“ We are making way less than nurses in hospitals or nursing homes. The government must recognize that they need to do something about pay equity and treat us with respect – not as second class nurses.”
Home care nurses are demanding better.
20 years of honouring Nursing Heroes
This year, we proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 20th anniversary of our Nursing Hero Awards. When we launched this initiative two decades ago, we envisioned creating a space to recognize the compassion, skill, and quiet heroism of nurses across Canada. What we did not anticipate was just how deeply moving and humbling this project would become – year after year.
Even after 20 years, I continue to be blown away by the stories we receive. The nominations never fail to inspire and move us, reminding us of the profound and often life-changing impact that nurses have on the lives of their patients, families, and communities. Nurses are there during the most vulnerable moments – offering comfort in times of fear, providing strength in moments of weakness, and delivering care with skill and heart when it matters most.
This year was no exception. We received over 220 nominations, recognizing 176 extraordinary nurses. Each story shared is a powerful testimony to the incredible dedication of nurses who go far beyond the call of duty. Some stayed by their patients’ bedsides long after their shifts ended, holding hands and offering reassurance. Others advocated fiercely behind the scenes to secure life-saving medications or treatments for their patients. Many worked tirelessly to support not only their patients but also the families who rely on their empathy and guidance to navigate the most challenging journeys of their lives.
Nurses do not just deliver care; they embody hope. They are often the first to recognize when a patient needs more than just clinical attention – a listening ear, a gentle word, or a fierce advocate. They are leaders, educators, researchers, mentors, and innovators. They find ways to
UPCOMING DEADLINES
JUNE 2025 ISSUE
EDITORIAL: May 9
ADVERTISING:
Display – May 23| Material – May 27
Monthly Focus:
Precision Medicine and Genomics/Pharmacy and Medication Management/Research: Developments in the field of personalized medicine. Innovative approaches to fundraising and the role of volunteers in healthcare. An examination of safe and effective use of medications in hospitals including medication management.
+ ANNUAL HOSPITAL PHARMACISTS’ ASSOCIATION SUPPLEMENT
THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS
adapt, improve, and humanize healthcare, even in the face of overwhelming pressures and resource limitations.
Throughout the years, our Nursing Hero Awards has become a window into the countless untold stories of heroism that happen every single day in hospitals, clinics, long-term care homes, schools, and communities across the country. It reminds us that heroism in nursing is not always about grand gestures – sometimes, it’s about the quiet, steadfast commitment to showing up, doing the right thing, and making a difference, no matter how big or small.
The stories we share today are just a small glimpse of the compassion, courage, and excellence that nurses bring to their work every single day. And behind each nomination lies many more acts of kindness, bravery, and skill that we may never fully capture in words – but that are felt deeply by those whose lives they touch.
We are incredibly honoured to share these nominations with you, and to celebrate the nurses who have made an extraordinary difference. They remind us why nursing is not just a profession – it is a calling.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a Nursing Hero this year. Your stories help ensure that these remarkable individuals receive the recognition they so deeply deserve.
To all the nurses we celebrate – and to nurses everywhere – we extend our deepest gratitude. Thank you for your tireless devotion, your unwavering strength, your deep compassion, and your relentless pursuit of excellence. You are true heroes, and we are privileged to honour you. n H
Kristie Jones Editor, Hospital News
JULY 2025 ISSUE
EDITORIAL: June 13
ADVERTISING: Display – June 20 | Material – June 24
Monthly Focus:
Cardiovascular Care/Respirology/Diabetes/ Complementary Health: Developments in the prevention and treatment of vascular disease, including cardiac surgery, diagnostic and interventional procedures. Advances in treatment for various respiratory disorders,including asthma and allergies. Prevention, treatment and long-term management of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. Examination of complementary treatment approaches to various illnesses.
When you visit our advertisers, please mention you saw their ads in Hospital News.
