Now Live: My Airbnb Fitness Experience in Toronto Your chance to train with an IFBB Pro while traveling or staying local.
I’m so excited to officially announce that my Airbnb Fitness Experience is now live — and open for bookings!
This has been in the works for a while and I’m proud to finally share it. I was selected by Airbnb Global as one of their official Experience Hosts as part of their international launch across 70+ cities... and I get to represent Toronto through movement, mindset, and energy.
Whether you’re visiting the city or you live here full-time, this experience is for you.
What is the Airbnb Fitness Experience?
Think of it as a high-energy, feel-good sweat session with me — Alicia Bell, IFBB Pro Figure competitor, celebrity trainer, and founder of Train It Right.
We’ll meet at Push Pounds Sports Medicine (481 Danforth Ave, Toronto), a private performance studio where I coach athletes, celebrities, and clients of all levels. From warm-up to finish, you’ll get a full-body session that challenges you, motivates you, and meets you exactly where you're at.
No cookie-cutter class. No judgment. Just vibes, movement, and results.
Why Book a Fitness Experience While in Toronto?
Fitness travel is on the rise — and for good reason. When people explore new cities, they want to experience more than food and photos. They want something real, something personal, something they can feel.
This Airbnb Experience in Toronto is perfect if you're: • Traveling and want to stay active • Looking for unique wellness activities in the city • New to fitness but want to try something different • Local and craving a fresh way to train • Visiting for business and need a reset between meetings • A fan of my coaching and want to finally meet in person
Whether you're solo, with a friend, or planning a girls' trip — I’ve got you.
What to Expect
A 60-minute workout designed by me
Bodyweight and functional movement
Options for all fitness levels
Private studio environment
Toronto's east end — close to transit and local cafes
Post-session Q&A and real talk about fitness, mindset, or anything you want to ask
Spots are limited, and I’d truly love to have you join me. If you’ve followed my journey online or worked with me virtually — this is your chance to connect in person and move together.
I don’t take this opportunity lightly. To be selected as a host means a lot to me... and I want to make it something unforgettable for every single person who walks through the door.
If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, love wellness-based experiences, or just want to book a session that hits different — come through.
Let’s train. Let’s vibe. Let’s make this your favorite hour in the city.
Earlier this year, I was personally selected by Airbnb Global to help launch a brand-new initiative across just 70 exclusive cities worldwide, and I am proud to represent Toronto as one of their original hosts. This is a handpicked experience created to showcase what makes this city and its people powerful — and I’m bringing that energy through fitness.
This is a one-of-a-kind fitness session led by me — Alicia Bell, IFBB Pro, celebrity trainer, kinesiologist, and performance coach.
In each 60-minute session, you will get:
A personalized or semi-private workout tailored to your goals
Coaching focused on strength, confidence, and real results
A deeper look into how athletes and celebrities really train
A supportive and empowering experience whether you’re visiting or local
This is your chance to train with a Toronto personal trainer who lives and breathes the industry. I have coached Team Canada, worked with elite athletes, trained celebrity clients and even appeared in commercials for New Balance, Garnier, and Tokyo Smoke. I have been featured on magazine covers, in national campaigns, and recently appeared on Drake’s livestream with Adin Ross. My passion is helping people transform their bodies and their mindset — and now, I get to share that experience with you through Airbnb.
Where It’s Happening: Push Pounds Sports Medicine
All sessions are held at the incredible Push Pounds Sports Medicine, one of Toronto’s top performance and recovery facilities.
📍 Push Pounds Sports Medicine 481 Danforth Avenue Toronto, ON M4K 1P5
This space is everything a serious training session needs — clean, professional, and focused on helping you move better and feel stronger. Whether you are in town for a short stay or you live in Toronto and want to elevate your training, Push Pounds is the perfect place to do it.
Why Book This?
Whether you are exploring Toronto tourism, booking a wellness-focused trip, or just looking to train with a Toronto celebrity trainer, this experience gives you direct access to high-level coaching and industry insight in a personal, relaxed setting. I built this for people who want more out of their movement — not just a workout, but something that feels powerful and connected.
You will walk away from this session feeling more confident, more capable, and more connected to yourself — and to the energy that makes this city so dynamic.
