GoodLife and Fit4Less to temporarily close all locations across Canada

LONDON, ON, March 16, 2020 /CNW/ - Effective Immediately, all GoodLife and Fit4Less locations across Canada will be closing until further notice to help protect Members and Associates from the threat of COVID-19. This decision was based on guidance from public health experts. GoodLife and Fit4Less clubs will reopen with it is safe to do so, based on direction from local authorities. 

"This was an extremely difficult decision, but our focus is on the health of our Members and Associates and community," said David 'Patch' Patchell-Evans, Founder and CEO, GoodLife Fitness. "This is an unprecedented situation for our communities that requires a decisive and proactive response but we know this is the right thing to do. GoodLife has served and supported our Members and Associates for more than 40 years and we're committed to finding new ways to do so during this challenging time."

Click here to read a message from Patch to all Members. 

All Member payments are being suspended as of Tuesday March 17 and any paid-in-full Memberships will be put on freeze until further notice and expiry dates will be extended accordingly. 

While many Associates will be temporarily laid off while operations are closed, GoodLife has committed to paying all Associates for two weeks to help lessen the financial burden. GoodLife and Fit4Less look forward welcoming back all of our Associates when normal operations resume.

Members are encouraged to check www.goodlifefitness.com for regular updates. 

About GoodLife Fitness 

Proudly Canadian since 1979, GoodLife is the largest group of fitness club chains in Canada and the fourth largest overall in the world. With almost 500 Clubs from coast-to-coast, over 12,000 employees and more than 1.5 million members, GoodLife is helping to transform the health and fitness of 1 in 25 Canadians every day. The GoodLife group of clubs includes: GoodLife Fitness, Fit4Less, and ÉconoFitness. 

SOURCE GoodLife Fitness

Fifth of consumers trying to lose weight are concerned about disease, says GlobalData

Widespread media coverage of the high and growing prevalence of overweight or obese individuals globally has heightened awareness of weight management. As a result, more than *one fifth of consumers trying to lose weight are concerned about related diseases and conditions such as high or low blood pressure, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘TrendSights Analysis: Weight Management’, reveals that the two main drivers of weight management are an image-conscious visual culture that is fueling the desire to have an attractive body shape, and health concerns as more consumers become aware of the negative health implications of obesity and being overweight.

Nidhi Chauhan, Senior Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: "Consumers generally believe in the notion of an 'ideal weight', and they aspire to attain that weight using different methods of lifestyle management, including exercise. GlobalData's research confirms that around **88% of consumers exercise to look or feel good."

Key drivers of weight management 

Ensuring better health in later life makes consumers more conscious of their current physical condition and personal image, which is associated with success, opportunity and wellbeing. People of all ages are more proactively addressing their health by curbing excessive indulgences (e.g. alcohol and smoking), improving their diets and undertaking physical activity. 

Consumers are also seeking products and services that help them reduce the risk factors for disease and manage or improve health conditions that they already suffer from. Digital lifestyles are enabling consumers to more confidently embrace informational tools and make more health-driven choices.

Chauhan added: "With an increasing consumer focus on health and growing obesity among young children in particular, brands can play a vital role in creating more healthy choices for consumers by exploring the use of healthier ingredients while at the same time, maintaining a product's taste profile."

Image

Image for publication; please click here: Global Consumer survey

Ingredient innovation

Consumers that are trying to lose weight are seeking alternatives to traditional carbohydrates and sugar. GlobalData’s Q4 2017 global consumer survey reveals that 22% of respondents found "naturally sweetened" and 20% found "free from artificial sweeteners" the most appealing claims when choosing a food or drink product. This is translating into more consumer demand for fresh ingredients and natural food and drink products.

Chauhan continues: "Brands should focus on using natural ingredients as much as possible, as they are viewed more favorably and appeal more to consumers. However these ingredients must deliver the same taste profile because consumers will not sacrifice taste for a healthier option."

Brand innovation 

There are a number of implications for brand innovation here. Brands should align with the demand for more holistic 'back to basic' approaches to weight loss by using clean labels, as well as incorporating high quality ingredients with a balanced combination of food groups in product categories such as ready meals and snacks.  

New product formulation should also utilise satiety-enhancing, easily recognized ingredients such as oats to provide "fuller for longer" options so that consumers can make informed choices. 

