Scholarship Opportunity for Canadian Residents to the Bachelor of Disability Management
PORT ALBERNI, BC, Feb. 24, 2022 /CNW/ - Funding provided by the Government of Canada's Sectoral Initiatives Program provides Canadian Residents (with the exception of BC which developed its own similar initiative) with a Scholarship to enter the Bachelor of Disability Management program offered through the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences (PCU-WHS) delivered through an online learning platform.
Applicants for the Scholarship must have completed a 2-year diploma or other relevant educational prerequisites, which provide 60 credits in a range of disciplines but preferably human resources, business, occupational health and safety, nursing or social work from a recognized post-secondary educational institution.
Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first qualified basis. Deadlines for applications is: June 15, 2022
This limited, one-time intake only for Fall 2022 provides the following options:
completion of the BDM program in a two-year time frame as a full-time student, or
completion of the BDM program in a four-year part-time format (scholarship applies to the first two years)
Full details re the Scholarship can be found on the PCU-WHS website or through the following QR Code: www.pcu-whs.ca
In recognition of the key role which early intervention and successful job retention efforts can have in reducing the socio-economic impact of disabling health impairments for disabled workers, employers and our society at large, many employers, unions, WCBs and other relevant stakeholders are expanding their efforts through various DM programs, policies and practices to build knowledge and capacity designed to improve successful accommodation of disabled workers.
With an ever increasing number of available employment opportunities in the RTW/DM space across Canada and internationally, from front line Return to Work coordination to senior management positions working as a Disability Management Professional is in many instances not only a financially rewarding career, but allows you to make a positive difference in someone's life.
Detailed information regarding these opportunities can be found at: www.nidmar.ca
SOURCE National Institute of Disability Management and Research
Tips for Treating Soreness After Your First Workout Whether you are working out to lose weight, strengthen your physical health, boost your mental and emotional well-being, or are following your doctor’s orders, it is a good activity that can improve your quality of life. However, your body may be sore after the first workout due to the new activities. The good news is that you can take steps to reduce the soreness without giving up and stopping future exercises.
Stay Hydrated Healthy fluids are necessary when flushing out damaged muscles. Therefore, it is essential to stay hydrated before your first workout. Before the physical activity, try to determine how long you plan to work out, and drink at least eight ounces of water per fifteen- or twenty-minute interval. Although you can consume other healthy beverages, it is best to drink water for the first workout to ensure your body stays hydrated and prevents severe muscle damage. If you fail to stay hydrated while working out, your soreness could feel more intense and last longer.
Consider a Warm-Up Period One of the biggest mistakes people make is jumping into a workout routine without stretching their muscles out before the activities. Loosening up the body allows a good amount of blood to flow to muscles and reduce soreness. Warming up can also lower the odds of accidents and injuries caused by a workout routine. Remember that cooling down after physical activity is just as important because it stops fluids from accumulating in the joints and body. Cooling down could also improve your heart functioning and return your breathing to normal following the workout.
Seek Pain Relief After completing your first physical routine, the oils and gels you put on your body could ease pain by soothing your muscles. Pain relief oxygen ointment can help reduce inflammation and allow the sore muscles to heal properly. As a result, blood will flow to the muscles and help reduce pain in the joints. If your first workout leads to an injury, the ointments could also relieve some of the aches and throbbing. Rest
Your body will need to rest and regroup, especially your muscles. Therefore, it is vital that you take a moment to lie down in bed or relax in a comfortable chair after the workout. Some people skip this rest because they feel like their activity will go to waste. However, this is inaccurate; rest can boost your energy levels while strengthening your muscles, leading to better workouts. The tips above can help you avoid soreness after your first workout, as well as future routines. The objective is to keep your body strong and continue with activities that help you achieve your physical and mental health goals.
How to Create a Workout Space for Yourself at Home
Got a spare bedroom? Use it to transform your at-home workouts from super frustrating to super fun. It’s no secret that having a designated workout space can make getting on the treadmill or bench press easier. But how do you create the perfect home for your workouts without breaking the bank, using up precious square footage of your apartment, or giving up on the idea of an at-home workout? Don’t let home get in your way of healthy living. Here are some quick tips that will help you turn any unused area into a personal workout space that is just right for you.