Book Your Spot
Sessions are limited to keep the experience personalized, so make sure to book early. Reserve your spot now: 👉 www.airbnb.com/x/trainitright
Thank you to Airbnb for selecting me as a Toronto original, and thank you to Push Pounds for being the home of this experience. I cannot wait to train with you.
Let’s move. Let’s connect. Let’s train it right.
—
Alicia Bell IFBB Pro Figure Competitor Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer, Performance Coach Celebrity Trainer | Featured in New Balance and Garnier Campaigns Seen on Drake’s Livestream with Adin Ross 📍 Based in Toronto 📲 Instagram: @trainitright 🌐 Website: www.trainitright.com
I am so excited to announce that my official Airbnb Experience is now live — and this one is special.
Earlier this year, I was personally selected by Airbnb Global to help launch a brand-new initiative across just 70 exclusive cities worldwide, and I am proud to represent Toronto as one of their original hosts. This is a handpicked experience created to showcase what makes this city and its people powerful — and I’m bringing that energy through fitness.
This is a one-of-a-kind fitness session led by me — Alicia Bell, IFBB Pro, celebrity trainer, kinesiologist, and performance coach.
In each 60-minute session, you will get:
A personalized or semi-private workout tailored to your goals
Coaching focused on strength, confidence, and real results
A deeper look into how athletes and celebrities really train
A supportive and empowering experience whether you’re visiting or local
This is your chance to train with a Toronto personal trainer who lives and breathes the industry. I have coached Team Canada, worked with elite athletes, trained celebrity clients and even appeared in commercials for New Balance, Garnier, and Tokyo Smoke. I have been featured on magazine covers, in national campaigns, and recently appeared on Drake’s livestream with Adin Ross. My passion is helping people transform their bodies and their mindset — and now, I get to share that experience with you through Airbnb.
Where It’s Happening: Push Pounds Sports Medicine
All sessions are held at the incredible Push Pounds Sports Medicine, one of Toronto’s top performance and recovery facilities.
📍 Push Pounds Sports Medicine 481 Danforth Avenue Toronto, ON M4K 1P5
This space is everything a serious training session needs — clean, professional, and focused on helping you move better and feel stronger. Whether you are in town for a short stay or you live in Toronto and want to elevate your training, Push Pounds is the perfect place to do it.
Why Book This?
Whether you are exploring Toronto tourism, booking a wellness-focused trip, or just looking to train with a Toronto celebrity trainer, this experience gives you direct access to high-level coaching and industry insight in a personal, relaxed setting. I built this for people who want more out of their movement — not just a workout, but something that feels powerful and connected.
You will walk away from this session feeling more confident, more capable, and more connected to yourself — and to the energy that makes this city so dynamic.
Book Your Spot
Sessions are limited to keep the experience personalized, so make sure to book early. Reserve your spot now: 👉 www.airbnb.com/x/trainitright
Thank you to Airbnb for selecting me as a Toronto original, and thank you to Push Pounds for being the home of this experience. I cannot wait to train with you.
Let’s move. Let’s connect. Let’s train it right.
—
Alicia Bell IFBB Pro Figure Competitor Kinesiologist, Personal Trainer, Performance Coach 📍 Based in Toronto 📲 Instagram: @trainitright 🌐 Website: www.trainitright.com
I was contacted by theFounder of FeedSpot who personally congratulated me @trainitright that I was selected by their panelist as one of the Top 35 Toronto Fitness Influencers on the web.
According to her this is the most comprehensive list of Top 35 Toronto Fitness Influencers on the internet and I'm honored to be part of this!
Thank you so much guys! I can't wait to see what 2025 will bring!
Alicia Bell - Toronto Fitness Influencer, IFBB Pro and Coach
GoodLife Fitness named title sponsor for HYROX Toronto 2024
Legendary indoor fitness race comes to Canada, adds a second day
Toronto, June 26, 2024 - HYROX, the World Series of Fitness Racing, today announced GoodLife Fitness as its official title sponsor forHYROX Toronto 2024, the first ever HYROX indoor fitness race in Canada happening October 5 and 6, 2024 at Enercare Centre. GoodLife’s sponsorship unlocks an extra date for the previously sold-out competition, creating capacity for 9,000 competitors and 10,000+ spectators.
GoodLife members and employees will have special access to the HYROX Toronto events with a member lounge and other promotional programs. GoodLife will sponsor athlete communications and pre-race check-in, as well as event rankings, individual results and finisher certificates.