Editor Kristie Jones editor@hospitalnews.com
Advertising Representatives
Denise Hodgson denise@hospitalnews.com
Publisher Stefan Dreesen stefan@hospitalnews.com
Accounting Inquiries accountingteam@mediaclassified.ca
Circulation Inquiries info@hospitalnews.com
Director of Print Media
Lauren Reid-Sachs
Helen Reilly, Publicist Health-Care Communications
Bobbi Greenberg, Health care communications
Sarah Quadri Magnotta, Health care communications
Dr. Cory Ross, B.A., MS.C., DC, CSM (OXON), MBA, CHE Vice President, Academic George Brown College, Toronto, ON
ASSOCIATE PARTNERS:
Hospital News is published for hospital health-care professionals, patients, visitors and students. It is available free of charge, accessed by our website (hospitalnews.com) and also available through our digital subscription.
The statements, opinions and viewpoints made or expressed by the writers do not necessarily represent the opinions and views of Hospital News, or the publishers.
Hospital News and Members of the Advisory Board assume no responsibility or liability for claims, statements, opinions or views, written or reported by its contributing writers, including product or service information that is advertised.
For changes in email subscriptions please send requests to info@hospitalnews.com. Hospital News does not share email information and subscriptions can be cancelled at any time.
www.hospitalnews.com
A Canadian cancer discovery
For more than a decade, a team of researchers at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has been advancing a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment.
Their innovative work with porphysomes – light-activated nanoparticles – has now reached a pivotal milestone: Health Canada’s approval to begin clinical trials.
This homegrown innovation, funded from its inception by the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) with $14.8 million in support, along with significant contributions from The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF) through multiple initiatives, including the Innovation Accelerator Fund, represents a major step forward in personalized cancer care.
A VISION FOR AN ADVANCED CANCER TREATMENT
The story began with a bold idea from Dr. Gang Zheng, a Senior Scientist and the Associate Research Director at the Princess Margaret. He envisioned using nanotechnology to both detect and treat cancer with unparalleled precision.
“Porphysomes were a game-changer from the moment we discovered them,” says Dr. Zheng, who is also a Canada Research Chair in Cancer Nanomedicine, Tier I, and a professor at the University of Toronto (U of T). “Their unique ability to accumulate in tumours and respond to light makes them an incredibly powerful tool for imaging and therapy.”
With initial support from TFRI and The PMCF, Dr. Zheng and his team explored the safety and efficacy of porphysomes across different cancer types. The nanoparticles’ ability to make tumours “glow” under imaging significantly improved surgical precision, while their potential for photodynamic therapy (PDT) opened new doors for non-invasive treatments.
These findings, published in major scientific journals, laid the foundation for translating the research into clinical applications. Building on this
Researchers at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have developed porphysomes — light-activated nanoparticles designed to enhance cancer surgery and treatment. Now, with Health Canada’s approval, this Canadian innovation is moving from the lab to patient care
success, the research team is actively exploring commercialization opportunities for porphysome-based therapeutics, with the goal of accelerating the journey from discovery to patient care and ensuring this Canadian innovation makes a lasting impact.
A DECADE OF BREAKTHROUGHS LEADING TO THE CLINIC
As the research progressed, key milestones brought porphysomes closer to patient care. The team successfully refined the technology, enhancing its drug delivery capabilities and therapeutic impact.
In recent pre-clinical studies, the team found that PDT with porphysomes can stimulate the body’s immune response to fight cancer. This has the potential to stop the spread of cancer and destroy distant tumours.
The team will also explore the use of radioactively-labelled porphysomes and low doses of radiation to target deep-seated tumours, expanding the potential for porphysomes to effectively treat cancers in a minimally invasive way.
Dr. Jonathan Irish, a Senior Scientist and surgeon at the Princess Margaret, and a member of its Cancer Clini-
porphysomes for advanced ovarian cancer patients, is a testament to the strength of this pan-Canadian effort.
FROM RESEARCH TO REALITY: WHAT’S NEXT?
With clinical trials set to begin soon, patients will be recruited to assess the safety and efficacy of porphysomes.