Chauhan adds: "It is important when considering the weight management trend that fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands are continually looking for new ways to stimulate demand and encourage product trial with a movement away from traditional artificial sweeteners and towards 'low-calorie' or 'naturally sweetened' alternatives, which are viewed more favourably by consumers."

Information based on the Globaldata report: TrendSights Analysis: Weight Management’

*   source: GlobalData 2017 Q4 global consumer survey

**  source: GlobalData 2017 Q1 global consumer survey

ENDS

For more information

To gain access to our latest press releases: GlobalData Media Centre

Analysts available for comment. Please contact the GlobalData Press Office: 

EMEA & Americas: +44 (0)207 832 4399
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Notes to Editors

Quotes provided by: Nidhi Chauhan, Senior Consumer Analyst at GlobalData

Information based on the Globaldata report: , ‘TrendSights Analysis: Weight Management’

The report looks at addressing the evolving needs of weight-conscious consumers.With an increasing consumer focus on health and growing obesity among young children in particular, brands can play a vital role in exploring the use of healthier ingredients in products while maintaining the taste. The report explores the trend's relevance in different sectors and highlights product examples to show how innovation can help meet the growing demand from consumers.

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors. PR8878

Allscripts Receives Infoway 2017 Edition Certification

TORONTO, March 16, 2020  CNW/ - Canada Health Infoway (Infoway) and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions (NASDAQ: MDRX) announced today that Allscripts Sunrise™ has achieved Infoway certification under the 2017 Edition Release 2 of pre-implementation certification requirements.

"We congratulate Allscripts for achieving Infoway certification as an ambulatory electronic medical record (aEMR), approved for deployment at customer sites, with interoperability capabilities with laboratory and clinical documents," said Mark Nenadovic, Senior Director, Programs & Alliances, Infoway. "This achievement ensures that the company's solution conforms to the national and international standards for privacy, security and interoperability."

Used by healthcare organizations across Canada and around the globe, Sunrise is an integrated electronic health record that connects all aspects of care, including acute, ambulatory, surgical, pharmacy, radiology and laboratory services. Built to enable efficient and safe care, Sunrise is a clinician-friendly, evidence-based single platform with integrated analytics that helps deliver true personalized care. Sunrise supports all core care venues across the enterprise by delivering a single patient record, and features patient-centric capabilities that increase access and convenience.

"Allscripts is proud to have achieved Infoway certification for our Sunrise platform and conformity to national and international standards for privacy, security and interoperability," said John Lee-Bartlett, Country Director, Allscripts. "It underscores our continued commitment to Canada and ensures that we meet the highest standards for our healthcare solutions."

Infoway certification provides assurance that digital health software complies with specified requirements and standards, which helps ensure the protection of personal health information. The 2017 Edition requirements build upon Infoway's original certification requirements and are harmonized to increase alignment between Infoway, provincial requirements and international standards, and to reduce testing redundancies.

About Allscripts

Allscripts (NASDAQ: MDRX) is a leader in healthcare information technology solutions that advance clinical, financial and operational results. Our innovative solutions connect people, places and data across an Open, Connected Community of Health™. Connectivity empowers caregivers and consumers to make better decisions, delivering better care for healthier populations. To learn more, visit www.allscripts.comTwitterYouTubeand It Takes A Community: The Allscripts Blog.

About Canada Health Infoway

Infoway helps to improve the health of Canadians by working with partners to accelerate the development, adoption and effective use of digital health across Canada. Through our investments, we help deliver better quality and access to care and more efficient delivery of health services for patients and clinicians. Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. Visit www.infoway.ca.

Media Inquiries

Karen Schmidt
Director, Corporate/Internal Communications
Canada Health Infoway
416.595.3167
Email Us
(Twitter button) Follow @Infoway

Concetta Rasiarmos
Public Relations 
Allscripts
312.447.2466
concetta.rasiarmos@allscripts.com

SOURCE Canada Health Infoway

Maple Launches COVID-19 Online Screening Program Covered by OHIP in Ontario and Free Virtual Clinic Platform for Doctors

TORONTO, March 16, 2020 /CNW/ - Starting Tuesday, March 17, Maple, a leading virtual care platform in Canada, will provide OHIP covered online coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings with a live physician to all Ontario residents. To support physicians during the outbreak, the company will also provide its virtual clinic software to all Ontario and BC physicians free of charge, to ensure safe and stable healthcare access for their patients.