“As Canada’s largest fitness club chain, GoodLife offers the widest selection of training programs, amenities and equipment to train for HYROX, including strength, functional, and cardio equipment, Turf Zones for sled pushes, REGYMEN classes and more,” said Tammy Brazier, senior vice president of marketing, partnerships & external relations with GoodLife Fitness. “Our associates and members are already training for HYROX, so it was a huge opportunity to be able to bring the event to Canada and open the door for more competitors and spectators to join this mass participation fitness event. HYROX is truly an event for all ages and abilities.”
HYROX chose to work with Canada’s largest fitness chain for its first Canadian event because of GoodLife’s network of well-equipped clubs and its huge member base across Canada.
“GoodLife Fitness is an amazing partner for us as we continue to build our presence in Canada, a household name with over a million members at all levels of fitness, said Douglas Gremmen, managing director, HYROX USA & Canada. “As a mission-led business that aims to give everyone in Canada the opportunity to live a fit and healthy life we knew from our earliest conversations that we were aligned not just as partners but in our respective philosophies.”
HYROX combines both running and functional workout stations, where participants run 1km, followed by one functional workout station, repeated eight times. This race format remains consistent across the globe, enabling global leaderboards and a cumulative World Championships at the end of each race season. HYROX athletes aged 16-89 can compete at their own pace. Participants do not have to qualify or meet entry criteria to take part, and there are no cut-off times.
Race Tickets: Tickets for HYROX Toronto go on sale June 29 at 8 a.m. EST. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up on the waitlist before that date atHYROX Toronto | HYROX.
Location: Enercare Centre in Toronto’s Exhibition Place (1-100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
Date: October 5 and 6, 2024
Ticket Price:
Singles: CAN $ 150
Doubles: CAN $ 140
Relay: CAN $ 60
About HYROX:
HYROX is the Global Sport of Fitness Racing, inspiring people worldwide to engage in the healthiest form of training and competition on earth. HYROX connects the world’s training communities with a sport, a training methodology and a lifestyle that is accessible to all and conveys the transformative benefits of training and competition to a globally connected audience.www.hyrox.com
About GoodLife Fitness:
GoodLife Fitness started in 1979 in London, ON, and has since grown to become the largest chain of fitness clubs in Canada and the fourth largest in the world. Founder and CEO David 'Patch' Patchell-Evans started the business with one purpose…to give everyone in Canada the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life. Membership to GoodLife Fitness gives access to clubs, amenities and virtual workouts that help to achieve this purpose. With hundreds of clubs from coast-to-coast, the GoodLife team is helping to transform the health and fitness of people across Canada every day.www.goodlifefitness.com
Summer is just around the corner and it is getting warmer and warmer. That means here In Canada we can start exercising outside.
So here are my: Top 5 Benefits of Exercising Outdoors
Sorry gym rats but there are more benefits of exercising outdoors than indoors. Summer weather is upon us and there are so many activities you can now take outdoors. Running, swimming, park workouts, beach workouts and cycling are amongst the activities you can do outdoors when the weather cooperates. There are a vast number of benefits to taking the workout outside and here are our Top 5:
1. Sun exposure increases vitamin D levels in the body and helps optimize hormones.
2. Oxygen levels are higher in the fresh air outdoors than indoors.
3. Exercising outdoors has been proven to make you happier and lower rates of depression.
4. Outdoor greenery can raise serotonin levels.
5. There is more sensory stimulation with exercising outdoors than indoors.
VITAMIN D
According to the Vitamin D Council, the sun is a good source. Vitamin D is also especially important for good overall health and strong and healthy bones. I also helps fight infection by helping your in the muscles, heart, lungs and brain work optimally. According to the Vitamin D Council “a lack of vitamin D has also been linked to some other conditions such as cancer, asthma, type-II diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s and type-I diabetes.”
OXYGEN
Outdoors air has more oxygen than the air we breath indoors. Indoors the air can be destroyed by tobacco smoke, city smog fumes, re-circulating air in buildings, improper ventilation, exhaust, and other pollutants. Aqua 4 Balance states that ome of the bad side affects from a lack of fresh air are caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain include, fatigue, drowsiness, dullness of mind and irritability.