Dr. Amit Oza, a Senior Scientist and the Head of the Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology at the Princess Margaret, underscores the significance of this transition.
“Moving from preclinical research to patient trials is a critical step,” says Dr. Oza, who is Medical Director of the CCRU and the Daniel E. Bergsagel Chair in Medical Oncology. “Porphysomes act like a Trojan horse, infiltrating tumours and activating treatment from within.
cal Research Unit (CCRU), highlights the critical role of early support.
“We explored porphysomes’ safety and effectiveness across various cancers in lab studies, utilizing these unique nanoparticles for imaging to guide surgery and for light-based treatments such as PDT, which involves administering and activating non-toxic photosensitizers within tissues to kill surrounding cells,” explains Dr. Irish, who is also the Kevin and Sandra Sullivan Chair in Surgical Oncology and a professor and Head of the Division of Head & Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery at the U of T.
“This research is incredibly fascinating. It’s these eureka moments that drive us forward, and technology offers new directions and modalities we must explore,” says Dr. Brian Wilson, a Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret, a professor of Medical Biophysics at the U of T and the initial principal investigator of the TFRI-funded porphysomes project.
With continued investment from TFRI, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and The PMCF, the team advanced porphysomes toward regulatory approval.
Health Canada’s recent authorization, for a first-in-human trial that will assess PET imaging with radiolabeled
“We are entering a new era where precision-guided, minimally invasive cancer treatments could become a reality,” says Dr. Oza, co-Director of the Drug Development Program, a scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute and a professor in the Department of Medicine at the U of T.
Beyond these initial trials, the future looks bright. The team is already exploring ways to expand the technology’s applications to other types of cancer and combination therapies.
The ultimate goal is to integrate porphysomes into standard oncology practice, improving outcomes for patients worldwide.
A CANADIAN SUCCESS STORY WITH GLOBAL IMPACT
This achievement is more than just a scientific milestone – it is a testament to Canada’s leadership in cancer innovation. The journey from bench to bedside is never easy, but with Health Canada’s approval, porphysomes are poised to change the future of cancer treatment. Thanks to the unwavering support of TFRI, The PMCF and other key partners, this Canadian innovation is on the cusp of making a global impact – one illuminated tumour at a time. n H
New guidance for managing obesity in children and adolescents
Anew guideline to help health care providers manage obesity in children and adolescents takes a patient-centred approach, emphasizing behavioural and psychological supports that focus on outcomes valued by patients and their families.
It was developed by Obesity Canada through an extensive, 4-yearlong collaboration involving adolescents and caregivers with lived obesity experience, methodologists, health care providers, and more than 50 multidisciplinary experts.
“The guideline is designed to support shared and informed clinical decision-making rooted in systematic, interpretable summaries of scientific evidence,” said Dr. Bradley Johnston, associate professor of nutrition and health research methods and co-chair of the guideline development committee. “To achieve that, we devised a transparent process to assess the totality of scientific evidence for relevant interventions to manage pediat-
PEDIATRIC OBESITY IS A COMPLEX, CHRONIC, PROGRESSIVE, AND STIGMATIZED CONDITION THAT INCREASES RISK FOR MORE THAN 200 HEALTH CONDITIONS. IN CANADA, ABOUT 1 IN 4
CHILDREN...
ric obesity, while prioritizing outcomes that matter the most to children, adolescents, and their families.”
These outcomes include quality of life, mental health, related cardiovascular risk factors, avoiding harms, and more.
Pediatric obesity is a complex, chronic, progressive, and stigmatized condition that increases risk for more than 200 health conditions. In Canada, about 1 in 4 children aged 11 years or younger and 1 in 3 adolescents aged 12–17 years have an elevated body mass index, suggesting overweight or obesity. International data indicate that severe obesity appears to be on the rise globally.
“The health consequences and persistence of pediatric obesity into adulthood highlight the need for available, accessible, family-oriented interventions for effective obesity management,” says Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, scientific director, Obesity Canada. “Success in managing pediatric obesity is most likely when children and their families can access support and practical strategies to make and sustain positive behavioural changes, complemented by pharmacologic and surgical interventions, if necessary and available.”