Find the Perfect Space to Work Out
It’s important to find the right location for your at-home workout space. You can either create a designated space in an unused room or you can use the space you already have. Is there a spare bedroom that doesn’t get used very often? Clear it out and turn it into your personal gym. Or, if your living room is small, set up your at-home workout space in front of the TV so you can watch movies while you work out.
No matter how big or small the area is, make sure to pick an area with enough light. A window is best but any natural light will do. If there isn’t any natural light, try installing some track lighting for better visibility. Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your at-home workout zone, it's time to start getting creative.
Choose Your Equipment
First, choose your equipment. Does your chosen workout require a bench press? Or maybe you need that mat for yoga. Once you have chosen the items that are important to your routine, it’s time to find a space.
Safety Tips for At-Home Workouts
Safety is always a priority. When you are working out at home, it's important to make sure that your space is safe and secure. This means making sure there are no tripping hazards, sharp edges, or other potential dangers.
Here is a list of items to consider when creating the perfect personal workout space:
- Make sure there is enough room for whatever activity you want to perform.
- Include amenities such as water and towels/showering supplies.
- Consider putting down home gym rubber flooring to provide a skid-proof surface that’s softer if you take a spill or drop a heavy weight.
- Make sure the space is well lit and free of clutter so it feels spacious.
Achieving your fitness goals is a journey, but it’s one that you can take with the right information and support.
With these tips and tricks, you can create a workout space for yourself at home and start on the right track to achieving your goals.
Mithra and Searchlight Pharma Announce Launch of Haloette® in Canada
First available alternative in the Canadian contraceptive ring market
LIEGE, Belgium and MONTREAL, Feb. 16, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Mithra and Searchlight Pharma are pleased to announce the commercial launch of Mithra's vaginal contraceptive ring Myring® under the brandname Haloette® in Canada.
Following the successful launch of Mithra's innovative contraceptive pill Nextstellis® last year, Searchlight Pharma is pleased to further expand its growing footprint in Women's Health with the commercialization of Haloette®. Currently, the Canadian vaginal contraceptive ring market is worth approximately CAD $11.5 million (EUR 8 million) a year1, represented exclusively by the originator Nuvaring® 2. Haloette® is a new affordable option for women that was approved by Health Canada in September 2021 and is now available in pharmacies across Canada.
Developed and manufactured by European women's health expert and innovator Mithra, Haloette® eliminates the need for refrigerated conditions prior to being dispensed to patients. This provides a competitive advantage for both wholesalers and pharmacies, by reducing transport, storage costs, and the need for cold chain storage. Furthermore, it provides a more convenient option for distributors, pharmacists and patients.
"We are delighted to partner with Mithra once again in order to offer Canadian women an additional choice in addressing their contraception needs," said Mark Nawacki, President & CEO of Searchlight Pharma. "Since making Haloette® available across Canada this past December, interest has been very high, as evidenced by rapid product uptake at major wholesalers and pharmacy banners throughout Canada, as well as the many formulary listings with private and public payers, including the Public Prescription Drug Insurance Plan (RAMQ) in Quebec."
"It's thrilling to team up once again with Searchlight Pharma to bring innovative contraceptive alternatives to Canadian women," said Leon Van Rompay, CEO Mithra. "Just a few months after the Canadian launch of Nextstellis®, we are now also providing women with access to the first generic product of a contraceptive ring in this first region in North America. Our Mithra CDMO pursues the production of all Myring® commercial batches orders for a range of new commercial launches planned for 2022."
About Haloette®
Haloette® (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) is a non-biodegradable, flexible, transparent, combination contraceptive vaginal ring, with an outer diameter of 54 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 4 mm. It is made of ethylene vinylacetate copolymers, and contains 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol. When placed in the vagina, each ring releases on average 0.120 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol over a three-week period of use. The ring is to remain in place continuously for three weeks. It is removed for a one-week break, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs. A new ring is inserted one week after the last ring was removed.