The company's online COVID-19 screening program, which will be available at getmaple.ca, enables people in Ontario with a valid OHIP card to talk to a doctor through audio or video chat about their symptoms and receive guidance on whether they need testing or emergency care. The service is expected to alleviate pressure on over burdened emergency rooms, and allow patients to safely receive screening from the comfort of their homes. After each screening visit, patients will be able to fax a summary of their results to their family physician or a local screening centre for next steps. Covered online medical visits are also available in BC for those with a valid BC Services Card.

Ontario and BC are the only provinces that currently allow doctors to see patients in this way under provincial health plans. While BC has allowed physicians to bill for healthcare consultations via video for some time, Ontario activated temporary billing codes on Friday to allow for telephone and video screening visits during the coronavirus outbreak.

"Connecting concerned patients, who are receiving conflicting information from every angle, with licensed Canadian doctors from the safety of their homes is simply the right thing to do," says Dr. Brett Belchetz, CEO and Co-Founder of Maple and a practicing ER physician. "We're already seeing a strong increase in the need for virtual health services across the country. We hope that in the coming weeks, other provincial governments will follow Ontario's example and open billing codes to allow video or telephone programs to expand across the country. It's the best way to ensure safe access to healthcare in this time of self-isolation and social distancing."

During the outbreak, the public-facing Maple platform will continue to operate 24/7 as normal across Canada, including in Ontario and BC, offering online medical visits via instant message, video, and phone. Maple's doctors are committed to maintaining their prompt response times across all provinces. This will help ensure that non-COVID-19 healthcare needs can be safely addressed throughout the outbreak.

Maple's virtual clinic platform, which is being offered to all Ontario and BC doctors free of charge during this time, will allow physicians across both provinces to rapidly launch virtual care capabilities from their home, office, or clinic. This means they'll be able to see their current patients online for concerns like chronic condition management, infections, minor injuries and much more, rather than having patients needlessly travel to the doctor's office where they might be exposed to a risk of infection. It will also help to reduce the capacity strain caused by COVID-19 screenings, which can be done swiftly via the virtual platform. With secure messaging, audio, and video chat available through the platform, doctors can provide advice, diagnoses, and prescriptions for a wide variety of conditions, all while maintaining robust medical records to support continuity of care for their patients. 

About Maple
Maple is a technology platform that tackles some of the world's most meaningful issues in healthcare, starting with timely and convenient access to doctors and other healthcare providers including dermatologists, psychiatrists, and oncology navigation experts. It allows patients to connect directly with doctors and specialists for medical care in minutes from their smartphone or computer 24/7, and also provides custom technology solutions for hospitals and clinics seeking to advance their delivery of care. Learn more at getmaple.ca.

SOURCE Maple.

STATEMENT - OMA Encourages Social Distancing to Slow COVID-19 and Protect Patients and Frontline Health Care Workers

TORONTO, March 14, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is working closely with the Ministry of Health and other health care providers to contain the virus, protect patients and protect doctors.  The situation has now evolved to the point where limiting public interactions, more commonly known as social distancing, is necessary.  

"Social distancing is key to slowing the spread.  It will help minimize the impact of the spreading virus and flatten the curve, which essentially means a longer, slower rise in numbers of patients affected," said Dr. Sohail Gandhi, OMA President. 

The OMA is leading by example. Effective immediately the OMA is encouraging Ontario's doctors to refrain from non-essential, in-person meetings and travel outside of Canada. The OMA is also postponing face-to-face meetings and events involving doctors.  Where necessary, virtual meetings will be held instead. OMA staff, working at 150 Bloor Street West, Toronto, will be working remotely.  This is consistent with the OMA's business continuity plan and measures many public institutions are taking to facilitate social distancing. 

"We have an ethical duty to avoid a surge in COVID-19 cases that would exceed the capacity of the health-care system to accommodate.  We also have a duty to protect our frontline health care workers, who face a greater risk of getting COVID-19.  Social distancing will not only help patients, and the public, it will help protect our frontline health care workers so they can continue to focus on the patients who need their care, and keep the rest of us healthy," added Dr. Gandhi.    