The guideline contains 10 recommendations, including guidance on nutritional, physical activity, psy-
chological, and technology interventions, and medications and surgical options, as well as 9 good practice statements. The authors recommend combining at least 2 options to help manage obesity.
“We know the time to act on pediatric obesity is now. Waiting until children and adolescents become adults before providing meaningful, informed, evidence-based care and support only heightens the risk for developing complications and prolongs the experience of living with a stigmatized chronic disease, which can worsen further physical and mental health outcomes,” said Lisa Schaffer, executive director, Obesity Canada.
Obesity Canada has developed resources including infographics and videos to help health care providers and families determine the best path to take in managing childhood obesity.
“Managing obesity in children: a clinical practice guideline” was published April 14, 2025. n H
Our brains can communicate wordlessly, through our eyes
McGill researchers have demonstrated something long assumed: that glances can transmit information about one’s mental state to others without a single word being exchanged. They speculate that this primal ability may have played a role in assuring survival of human society at times when making a sound could have attracted predators.
“Humans have a long history of living in complex groups and social situations. It has been theorized that this has led our brains to develop a heightened ability to focus on social cues from faces, and especially from eyes,” said Jelena Ristic, a Professor in McGill’s psychology department. She has been working in the field for over 20 years. “It’s a system that has evolved to support very quick exchanges of complex social information.”
“Gaze-following is thought to provide a foundation for our social development and behaviour. It helps us to
understand what others are thinking, looking or wanting, as well as to connect with them mentally, so we follow where others are looking quickly and spontaneously. Even young human infants and primates do it,” she said.
Ristic is the senior author on a research paper describing a series of seemingly simple experiments in which participants viewed videos in which people on screen looked either right or left. Sometimes the subjects on screen had been instructed to look in one direction or the other, and other times they were allowed to choose where to look. Videos were paused just before the subjects moved their eyes, and the observers were asked to predict the direction that the subjects were going to look next.
The researchers discovered that when the people on screen were free to choose the direction of their gaze – what the researchers called “intentional looks” – the observers’ rate of accuracy was not affected. However,
those who predicted correctly were able to do so more quickly.
In other words, the observers were able to glean intentions in the eyes before any action had taken place.
“The speed of the observers’ responses suggests that they implicitly recognize and respond more quickly to intentional eye movements. It also told us how sensitive we are to information about the mental state and intentions conveyed by the eyes,” said Florence Mayrand, a PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology and the paper’s first author.
To try to understand why observers were able to guess eye-shift direction more quickly when people on screen had been left free to choose the direction in which they would look, the researchers analyzed the amount of motion available in the eye movement video. More movement was found in the area near the eyes right before the gaze shift when the gazers could choose freely where to look than when
they had been told which way to look. This suggested to the investigators that intentional looks are marked by specific movement patterns.
To further understand whether intentional looks have any special physical properties to which people are inherently sensitive, the researchers are currently measuring the speed, trajectory, duration and the number of blinks and blink characteristics for intentional and directed looks in a new sample of study participants.
Following this, they plan to examine whether these fundamental properties differ according to the intentions of the person looking in one direction or the other, for example, whether they are intending to deceive or help; how the ability to read intentions from eye gaze develops; what its underlying brain mechanisms are; and whether there any differences in sensitivity to intentions in gaze for groups with social difficulties, such as adults or children with autism or ADHD. n H
Popular CT scans could account for 5% of all cancer cases a year
CT scans may account for five per cent of all cancers annually, according to a new study out of UC San Francisco that cautions against overusing and overdosing CTs.
The danger is greatest for infants, followed by children and adolescents. But adults also are at risk, since they are the most likely to get scans.
Nearly 103,000 cancers are predicted to result from the 93 million CTs that were performed in 2023 alone. This is 3 to 4 times more than previous assessments, the authors said.
The study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, appears April 14 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
“CT can save lives, but its potential harms are often overlooked,” said first author Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, a UCSF radiologist and professor of epidemiology and biostatistics and obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences.