DEPRESSION
Nature increases positive thoughts and feelings of happiness and well-being. Exercising outside has been shown to reduce depression or symptoms of depression. Research has shown that exercise is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.A current study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, followed a similar method to one from 2008 that showed that a one-hour walk in a woodland park improved memory and attention. Web Md states that endorphins that are released during exercise trigger “a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.” That feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.” Regular exercise has been proven in studies to reduce stress, ward off anxiety and feelings of depression, boost self-esteem and improve sleep.
SEROTONIN
Serotonin levels are increased when you exercise outdoors or in green spaces. What is serotonin you ask? According to Australian Lifestyle serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is important in appetite control, sleep and our general metabolism.
SENSORY STIMULATION
The outdoors is constantly changing. You see birds, as you walk terrain changes, people you walk by have different faces, there are sounds and smells. Exercise is beneficial for physical and mental health and sensory stimulation can improve the quality of life for the average person and especially people with mental dementia according to Alzhemers.Org.
We hope that these 5 benefits of exercising outdoors motivated you! Don’t you just want to grab a pair of runners and hit the park for a workout session. Get up, get outside and get active!
Club Med's Live Your List sale offers travellers the chance to conquer their bucket lists
Toronto, ON – Make 2018 the year you fulfill your travel bucket list. Club Med is offering travellers the chance to make their vacation dreams a reality with the Live Your List sale. Starting at just $1,649 per adult for a seven-night air-inclusive escape, this promotion features world-class experiences at resorts in Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean. From a fun-filled family spring break trip, to an activity-packed couple’s adventure, travellers can experience the ultimate getaway by booking their vacation between now and February 27, 2018. Whatever experience you’re looking for, Club Med tops the list.
Join the Circus: Club Med Punta Cana
Located on the lavish beaches of the Dominican Republic, Club Med Punta Cana caters to both couples and families. For those looking for a unique and thrilling adventure like no other, Club Med offers a one-of-a-kind immersive experience in their CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil playground. Guests of all ages can enjoy a range of artistic and acrobatic activities from juggling and mask painting, to bungee jumping and double flying trapeze. Those looking for an adults-only experience can relax and unwind in Zen Oasis, offering a private pool, bar and comfortable and romantic accommodations.
Discover New Life Forms: Club Med Columbus Isle
Discover world-class scuba diving experiences on the exotic Bahamian island of Columbus Isle. Known for its white sandy beaches and stunning crystal blue waters, Columbus Isle is the ultimate Caribbean paradise studded with flora, fauna, wrecks and reefs. Club Med’s scuba diving program caters to everyone from beginners to experienced diving enthusiasts, providing top-tier diving equipment, professional instruction and PADI certification.
Time Travel: Club Med Cancun Yucatan
Situated at the tip of the iconic Mayan Riviera, Club Med Cancun Yucatan is the active family's dream getaway with a variety of activities and adventures for all ages. Guests can snorkel in the world's second largest coral reef, explore the ancient Mayan gems including one of the Seven Wonders of the World, or wakeboard through the stunning mangrove lagoon.
Own the Court: Club Med Sandpiper Bay
This Florida resort is a sports lover's haven, home to the world-famous Club Med Academies, including a roster of internationally recognized sports instructors and best-in-class equipment for tennis, volleyball, golf and more. The premier destination for a rejuvenating getaway with a healthy kick, Club Med Sandpiper Bay offers an 18-hole onsite golf course, adults-only infinity Zen pool, and sports oriented treatments and massages at the L'Occitane Spa.
Walk on Water: Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
Known as one of the best family resorts in the world, this all-inclusive resort in Ixtapa, Mexico has all the components necessary for the makings of a perfect family vacation. With an endless amount of land and water sports, state-of-the-art equipment and expert instructors, learning to sail, play tennis or fly the trapeze has never been easier. And with Children’s Clubs from 4 months to 17 years old, parents will relax while the little ones discover new activities under the watchful eye of expert G.O.s. Whether spending the day lounging on the golden sandy beaches or taking up a new hobby, family fun is just around the corner.
Club Med’s Live your List offer is valid for bookings made by February 27, 2018 for travel through August 25, 2018. Rates begin at $1,649 for a seven-night air-inclusive stay and travellers receive additional perks such as free room upgrades or a free single supplement. With a wide selection of land and water activities, relaxing spa treatments, enriching kids clubs, gourmet cuisine and live entertainment, Club Med resorts provide the perfect setting for those must-try experiences on everyone’s list.