About Mithra
Mithra (Euronext: MITRA) is a Belgian biotech company dedicated to transforming Women's Health by offering new choices through innovation, with a particular focus on contraception and menopause. Mithra's goal is to develop products offering better efficacy, safety and convenience, meeting women's needs throughout their life span. Mithra explores the potential of the unique native estrogen estetrol in a wide range of applications in women health and beyond. After having successfully launched the first estetrol-based product in 2021, the contraceptive pill Estelle®, Mithra is now focusing on its second product Donesta®, the next-generation hormone therapy. Mithra also develops and manufactures complex therapeutics in the areas of contraception, menopause and hormone-dependent cancers. It offers partners a complete spectrum of research, development and specialist manufacturing at its technological platform Mithra CDMO. Active in more than 100 countries around the world, Mithra has an approximate headcount of 300 staff members and is headquartered in Liège, Belgium. www.mithra.com
About Searchlight Pharma Inc.
Searchlight Pharma Inc., headquartered in Montreal, that executes best-in class search, acquisition, commercialization, and focused development of innovative and unique specialty healthcare products. Our core products focus on women's health, urogynecology, and urology, and our team is committed to improving people's lives by bringing the right products to market.Follow us, learn more about what we do, and get to know our product portfolio at www.searchlightpharma.com.
Important information
The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should", and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.
______________________________
1 IQVIA 2021
2 Nuvaring® is registered trademark of N.V. Organon
SOURCE Searchlight Pharma Inc.
Ontario's doctors offer solution for wait times
TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2022 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are proposing an innovative new model of care that would reduce wait times by shifting many non-emergency, less complex surgeries to outpatient centres.
The Ontario Medical Association released a comprehensive report today recommending creation of publicly funded Integrated Ambulatory Centres. These free-standing centres would work with local hospitals to provide OHIP-insured medical services, including surgeries and procedures, on an outpatient basis.
This would free up hospital beds and operating rooms, allowing them to focus on more complex, acute and emergency patients and procedures and reduce wait times.
"Ambulatory centres in other jurisdictions have shown to deliver a more satisfying patient experience," said OMA President Dr. Adam Kassam. "In addition to shorter wait times, patients spend less time in ambulatory facilities than they do in hospitals and can safely return home the same day. This is combined with an improved physician and provider experience, while being able to realize efficiencies in both acute and community care."
Wait times were an issue in Ontario before the COVID-19 pandemic put the spotlight on the cracks in the health-care system, with waits for many procedures longer than recommended.
A new analysis released by the OMA today found that on top of those existing problems, the pandemic has created a backlog of more than 21 million patient services that will take months and in some cases years to clear. This includes a backlog of more than 1 million surgeries as of the end of 2021, but also preventative care, cancer screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies and diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans.
The numbers will grow when we learn how many surgeries and procedures were cancelled during the pause on non-emergency procedures due to the Omicron variant and when the unknown number of "missing patients" who did not engage with the health-care system during the pandemic are included.
Dr. Kassam said the health-care system must now clear the backlog while implementing the new Integrated Ambulatory Centre model, which could take five to eight years.
With the growing sophistication of surgical tools and techniques and new pain management and anesthesia options, many less-complex surgeries and procedures could be moved from hospitals to Integrated Ambulatory Centres. Examples include cataract surgeries, hernia repairs, hysterectomies, hip and knee surgeries, endoscopies, ear, nose and throat surgeries and breast reconstruction after breast cancer.
The OMA proposal fully complies with the Canada Health Act and there would be no user fees or queue jumping. The centres would be fully integrated within the publicly funded, publicly administered health system.
Experience in other provinces and countries, as well as the Kensington Eye Institute in Ontario, shows that ambulatory centres can work under this model. They also have faster recovery times, lower infection rates and efficiency gains ranging from 20 to 30 per cent compared with inpatient hospital care.
Ontario's doctors believe this new model of care, the most significant change in ambulatory care in 30 years, would have widespread public support.
A recent Ipsos survey conducted for the OMA found that Ontarians want the government to prioritize clearing the backlog of health-care services built up during the pandemic, even if it means a short-term impact on economic recovery. In that same poll, 96 per cent of respondents said they supported the five pillars of the OMA roadmap to improve the health-care system over the next four years, Prescription for Ontario: Doctors' 5-Point Plan for Better Health Care. The first of the five pillars is reducing backlog and wait times.