The OMA supports the decisions of the federal and provincial governments, other organizations and individuals who are taking steps to implement or voluntarily practice social distancing. As Premier Ford outlined in his March 13, 2020 release, preventing the further spread of COVID-19 calls for a strong, unified response.  

We encourage the public to follow the Public Health Agency of Canada's advice and exercise prudent social distancing by avoiding public gatherings and practicing good health hygiene.  For a comprehensive guideline click here

About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.  

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

OMA Supports Province's New Measures for COVID-19 Assessment

TORONTO, March 12, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is pleased to see the Ontario Government introduce measures to increase access to testing and assessment for diagnosing COVID-19 and for taking positive steps to  keep patients healthy by enabling patients to consult with their physician over the telephone.

"The OMA has been working with the government and the broader healthcare system so that we are ready to respond to this evolving situation," said Dr. Sohail Gandhi, OMA President. "Together we are focused on keeping the public, our patients and our front-line workers healthy. It's essential that our health care resources are put to best use caring for patients".

Dedicated assessment centres, new physician billing codes for telephone assessments and the creation of a COVID-19 self-assessment tool  will help ensure that doctors are able to assess patients in designated settings or to make an initial assessment without the patient coming into the waiting room and potentially putting others at risk. 

The OMA looks forward to working with the ministry to continue to expand virtual care options beyond the phone to keep patients and front-line health care providers healthy.

At this time, we would encourage people to follow the Public Health Agency of Canada's advice and exercise prudent social distancing by avoiding public gatherings and practicing good health hygiene. 

Ontario's doctors want to remind the public to follow these six tips to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:   

  • Wash your hands with soap frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. 
  • Clean and disinfect common surfaces that a lot of people touch. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands. 
  • Cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve or the bend of your arm, not into your hand. 
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick and stay home from work or social engagements when you are ill. 
  • Don't wear a mask unless you are sick. 

About the OMA

The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.  

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

One of the strongest protections for Ontarians is to keep health-care workers healthy and working during COVID-19 Pandemic

TORONTO, March 13, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontarians know that they can count on the commitment of the province's health- care workers to provide the best and safest care possible under challenging conditions, including under the current Pandemic COVID-19 outbreak. This is why nurses and other front-line health-care workers are calling on the Ontario Government to ensure health-care staff – and their patients – are kept safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, say the unions that represent more than 250,000 health-care sector workers in Ontario.

Patient care is the priority, but the unions say, health-care staff can only do that if they themselves stay healthy in order to continue to provide high-quality care. Front-line members are telling their respective unions that that personal protective equipment supplies are not readily available in some workplaces. It is imperative that front-line health-care staff have complete confidence in their own safety and access to full protective equipment and training in order to do the best for patients.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak spread to Ontario, the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have been urging the government and health-care workplaces that all precautions must be followed, and protocols for personal protective equipment for registered nurses and health-care workers must be implemented. Staff must be fully trained, equipped and supported.

Following a leaked document that showed the government is watering down guidelines regarding the appropriate level of personal protective equipment for front-line health-care workers, the union leaders released a joint statement yesterday (https://www.ona.org/news-posts/20200311-covid19-joint-statement/). The unions say they are deeply concerned about the lax guidelines issued and scarce availability and appropriateness of personal protective equipment (PPE) for protection during the pandemic. 

Many Ontario health-care staff have lived through SARS and learned many lessons about infection control and best practices, and they have solutions and want collaboration and frankness with government during this difficult period, say the unions.

Visit us at: 
www.ona.orgFacebook.com/OntarioNurseswww.Twitter.com/OntarioNurses 
ochu.on.cahttps://www.facebook.com/ochucupe/

Quotes from Four Health-Care Union Leaders

"As we learned all too well during SARS, without clear scientific evidence about transmission, every precaution must be taken to protect all front-line nurses and health-care workers," says ONA President Vicki McKenna, RN. "When the science is conflicting regarding transmission of this virus, and dismissing our concerns risks repeating what happened during SARS – further spread and the death of two registered nurses – we simply cannot let history repeat itself."

OCHU/CUPE President Michael Hurley is urging the province to apply the precautionary principle and treat "COVID-19 as though transmission is airborne, which is a position supported by many credible, respected medical and infectious disease organizations.  We must also ensure that there is a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment for health staff from nurses at the bedside to cleaners fighting infection. Our front-line members tell us that PPE supplies are not readily available in some workplaces. As this crisis deepens, it will be critical for the safety of the people who receive care that the health staff don't get sick themselves."