“Given the large volume of CT use in the United States, many cancers could occur in the future if current practices don’t change,” said Smith-Bindman, who is also a member of the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies and directs the Radiology Outcomes Research Lab.
“Our estimates put CT on par with other significant risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and excess body weight,” she said. “Reducing the number of scans and reducing doses per scan would save lives.”
BENEFITS AND POTENTIAL DANGERS
Computed tomography (CT) is both indispensable and widely used to detect tumors and diagnose many illnesses. Since 2007, the number of annual CT exams has surged by 30 per cent in the U.S.
But CTs expose patients to ionizing radiation – a carcinogen – and it’s long been known that the technology carries a higher risk of cancer.
To assess the public health impact of current CT use, Smith-Bindman’s study estimates the total number of lifetime cancers associated with radiation
RADIATION FROM IMAGING COULD LEAD TO LUNG, BREAST AND OTHER FUTURE CANCERS, WITH 10-FOLD INCREASED RISK FOR BABIES
exposure in relation to the number and type of CT scans performed in 2023.
Researchers analyzed 93 million exams from 61.5 million patients in the U.S. The number of scans increased with age, peaking in adults between 60 to 69 years old. Children accounted for 4.2 per cent of the scans. The researchers excluded tests in the patient’s last year of life because it was unlikely to lead to cancer.
FUTURE CANCERS FROM RADIATION EXPOSURE
Adults 50 to 59 had the highest number of projected cancers: 10,400 cases to women, 9,300 to men.
The most common adult cancers were lung, colon, leukemia, bladder and breast. The most frequently projected cancers in children were thyroid, lung and breast.
The largest number of cancers in adults would come from CTs of the abdomen and pelvis, while in children they came from CTs of the head. Projected cancer risks were highest among those who underwent CT when they were under 1 year old. They were 10 times more likely to get cancer compared to others in the study.
The researchers said some CT scans are unlikely to help patients and are overused, such as those for upper respiratory infections or for headaches without concerning signs or symptoms. They said patients could lower their risk by getting fewer of these scans, or by getting lower dose scans. n H
Stigma remains a barrier to mental health care with 60% of people not seeking help for fear of being labelled
Despite growing awareness around mental health, many people continue to mask their struggles due to fear of judgment, discrimination, or social exclusion. In fact, 60 per cent of people with a mental health problem or illness won’t seek help for fear of being labelled. This Mental Health Week (May 5-11, 2025), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is unmasking mental health, so more people get the support they need, when they need it.
Masking is when we hide or suppress emotions, personality traits, behaviours, or symptoms from others.
“People mask for a lot of different reasons, including social acceptance, economic necessity, and fear,” says Dr. Leyna Lowe, National Senior Research and Policy Analyst, CMHA National. “While masking can be helpful at times, many of us hide our struggles –at work, online, even with loved ones – which can worsen our mental health. Constant masking can be exhausting
“PEOPLE
MASK FOR A LOT OF DIFFERENT REASONS, INCLUDING SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE,
ECONOMIC NECESSITY, AND FEAR.”
and can even lead to isolation, disconnection, and a loss of self-identity.”
Masking also prevents people from forming authentic relationships and could even begin to affect how they see themselves. A 2022 survey from Mental Health Commission of Canada found that 72 per cent of those with mental health or substance use disorders reported serious self-stigma, which had negative impacts on their self-perceptions, including self-esteem.
“Stigma continues to be a significant barrier for those living with mental illnesses and substance use disorders,” Dr. Lowe continued. “When people feel they need to hide a mental illness, addiction, or substance use problem, they are less likely to seek help, perpetuating a cycle of isolation and
poor mental health. That’s why it’s so important to have open and honest conversations about mental health in a safe and supportive environment so people can get the help they need when they need it without judgment.”
Unmasking, when it’s safe to do so, can help people form deeper connections and boost self-esteem which supports good mental health. By unmasking our own struggles, we give others permission to do the same, fostering a society of connection, understanding and acceptance.