"Wait times for surgical procedures are a major problem for patients in Ontario," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "Ambulatory centres provide an opportunity for government to help reduce them and get patients the high-quality care that they need sooner."
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
LifeLabs’ President and CEO named one of the “Top 25 Biotech CEOs” for the second consecutive year
Toronto, Ontario, Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are pleased to share that LifeLabs’ President and CEO, Charles Brown, has been named one of the “Top 25 Biotech CEOs of 2022” by The Healthcare Technology Report. This is Charles’ second consecutive year for receiving this recognition.
Hundreds of nominations were submitted this year to The Healthcare Technology Report and winners were selected based on leaders’ dedication to customer care and their contributions to the advancement of medicine.
“I am truly honoured to be selected for the second consecutive year for this award amongst such a distinguished list of leaders,” says Charles. It’s a testament of hard work and dedication from our entire team at LifeLabs. I’m extremely proud of our team’s perseverance through times of uncertainty and disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I graciously accept this award on behalf of the LifeLabs Team, and I look forward to what we will achieve together to advance healthcare this year and beyond.”
Charles was ranked #2 amongst awardees for his impressive efforts in guiding LifeLabs through organizational transformation in the past year. Since joining LifeLabs in 2018, Charles has worked to evolve LifeLabs into a commercially driven organization that brings customer-centred value to market. By showcasing the possibility of delivering value-based outcomes, Charles empowers his employees to make a difference and facilitate innovative change. During COVID-19, Charles’ leadership guided the team to quickly pivot and adapt to respond to the pandemic by providing essential COVID-19 testing, while maintaining full operation of lab testing and diagnostic work.
The Healthcare Technology Report provides market research and insights, business news, investment activity updates and important corporate developments related to the healthcare technology sector.
To learn more about the award and the other individuals included in the list, please click here.
About LifeLabs
LifeLabs is Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and health care practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent disease. We support 20 million patient visits annually and conduct over 100 million laboratory tests through leading edge technologies and our 6,000 talented and dedicated employees. We are a committed innovator in supporting Canadians to live healthier lives, operating Canada’s first commercial genetics lab, and the country’s largest online patient portal, with more than 5 million Canadians receiving their results online. LifeLabs is 100% Canadian owned by OMERS Infrastructure, the infrastructure investment manager of one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. Learn more at lifelabs.com.
Optimi Health Approved to Supply Psilocybin Under Health Canada’s Special Access Program
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Optimi Health Corp. (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQB: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN) (“Optimi” or the “Company”), developers of a vertically integrated mushroom brand targeting functional and novel psychedelic compounds for the health and wellness sector, is pleased to report that Health Canada has added the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary Optimi Labs Inc. to a list of approved suppliers under the Special Access Program (SAP). With a mission to provide compassionate, frontline solutions to Canada’s growing mental health crisis, the Company plans to supply psychedelics like psilocybin to those truly in need.
Announced on January 5, 2022, the SAP allows qualified medical practitioners to request access to Schedule 3 controlled substances such as psilocybin on a case-by-case emergency basis. Prior to the new regulatory amendments, medical practitioners were prohibited from requesting access to psilocybin and MDMA for individual psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. The amendments have the potential to positively affect the lives of people experiencing serious mental health conditions and end-of-life distress when other therapies have failed, are unsuitable or are unavailable in Canada.
Optimi’s CEO, Bill Ciprick, says the SAP is already having a positive impact on patients in need and will provide the Company with the right avenue to develop and supply the demand for natural psilocybin.
“Optimi is committed to bringing transformative change to those suffering from debilitating palliative and non-palliative mental health trauma,” said Ciprick. “We will leave no stone unturned in our effort to provide the safest and most efficacious natural psilocybin product in the world, because frankly we need to get this right for those depending on us for support and healing.”
“Between the science, research, and good manufacturing practices, the SAP is an excellent opportunity for all of us to learn, grow and expand our knowledge capacity and improve treatment outcomes for many people in the years to come,” added Ciprick.