About Club Med
Club Med, founded in 1950, is recognized as the pioneer of the all-inclusive market, offering nearly 70 premium resorts in stunning locations around the world including North and South America, Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean. Club Med operates more than 70 resorts. Established in 26 countries across five continents, the group employs more than 23,000 employees comprised of 110 varied nationalities. Club Med has had a corporate presence in Canada for over 40 years and employs a staff of more than 50 team members in their Montreal head office.
YMCA of Greater Toronto attempts to break GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest exercise ball demonstration/class!
As temperatures drop outside, the gymnasium at the Central YMCA will be filled with over 500 members of the community sweating it out to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest exercise ball demonstration/class on Thursday, January 11, 2018.
Celebrity fitness trainer Eva Redpath will lead the class, with support from the YMCA’s Sherry Perez. This event catapults the YMCA GTA’s “Sweat For Good” campaign into the spotlight to help showcase that when you choose to work out at the YMCA, you are connecting yourself to a larger purpose. At the Y, members not only sweat for themselves, they sweat for others, for positive change, and for the community.
“When you choose the YMCA, you are choosing to be part of an organization that seeks to build the foundation for a healthy, vibrant future for every individual in our community, and our society as a whole,” said Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO of the YMCA GTA. “People may think that all health and fitness centres across the GTA have similar ‘stuff,’ but we have five important factors that set us apart:
Our broad offering: We offer diverse programs for every interest and stage of life.
We create a sense of belonging: We bring people together, nurture their growth, and promote inclusivity.
Our people-first culture: Our dedicated and expert team of staff and volunteers proactively supports members’ health goals; removes barriers to achieving those goals; and believes that everyone has the ability to continually improve.
We are committed to doing local good: We address community-specific needs and invest in building permanent facilities in communities across the GTA.
We are a charitable organization: Our Health & Fitness Centres are part of a much larger charitable organization that provides programs and services that make people strong in all sorts of ways — physically, of course, but also mentally and socially.”
The YMCA is the largest charitable program and service delivery organization in the GTA. For more than 160 years and through hundreds of programs, the YMCA offers individuals opportunities for personal growth, community involvement and leadership.
The current GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title boasts 453 participants completing an exercise ball class. The YMCA GTA aims to secure 500 participants to “Sweat For Good” and break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title. To get all the details, please visit SweatForGood.ca.
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet with Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Tewksbury and hear firsthand about how he “Sweats For Good” in support of the YMCA GTA’s mission, and how his experiences have shaped his current role as a global leader in human rights.
YMCA GTA Sweat For Good
Participants
When: Thursday, January 11th, 2018 from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
For well over a century, we’ve provided leadership and worked with partners solving complex social problems to create real, measurable outcomes that have strengthened the social health and fabric of our communities. As a charity, the YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of the community, including education and training, employment and immigrant services, family and youth services, health and fitness programs, child care, and camps. The breadth of our programs, and the diversity of the communities we serve, is the basis of our new Sweat For Good campaign: when you break a sweat with us, you’re showing your support for all of these programs that give everyone their chance to shine. Serving the population of the GTA, Durham, Peel, York, Halton Region and Dufferin County, the YMCA connected with more than 557,000 people across 438 locations last year.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ (GWR) is the global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the iconic annual GWR books have sold over 138 million copies in over 20 languages and in more than 100 countries. Additionally, the Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition, first published in 2007, has sold more than 5 million copies to date.
GWR’s worldwide television programmes reach over 750 million viewers annually and more than one million people subscribe to the GWR YouTube channel, which enjoys more than 300 million views per year. The GWR website receives 21 million visitors annually, and they have over 12 million fans on Facebook.
The GWR commercial sales division provides bespoke consultancy services for some of the world’s top brands and agencies to help place record breaking at the heart of their marketing campaigns, employee-engagement programmes, and live and experiential events.
CRAFT Beer Market taps open first location in Toronto on Dec. 6 Canadian restaurant houses Ontario’s largest
selection of craft brews
Toronto, ON – Opening its doors on Dec. 6, CRAFT Beer Market officially taps open its first Toronto location in the city’s Financial District (1 Adelaide St. E.). The new two-storey restaurant houses over 400 seats inside, as well as a 250-person beer garden outdoors opening in summer 2018. The Toronto location features Ontario’s largest selection of craft beers, ranging from local Toronto breweries to well-established classics, in addition to sustainably sourced dishes.