May 5-11 marks CMHA’s 74th Mental Health Week. This year’s theme “Unmasking Mental Health” encourages people to unmask the truth about mental health, while breaking down barriers, challenging stigma, and supporting open conversations n H
Ground-floor research explores quality of life after new cancer treatment
Investigating the long-term effects of a new cancer treatment on patients is a lot like building a car while driving it. That’s the challenge faced by Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) researcher and malignant hematologist Dr. Amaris Balitsky, who is studying the lasting impacts of CAR T-cell therapy, a specialized treatment that became available to Ontario patients with certain types of lymphoma just five years ago.
In 2020, the HHS Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC) became the first hospital in Ontario to provide CAR T-cell therapy for patients with lymphoma, and the first hospital in Canada to offer this treatment on an outpatient basis. CAR T-cell therapy can knock lymphoma into remission, even for some patients previously considered incurable. But because the treatment is so new, it’s
not yet understood what lies ahead for survivors, in terms of quality of life, in the months and years after treatment.
Balitsky’s research focuses on identifying long-term complications and offering solutions to help survivors enjoy the best quality of life.
“Most patients want two outcomes from their treatment – to live longer and live better,” says Balitsky, a researcher with the Escarpment Cancer Research Institute, a joint institute of HHS and McMaster University, located at JHCC. “I want to ensure that when we treat a patient, we’re not only helping them live longer. We’re also supporting their desire for a good quality of life.”
HOW CAR T-CELL THERAPY WORKS
Traditionally, lymphoma treatment has involved some combination of radiation and chemotherapy. The addition of immunotherapy – which helps a
Dr. Amaris Balitsky is studying the lasting impacts of CAR T-cell therapy, a specialized treatment that became available to Ontario patients with certain types of lymphoma just five years ago
person’s own immune system fight cancer – is a relatively new treatment option for most types of cancer including lymphomas, offering hope to many patients, including some who may previously have been considered incurable.
CAR T-cell therapy is an immunotherapy that involves changing a patient’s T-cells in a laboratory so they’ll attack cancer cells.
MANAGING SIDE EFFECTS
As with many therapies, there’s a ripple effect. For example, CAR T-cell therapy creates a cytokine storm, which happens when the body releases chemicals called cytokines that can trigger a variety of symptoms, including inflammation of the brain.
“While we know that this brain swelling is mostly reversible, it’s also the side effect that patients are most concerned about,” says Balitsky, whose research is looking at whether such inflammation, even when short-term, can cause longer-term cognitive issues.
“CART-cell therapy is still so new that we don’t know what, if any, subtle, long-term complications may happen due to inflammation of the brain,” she says, adding, “While it’s exciting to have this new and lifesaving therapy, we need a better understanding of long-term side effects on survivors
through research. For example, if there is reduced cognition, is there an intervention we can offer patients?”
In search of answers, Balitsky is recruiting 40 JHCC patients for an HHS Foundation-funded study looking at long-term cognition in lymphoma patients who receive CAR T-cell therapy. The first year of data is expected in January 2026.
This research involves performing a battery of cognition tests before treatment, and again one year after. “In addition, because everything’s intertwined, we’re also measuring patient-reported fatigue, depression and anxiety, and quality of life,” says Balitsky. Patients also self-report on whether they notice any changes in their cognition after treatment. That way, cognition test results can be compared with how patients perceive their ability to think clearly and retain information.
COMPILING A REGISTRY OF PATIENTS
Balitsky is also studying geography related to CAR T-cell therapy. “The JHCC is the only cancer centre in south central Ontario offering this therapy, so we’re treating patients from this region and beyond, including patients referred to JHCC from other hospitals who travel long distances for treatment here,” she says.
“Our study is looking at patients’ postal codes, their distance to JHCC, and any impact on outcomes. We don’t know, at this time, if there is any impact but we do know, for patients needing CAR T-cell therapy, it’s vital to move quickly.”
