FICare leads to improvement in family,” says Kate Robson, Sunnybrook’s study, which involves 19 other NICUs across outcomes such as weight gain, hospital length NICU parent co-ordinator. Canada, requires a parent to spend at least of stay, as well as measures of patient safety, six to eight hours per day participating in parental stress, and family satisfaction,” says Staff members in the NICU have been living the care of their infant, including attending Dr. Eugene Ng, chief of newborn and devel- and breathing such a model of care for many parent education sessions and receiving one- opmental paediatrics at Sunnybrook and a years, says Dr. Ng. “By implementing FICare on-one teaching at the bedside. co-investigator of the clinical trial. as a standard in our unit, we are formalizing what we’ve been practising all along.” Sybil Edmonds