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says front-line health care workers need to be supported. "The government must provide the necessary tools and resources for our front line health care workers to protect and care for Ontarians during the COVID-19 crisis. I call on the Ford government to ensure these tools are made immediately available."

"As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow, it is time for the Ontario government to stop issuing recommendations, and instead work with us to create clear and mandatory directions to all healthcare providers," says SEIU Healthcare President Sharleen Stewart. "Without that much-needed consistency, frontline healthcare workers, their families, and the people they care for, will continue to be put at risk."

SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association

Drake’s Organic Spirits Expands to Sunshine State

Leading distiller of organic spirits added to shelves at BJ’s Wholesale Clubs throughout Florida

Minneapolis, MN (March 11,2020 )  – Drake’s Organic Spirits announced today that its popular Spiked Ice freeze-and-eat adult pops and all-organic Bloody Mary combo packs will soon be available at 33 BJ’s Wholesale Club locations throughout Florida.

“We’re beyond thrilled to be part of the BJ Wholesale Club family,” said Drake’s Founder and CEO Mark Anderson.  “BJ’s recognizes that the organic food and drink movement is booming.  Consumers want cleaner options for their bodies and they want products that are friendlier to the planet.  Drake’s accomplishes both.”  

BJ’s Wholesale Club a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States.  

The chain offers members discounted prices on fresh items, sundries, paper goods, apparel, seasonal items, TVs, electronics, gasoline and much more. 

Screen Shot 2020-03-09 at 9.43.25 PM.png

The chain offers members discounted prices on fresh items, sundries, paper goods, apparel, seasonal items, TVs, electronics, gasoline and much more. 

Drake’s Organic Spiked Iceä are handheld ice pops that feature 15% ABV and only 80 calories each.  Spiked Ice comes in four flavors - Mango Rum Punch, Vodka Lemonade, Watermelon Martini and Classic Mojito - and are made with Drake’s award-winning all-organic ultra-premium vodka and white rum.

Drake’s Bloody Mary Combo Packs feature one (1) liter Drake’s Organic Vodka and one (1) liter of Drake’s Organic Bloody Mary Mixer.  

Screen Shot 2020-03-09 at 9.43.53 PM.png

Drake’s Organic Spirits is the first and only spirit line in the world to be certified USDA organic, non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher.  The five certifications ensure a cleaner drinking option that comes only from the highest quality organic ingredients.   Drake’s continues to be among the most environmentally conscious brands in the spirits industry and deeply committed to using ingredients and processes that lead to a more sustainable planet. 

In 2019, Drake’s Organic Premium Vodka was awarded Double Gold and Drake’s Organic White Rum  received Gold at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL.  The highly-respected awards are widely considered among the most prestigious in the industry because judges are industry experts who blind taste-test each spirit. 

Proceeds from the sale of all Drake’s Organic Spirits products help fund Long Lake Animal Rescue, an animal rescue foundation that takes in animals in urgent need of a second chance at life.

About Drake’s Organic Spirits 
Minneapolis-based Drake’s Organic Spirits was launched in 2017.    Drake’s uses the highest quality USDA organic and non-GMO Project Verified ingredients to create a line of ultra- premium spirits. Drake’s Organic Vodka, Drake’s Organic White Rum and Drakes Organic Spiced Rum offer a no-grain, no-gluten, no-gmo, ultra-premium and 12-times distilled handcrafted spirits at a better price than the leading premium brands.

About BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc.
Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ's is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 219 clubs and 144 BJ's Gas® locations in 17 states.

Media Statement: Health-Care Unions Call for Honest, Frank Collaboration from Ontario Government Regarding COVID-19 Protection for Health-Care Workers

TORONTO, March 11, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are calling for honest and frank collaboration with the Government of Ontario regarding guidelines for COVID-19 protection for health-care workers – and their patients – during the World Health Organization-declared pandemic.

A leaked document shows that the province is watering down guidelines regarding the level of personal protective equipment for front-line health-care workers. The unions say the precautionary principle – to err on the side of caution in protecting workers – must continue to be followed.