“Toronto is such an amazing city with great food, beer and culture, and we’re so excited to be a part of this community and the growth of the craft beer scene,” said PJ L’Heureux, president and founder of CRAFT Beer Market. “We’re passionate about supporting the local communities we’re a part of, whether it’s through neighborhood breweries or local farms. Toronto has been so welcoming, from our existing long-term relationships, to the amazing new friends we have met. We cannot wait to open the doors to the great people of Toronto.”
Upon entrance, guests are greeted by a glass-enclosed keg room, which holds more than 250 kegs. Stainless steel draft beer lines connect the keg room to the restaurant’s centrepiece – an oval-shaped bar lined with 160 taps ready to pour great beer – traditional lagers to obscure ales, ciders and wine.
In addition to its wide selection of beers, CRAFT is committed to preparing fresh food using locally-sourced ingredients. The menu offers an elevated and sophisticated take on traditional comfort foods, such as Shrimp Tacos, a signature dish grilled with Ocean Wise shrimp and served with fresh cabbage, pico de gallo and CRAFT’s signature house made hot sauce.
House favourites include CRAFT’s Grilled West Coast Salmon, sustainably raised salmon served with quinoa, almonds and green beans sautéed with chili garlic vinaigrette. The Dark Beer Braised Beef Brisket, locally sourced Ontario beef from Sanagan’s braised for 10 hours and marinated in CRAFT’s house made sauce and served with smashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Served only on Saturdays and Sundays, CRAFT’s brunch menu offers casual yet delectable fare sure to wake up taste buds. Whether guests are craving an extravagant meal like Breakfast Tacos filled with scrambled eggs and beer can chicken or a more Classic Breakfast with two farm fresh eggs and sides, CRAFT has options suited for everyone.
“At CRAFT, we take great pride in our menu – it’s as important as our beer selection and it is carefully hand crafted daily in house and reflective of our great local suppliers here in Ontario,” said L’Heureux. “Whether you’re joining us for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks, we want guests to feel relaxed and enjoy their food as they would in their own home.”
CRAFT Beer Market Toronto opens to the public on Dec. 6 and is open daily for lunch, dinner, late nights and weekend brunch. For hours of operation or more information, please visit craftbeermarket.ca/Toronto.
About CRAFT Beer Market
Calgary-based CRAFT Beer Market opened the doors to its first location in Calgary’s Beltline district in 2011. They followed up with locations in Vancouver and Edmonton in 2013 and Ottawa in May 2016. This year CRAFT opens up two more locations; a second Calgary location at Southcentre and downtown Toronto. Keep up to date on the opening of CRAFT Beer Market by visiting them online at www.craftbeermarket.ca where you can subscribe to the e-newsletter.
Twenty-nine Ontario hospitals compare themselves to international peers on surgical quality
TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - A new report by Health Quality Ontario focuses on 29 Ontario hospitals who are participating in an international quality improvement program for surgery. Hospitals in Ontario performed just as well or better than their international peers on key metrics before, during and after surgery. Nearly 700 other hospitals around the world participate in this program.
The report, Quality Surgery: Improving Surgical Care in Ontario also shows areas for improvement.
This international program collects and compares surgical data on 14 indicators. More than data, it also provides hospitals with best practices and programs to reduce the risks of post-treatment complications, and to make every stage of surgery as safe as possible.
"Ontario hospitals are stepping up to deliver on patient safety, showing a clear commitment to reduce complications after surgery and improve care," says Dr. Timothy Jackson, Provincial Surgical Lead at Health Quality Ontario. "They are using high quality data to benchmark performance and identify areas for quality improvement."