A CAR T-cell registry that Balitsky created and maintains is an important tool in supporting leading-edge research studies. For example, a study led by Balitsky that’s now complete and under review for publication used the registry to better understand the rate of secondary cancers following CAR T-cell therapy.
“We’re learning from today’s patients, to hopefully help them have the best outcomes as well as building an improved quality of life for tomorrow’s patients,” Balitsky says. n H
Learn more at Molnlycke.ca
Mepilex Border Post-Op Dressing has been clinically shown to optimize the patient healing journey. This highly absorbent pad with a shower proof backing can stay on for up to 14 days and helps support undisturbed wound healing.
Mepilex Border Post-Op and Post-Op Ag are designed with flex cuts allowing the dressing to stretch in all directions, conforming to the body even as it moves supporting early mobilization for patients. Find out more about Mepilex Border Post-op at Molnlycke.ca
A Discovery offers new insights to understand and treat prostate cancer
new avenue to differentiate between prostate cancers is being investigated by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researchers Dr. Alexander Wyatt and Dr. Cameron Herberts. This research is one of the first to apply plasma cell-free chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (cfChIP-seq) to blood samples from advanced prostate cancer patients and offers new biological insights into why some prostate cancers are more aggressive than others.
“From a simple blood sample, we demonstrated that cfChIP-seq captures clear patient-to-patient variations in the epigenomes of their prostate cancers, partly explaining the divergent clinical characteristics of each patient’s disease,” states Wyatt.
Prostate cancer is driven by male androgens such as testosterone. However, some subsets of prostate cancer gradually become less testosterone-driven, reducing the effectiveness of first-line anti-androgen medications that inhibit testosterone production to slow cancer growth.
“We know that patients whose prostate cancer has spread to the liver can have different presentations and typically worse outcomes than individuals whose prostate cancer spreads only to their bones,” says Herberts. “These tumours can be very aggressive and difficult to treat.”
An advantage of cfChIP-seq technology is that researchers can use it to identify new cancer features that could be targeted by precision medications. While the task of identifying prostate cancer subtypes was formerly akin to being shown millions of puzzle pieces and asked what the assembled work will look like, cfChIP-seq assembles more sections of the puzzle, offering additional clues to the final piece.
UNPACKING THE GENETIC CODE OF PROSTATE CANCER CELLS
cfChIP-seq is a relatively new technique that enables study researchers to examine small fragments of tumor
“UNDERSTANDING THE BIOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF DIFFERENT CLINICAL PATTERNS IS A KEY STEP TOWARDS OPTIMIZING CANCER CARE BASED ON EACH PATIENT’S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.”
DNA, called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), in blood samples from patients with advanced prostate or bladder cancers from the B.C.-wide plasma cfDNA biobanking program.
When cancer cells die, they release their contents, including DNA, into the bloodstream. Researchers can use cfChIP-seq to measure specific molecular tags on nucleosome proteins – sections of DNA wrapped around histones – to learn which genes are turned on or off. Nucleosomes regulate how genetic information is packaged inside cancer cells and play a central part in the epigenome, which directs chemicals and proteins in the nucleus of the cell to attach to and mark genes to regulate which genes are active or inactive.
Using computational analyses of a tumour’s genetic code, scientists can retrace the development of cancer
cells back to their beginnings, uncovering, for example, which genes the cancer cells were most dependent upon to form and spread.
“How genetic information is packaged inside cancer cells plays a key role in understanding its behaviour and clinical outcomes,” states Wyatt.
While historical chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIPseq) technology requires an invasive tissue or bone biopsy of a cancerous region to peer below the hood of nucleosomes, cfChIP-seq requires only a non-invasive blood sample to examine patients’ epigenomes via their ctDNA.
Researchers also found that some of the information from the cfChIP-seq profile of a patient with metastatic prostate cancer could be mapped to the other organs affected by their cancer, rather than originating from the tumour itself. “This suggests a potential
role for cfChIP-seq in forecasting cancer-related organ damage before symptoms arise or monitoring recovery in real-time during treatment,” says Herberts. “While further research is needed to refine these applications, cfChIP-seq shows promise as a sensitive tool for tracking cancer’s impact on the body.”