ONA, OCHU/CUPE, OPSEU and SEIU say the science is not clear regarding the droplet-versus-airborne spread of COVID-19 and believe the government is repeating mistakes made during SARS. With conflicting scientific evidence of how COVID-19 is spread, the precautionary principle – to err on the side of caution – must be followed, say the leaders. If there is a shortage of personal protective equipment that will impact front-line health-care workers, union leaders believe they can work with authorities to ensure the use of administrative measures and engineering controls to protect workers. 

The vast majority of health-care workers impacted by the guidelines are female. The unions note that first responders, notably, the male-dominated EMS workers, currently have access to proper personal protective equipment even as they transport patients to unprotected female-dominated professionals in our hospitals. 

ONA, OCHU/CUPE, OPSEU and SEIU jointly represent more than one-quarter of a million health-care workers in Ontario, who are dedicated to providing care and services to Ontarians during this pandemic. It is imperative that all organizations and government work collaboratively to protect health-care workers and their patients from the spread of COVID-19. If health-care workers are safe and free of disease because they are protected, then it is safe for the public to access health care.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak spread to Ontario, all health-care unions have been urging the government and health-care workplaces that allprecautions must be followed, and protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) for all nurses and all health-care workers must be implemented. Staff must be fully trained, equipped and supported. We are counting on the government to do the right thing.

Visit us at: www.ona.orgFacebook.com/OntarioNurseswww.Twitter.com/OntarioNurses
ochu.on.cahttps://www.facebook.com/ochucupe/

SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association

CAE Healthcare to offer coronavirus simulation training scenario and webinars for healthcare providers

MONTREAL and SARASOTA, FL, March 12, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - CAE Healthcare announced today that it will offer complimentary webinars and a downloadable scenario throughout the months of March and April to help caregivers practice personal safety procedures and initial patient assessment related to coronavirus. These webinars and scenario will be offered free of charge for customers and healthcare providers. In addition, CAE Healthcare Academy is developing a simulation-based training course to help assess, diagnose, and treat patients with coronavirus and to help organizations ensure that staff are ready to don and doff personal protective equipment. 

"The coronavirus presents a significant challenge to healthcare providers and CAE Healthcare is offering solutions to deal with the outbreak," said Amar Patel, Chief Learning Officer at CAE Healthcare. "This simulation-based training will allow healthcare professionals to practice patient assessment and manage the environment while keeping themselves and their patients safe in impacted areas."

"Simulation-based training is a key patient safety strategy that can help improve teamwork and communication amid unpredictable, rapidly unfolding situations," said Rekha Ranganathan, President of CAE Healthcare. "By offering realistic practice scenarios to caregivers before they enter high-stress environments, we can have a positive impact on outcomes."

The CAE Healthcare Academy's complimentary webinars and initial training scenario, titled Suspected COVID-19, can be accessed at https://caehealthcare.com/covid19/ 
A four-scenario training course, Pathogens of High Consequence, will be offered to healthcare providers and systems in the coming weeks. 

Watch the story from Fox 13 News about this training solution offered by CAE Healthcare: https://www.fox13news.com/news/medical-students-care-for-mechanical-patient-that-simulates-symptoms-of-covid-19 

Learn more about CAE Healthcare at www.caehealthcare.com and @caehealthcare.

About CAE Healthcare

CAE Healthcare offers integrated education and training solutions to healthcare students and clinical professionals across the professional life cycle, allowing them to develop practical experience in simulated environments before treating patients. CAE Healthcare's full spectrum of simulation solutions includes surgical and imaging simulation, curriculum, the CAE LearningSpace audiovisual and centre management platform and highly realistic adult, pediatric and baby patient simulators. Today, hospitals, medical schools, nursing schools, defence forces and societies in more than 80 countries use our training solutions to make healthcare safer. cae.com/healthcare

About CAE

CAE is a global leader in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets. Backed by a record of more than 70 years of industry firsts, we continue to help define global training standards with our innovative virtual-to-live training solutions to make flying safer, maintain defence force readiness and enhance patient safety. We have the broadest global presence in the industry, with over 10,000 employees, 160 sites and training locations in over 35 countries. Each year, we train more than 220,000 civil and defence crewmembers, including more than 135,000 pilots, and thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide. www.cae.com 

Follow us on Twitter: CAE_Inc.

SOURCE CAE INC.