All 29 participating Ontario hospitals are performing at expected levels or better than expected on:
C. difficile: a common hospital-acquired infection that affects the colon
Extended ventilation: patients needing ventilation longer than 48 hours after surgery (which can increase the risk of pneumonia)
Unplanned intubations: patients unexpectedly needing a breathing tube during or after surgery
Areas where the majority of the 29 hospitals highlighted in this report are performing as expected or better than expected are:
Mortality: a measure of the overall rate of death during or in the 30 days following surgery (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
Return to the operating room: patients needing another surgery to address a complication (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
Pneumonia: breathing devices like ventilators can increase the risk of lung infections (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
Blood clots (venous thromboembolism or VTE): patients generating blood clots because they aren't as active during recovery and their blood flows more slowly (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
Heart complications: heart attacks or cardiac arrest because of stress on the heart due to surgery (92% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
Hospital readmissions: patients readmitted to hospital due to complications like infections or blood clots (96% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
Kidney failure: kidney injury during surgery which can affect the kidney's function or even lead to kidney failure (92% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
Sepsis: a life-threatening illness caused by the body's response to infection (85% of the 29 hospitals were as expected or better than expected)
Areas where most of the 29 participating hospitals have the most room for improvement are:
Surgical site infections: different levels of infection setting into the incision or body part involved in the surgery (50% of the 29 hospitals needed improvement)
Morbidity: the overall rate at which patients experience common complications (38% of the 29 hospitals needed improvement)
Urinary tract infections: infections in the bladder and urinary tract that have an increased risk due to catheters (35% of the 29 hospitals needed improvement)
"During their time in the operating room and in the days of recovery that follow, surgical patients are vulnerable and their safety is of prime importance," says Dr. Joshua Tepper, President and CEO of Health Quality Ontario. "Hospitals are to be commended for embracing a proven program of data gathering, program enhancements and culture change to improve the quality of care they provide to surgery patients."
The program is already helping to improve care at hospitals like Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital where they have reduced surgical site infections by 50% using the program's data and best practices. For example, a new change implemented by the hospital is that patients must use antiseptic body wash the day before and day of their surgery.
"If you want to make things better, you have to measure them," says general surgeon Dr. Duncan Rozario at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. "Sometimes you need a protocol and program to make real change."
For a closer look at how quality improvement efforts have been implemented at Ontario hospitals, see the full Quality Surgery: Improving Surgical Care in Ontario report for patient stories and surgeon insights at www.hqontario.ca/surgicalquality.
Additional Facts:
Surgeons performed over 600,000 adult surgeries in Ontario in 2016-2017.
46.4% of Ontario's adult surgeries now take place in a hospital that is part of this surgical quality improvement program.
29 Ontario adult hospital facilities were included in the Health Quality Ontario comparison after voluntarily participating. 31 Ontario hospitals are now participating in the program
This is the largest quality improvement network of its kind in Ontario.
Worldwide, nearly 700 hospitals are taking part in the program.
Hospitals in the following provinces are also taking part: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Newfoundland.
About Health Quality Ontario Health Quality Ontario is the provincial advisor on the quality of health care. With the goal of excellent care for all Ontarians, Health Quality Ontario reports to the public on how the system is performing, develops standards for what quality care looks like, evaluates the effectiveness of new health care technologies and services, and promotes quality improvement aimed at sustainable positive change. Visit www.hqontario.ca for more information.
SOURCE Health Quality Ontario
After months & months of taste-tests, elxr Juice Lab is excited to share with you their long-awaited hot drinks menu, now available at the Yorkville location!
All four flavours are loaded with superfoods, are plant-based, dairy-free and refined sugar-free, and will also be launching at elxr's second permanent Toronto location opening inside Campo Food Hall beginning November 27th.
RAW HOT CHOCOLATE house toasted coconut milk, cashew milk, raw cacao, reishi, maca, dates, vanilla, himalayan salt
Your new favourite hot chocolate. Toasty and chocolate-y, not too sweet – but hits the spot
Good to Know: Super energizing and stress relieving
Good to Know: Feeling sick? Sip slowly for sore throats to help decrease pain, and add turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory potential and an immune boost
MATCHA BOOST LATTE
house cashew milk, ceremonial grade matcha, medjool dates, cinnamon, cordyceps, vanilla, himalayan salt
Sweet, creamy and spiced with cinnamon
Good to Know: For when you need that boost of endurance or boost of focus
CUP OF YOUTH ($6.95)
house cashew milk, cold-pressed beet, maple syrup, goji, raw cocao, schisandra, vanilla, himalayan salt, TruMarine collagen
Balanced sweetness with hints of berries, you can’t beet it
Good to Know: Stress-busting, skin, nail and hair enhancing, the Cup of Youth is designed to help you feel and look your best. Plant-based? No problem! Order this latte without the collagen and still enjoy tons of health benefits