With the Company’s Dealer’s License approved by Health Canada earlier this month, Optimi has received requests for supply agreements from potential partners interested in the Company’s new EU-GMP compliant 10,000 sq. ft. facility located in Princeton, British Columbia. Once fully commercialized, the production facility will position Optimi as a global frontrunner in the cultivation, extraction, and vertical integration of high-grade all-natural psilocybin.
“Establishing Optimi’s presence in the psychedelic market begins with trust, which we believe we have earned through our in-house expert research and world-class advisory team, and by setting the gold standard in GMP compliance,” added JJ Wilson, Optimi’s Chairman of the Board.
Optimi plans to host a grand opening of its new facility this May and is committed to building awareness and education about the benefits of the SAP to physicians qualified to recommend the program to patients.
Bill Ciprick Chief Executive Officer Optimi Health Corp.
ABOUT OPTIMI (CSE: OPTI) (OTCQB: OPTHF) (FRA: 8BN) Optimi is developing a sophisticated mushroom brand that focuses on the health and wellness markets. With a vertically integrated approach, Optimi intends to cultivate, extract, process and distribute high quality functional and psychedelic mushroom products at its two facilities comprising a total of 20,000 square feet nearing completion in Princeton, British Columbia. To fully investigate the science of mushrooms, the Company has received a research exemption under Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) for the use of Psilocybin and Psilocin for scientific purposes via its wholly owned subsidiary Optimi Labs Inc. Optimi has also been granted a dealer’s license under Canada’s Narcotic Control Regulations governing possession, distribution, sale, laboratory analysis of and research and development of Psilocybin and Psilocin formulations. Optimi is committed to expert cultivation and quality production subject to and in accordance with the terms of all applicable laws and governing regulations to ensure safe, superior Canadian fungi production. Find out more at: https://optimihealth.ca/.
FORWARD‐LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward‐looking statements and forward‐looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward‐looking statements") that relate to Optimi’s current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "expects," "will continue," "is anticipated," "anticipates," "believes," "estimated," "intends," "plans," "forecast," "projection," "strategy," "objective," and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward‐looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward‐looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward‐looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward‐looking statements pertaining to activities proposed to be conducted under the Company’s dealer’s license and associated business related to Psilocybin and Psilocin and Optimi’s plans, focus and objectives.
Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Optimi’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward‐looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact and progression of the COVID‐19 pandemic and other factors set forth under “Forward‐Looking Statements" and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual information Form dated January 12, 2022, and other continuous disclosure filings available under Optimi’s profile at www.sedar.com. Optimi undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Optimi to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward‐looking statement. Any forward‐looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Green Shield Canada providing $250,000 donation for University of Toronto’s Discovery Pharmacy
TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enhancing our commitment to the pharmacy community, Green Shield Canada (GSC) is excited to announce a $250,000 donation for the University of Toronto’s Discovery Pharmacy.
Based at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, the Discovery Pharmacy is poised to be a digital innovation and research hub for the pharmacy profession, while giving students hands-on experience as professional pharmacists. Its alignment with GSC’s deep pharmacy background was a key factor in the donation.
“Founded by pharmacists over 60 years ago, GSC has a long history rooted in pharmacy and providing affordable access to medications,” explains Mark Rolnick, EVP, Pharmacy Innovation and Patient Experience. “We continue to advocate for the important role that pharmacists play within our health care system, and this will become even more important in an increasingly digital health-oriented environment.”
As the only benefits carrier with a comprehensive suite of reimbursed pharmacy services, including health coaching, deprescribing and smoking cessation counselling, GSC is already playing an active role.
“We are excited to be setting off on this Discovery Pharmacy journey and look forward to seeing its impact on adoption of clinical services and in driving better health outcomes,” Rolnick adds.
As the Discovery Pharmacy gathers momentum, GSC’s initial support is another step towards creating an innovative centre tailor-made for a new era of digitally-based pharmaceutical care.
“We are so pleased to have GSC give their initial support to the Discovery Pharmacy as a Founding Donor,” says Lisa Dolovich, Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto. “This early support is crucial to helping us move forward as Discovery Pharmacy grows in scope and impact. We’ve seen the important role pharmacists play in the delivery of front-line health care. We will continue to lead in this area as we reimagine the practice of our profession and develop new ways to deliver the best possible care.”
NEW REPORT REVEALS OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE CANCER DIAGNOSIS - THE MOST INEFFICIENT AREA OF CANCER CARE IN CANADA
New Canadian report includes findings & recommendations to improve cancer diagnosis amid coming echo pandemic in cancer
TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2022 /CNW/ - All.Can Canada has just launched a new report to improve cancer diagnosis for people in Canada by focusing on what matters most to patients. The report, titled 'Optimizing Diagnosis in Canadian Cancer Care', reveals findings from a comprehensive research project and six actionable recommendations to improve cancer diagnosis.
The research included a literature review, interviews with patients and caregivers, and a survey of healthcare providers across Canada. The patients and caregivers interviewed represent an inclusive range of different types of cancer, gender, socioeconomic status, jurisdiction, and geography.
"If you don't get a swift diagnosis and enter into cancer care in a timely fashion, treatment can't start. We need to listen to what cancer patients say would improve their experience of diagnosis," says Kathy Barnard, who is a stage IV melanoma survivor, Founder of Save Your Skin Foundation, and a member of All.Can Canada's steering committee. "People are cycling around trying to get their symptoms investigated for months, sometimes years. This was already happening before COVID-19 and now things are worse. Ignoring the findings of this report would be a missed opportunity to do the right thing by people who desperately need cancer care and make changes that would make a real difference."
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. Due to missed diagnoses during the pandemic, we are now facing an echo pandemic in cancer. Before the pandemic, it was already estimated that 2 in 5 Canadians (40%) would get cancer in their lifetime and 1 in 4 (25%) would die from their disease.1 With COVID-19, things have just become worse. Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec reported a 20-23% drop in cancer diagnoses from June – September 2020. It is predicted that cancer care disruptions during the pandemic could lead to 21,247 more cancer deaths in Canada over the next decade. The represents 355,173 years of lost life expected due to pandemic-related diagnostic and treatment delays.2
All.Can Canada's report reveals the labyrinth most people experience when trying to diagnose a suspicion of cancer. From the moment a person tries to interact with a healthcare provider over a suspicion of cancer to the point they receive their diagnosis, seven outcomes were identified as critical to a quality diagnosis experience:
1) Swiftness of the diagnosis process; 2) Validation of concerns by primary care providers; 3) Excellent patient-provider communication; 4) Effective provider-provider communication; 5) Better information; 6) Integrated psychosocial support; and 7) Coordinated and managed care.
Achieving an improved future state of cancer diagnosis doesn't mean starting from scratch. Through the research, numerous opportunities and existing practices were discovered that, if adapted and scaled for jurisdictional and regional needs, are an excellent place to begin the realization of an optimized future state of cancer diagnosis in which the seven key outcomes are achieved for everyone in Canada.
2Malagad, et al. "Predicted long-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related care delays on cancer incidence and mortality in Canada," McGill University, 2021.
About All.Can Canada
All.Can Canada is a patient-led, multi-stakeholder, national initiative committed to ensuring swift, accurate, and appropriately delivered diagnosis of cancer in Canada. The report, 'Optimizing Diagnosis in Canadian Cancer Care,' was overseen by an interim steering committee of patients, patient groups, healthcare professionals, researchers, health policy experts and industry.
Trillium Health Partners Receives Historic $105 Million Donation from The Peter Gilgan Foundation
The largest donation to a hospital in Canadian history will help build the largest and most advanced hospital in Canada and redefine the future of health care
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 15, 2022 /CNW/ - Trillium Health Partners (THP) and Trillium Health Partners Foundation (THPF) are honoured to announce an historic $105 million donation from renowned philanthropist Peter Gilgan and The Peter Gilgan Foundation. As the largest donation to a hospital in Canadian history, it will support THP in building the largest and most advanced hospital in Canada, to be named "The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital." It will also help expand and redevelop Queensway Health Centre, which will be named "The Gilgan Family Queensway Health Centre."
"We want to thank Peter Gilgan and The Peter Gilgan Foundation for this historic donation that will transform health care for everyone living in the West GTA and help set a new standard of care for our country," said Caroline Riseboro, President and CEO, THP Foundation. "Peter Gilgan is the most generous benefactor to health care in Canadian history, and we could not be prouder that he and his family have chosen Trillium Health Partners as the recipient of this extraordinary donation. Peter's unparalleled generosity embodies the power of philanthropy to help transform health care and will inspire others to step up so THP can realize its bold vision of a new kind of health care for a healthier community."
As the province announced on December 1, 2021, the new Mississauga Hospital will replace the existing 62-year-old facility, and a new patient tower at Queensway Health Centre will be home to needed complex care and rehabilitation services at THP. These projects represent the largest capital build in Canada's history and will add more than 600 beds across the organization, for a total of almost 2,000 beds, to accommodate the incredible growth in this community, making THP the largest hospital in Canada. These projects will also help to relieve capacity pressure at Credit Valley Hospital, and improve the patient experience across all three sites.
"We serve one of the fastest growing and most diverse populations in Canada and have been challenged with an unprecedented demand for care. Adding to this pressure, during the pandemic, our community has been the hardest hit. THP's unwavering commitment is to solve these challenges through innovation and high performance," said Karli Farrow, President and CEO, THP. "On behalf of our community and THP's dedicated team of staff, professional staff, volunteers and learners who work hard to provide exceptional care each and every day, we are so grateful to Peter Gilgan and The Peter Gilgan Foundation for playing such an instrumental role in supporting our vision and helping to build new infrastructure that creates a more complete, efficient and equitable health system."
THP is the largest community-based academic hospital network in Canada, with 1.7 million patient visits per year across three main sites: Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre. THP cares for a population of 2.2 million people in the West GTA, with the most inpatients and most births per year in Ontario, and some of the largest volumes for emergency care and surgery. THP's scale and volume foster clinical excellence and the critical mass needed to offer complex and highly specialized treatments. THP has 14 regional programs, which boast top provincial performers such as neurosurgery, stroke and cardiac health, with care provided by top talent attracted by the hospital's commitment to innovation. THP provides teaching to over 1,250 new health care professionals, including physicians, and has a leading research and innovation center, The Institute for Better Health, focused on population health.
Advance work is already underway at the Mississauga Hospital site, with construction on the new Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital expected to start in 2025. The Queensway Health Tower construction is expected to start in 2024.
"As the community has grown and diversified, so have the demands on the hospital. The additional struggles presented by the pandemic have underscored the critical need for modern health care facilities, and challenged our health care workers like never before," said Peter Gilgan, Chairman and CEO, Mattamy Asset Management and founder of Mattamy Homes. "THP will combine bold new infrastructure with a proactive approach to community health – it's the complete solution we urgently need. And because I started my business in this region many years ago, this gift is a way of giving back to the community and to recognize our amazing health care workers for their commitment. I'm thrilled to be able to support THP in its much-needed mission to transform health care."
About Trillium Health Partners Foundation Trillium Health Partners Foundation is dedicated to raising the critical funds needed to address the highest priority needs of Trillium Health Partners, the largest community-based hospital network in Canada. For more information, please visit trilliumgiving.ca.
About Trillium Health Partners Trillium Health Partners is the largest community-based hospital network in Canada. Comprised of Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre, Trillium Health Partners serves the growing and diverse populations of Mississauga, West Toronto and surrounding communities. Trillium Health Partners is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto and home of the Institute for Better Health. For more information, visit thp.ca. For more information about Trillium HealthWorks, THP's redevelopment projects, please visit https://trilliumhealthworks.ca.
About The Peter Gilgan Foundation The Peter Gilgan Foundation is a private family foundation created by philanthropist and business leader Peter Gilgan. The Foundation aims to improve the lives of children and families by empowering charities that help the world transition to a more healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Based in Toronto, Canada, the Foundation supports work in the Greater Toronto Area, across Canada, and in developing countries. Donations totaling more than $375 million have been directed to a variety of causes, including health and wellness, recreation and active lifestyles, educational institutions, international development and environmental protection. The Peter Gilgan Foundation's current focus is on children, youth, and families, as well as environmental protection and international development. For more information, please visit: www.petergilganfoundation.org.