“This research tool opens up a new dimension of biology for us to study,” Herberts adds. “Prior technology enabled us to know whether a gene had been mutated or not. However, the fact that cfChIP-seq can tell us whether a gene is turned on or off gives us greater granularity.”
“Certain mutations mean that a patient could benefit from immunotherapy or some other form of targeted therapy,” Wyatt says. “Understanding not only how the genetic code of prostate cancer subtypes differs, but also how the genes are organized and packaged, is taking us to the next level of cell regulation research in prostate cancer.”
Along with applying cfChIP-seq to additional prostate cancers from a larger proportion of patients, Wyatt and Herberts are exploring additional clinical uses for the technology, including for the monitoring and treatment of other cancers. n H
Cancer care enhances patient and caregiver well-being
Healthcare professionals play a critical role in guiding patients through the complex journey of cancer treatment. Yet, medical interventions alone cannot address the full range of emotional, physical and practical challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. That’s where Wellspring Cancer Support provides a vital complement to clinical care – offering evidence-informed programs that support patients and caregivers beyond the hospital walls.
For more than 30 years, Wellspring has provided free-of-charge programs tailored to the non-medical needs of people living with cancer and their loved ones. Available nation-wide online, and in-person at centres in Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick, Wellspring helps individuals cope, recover, and thrive.
“Wellspring helped with my mental health so much,” says Orla O’Connell, diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30. “Knowing you are not alone, and having access to such impactful programs, is an integral part of the cancer journey. Doctors, nurses, and family are essential –but Wellspring helped me heal mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
By referring patients and caregivers to Wellspring, healthcare professionals ensure they receive compassionate care that supports their well-being and improves overall health outcomes.
“Knowing you are not alone, and having access to such impactful programs, is an integral part of the cancer journey. Doctors, nurses, and family are essential – but Wellspring helped me heal mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
FOR PATIENTS: A FULL CIRCLE OF SUPPORT
A cancer diagnosis can bring fear, anxiety, and a loss of control. Wellspring provides a safe and welcoming environment where patients can find community, gain knowledge, and access tools to manage symptoms and stress.
Key programs delivered by paid accredited professionals include:
• Individual and Group Support: Individual counselling, peer support and group support sessions reduce feelings of isolation, build resilience, and offer space to process the emotional toll of cancer.
• Education and Self-Development: Workshops led by experts on topics such as nutrition, fatigue, sleep, and mindfulness help patients take an active role in their care.
• Exercise and Movement Programs: Gentle exercise classes and tailored exercise programs help patients manage symptoms, improve mobility, and reduce fatigue.
• Financial and Workplace Support Programs: Patients facing financial stress or workplace challenges receive practical assistance and guidance.
• Symptom Management: Expert-led programs address common concerns like fatigue, pain, brain fog, and other side effects offer strategies that improve day-to-day function.
• Therapeutic Arts: Creative expression promotes healing, improves mental well-being, and reduced stress.
FOR CAREGIVERS: SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO SUPPORT OTHERS
Caregivers are often the unsung heroes in a cancer journey, managing appointments, emotional support, and daily logistics – often while juggling their own responsibilities. Wellspring recognizes their unique needs and offers programming to support their well-being.
• Caregiver Support Groups: Safe spaces to share experiences, reduce burnout, and gain encouragement from others walking the same path.
• Access to Other Programs: Mindfulness, meditation, art therapy, relaxation techniques and more, help caregivers manage their emotional strain and equip them with the knowledge they need to provide caregiving support.
A VITAL PARTNER IN CANCER CARE
With a growing presence across Canada, Wellspring fills a crucial gap in the cancer care continuum. Its services are available to anyone living with any type or stage of cancer, at no cost and without referral –though healthcare professionals are essential in guiding patients to this support.
“As a social worker, I have had the privilege of supporting those affected by cancer for almost 20 years,” says Lisa Roelfsema, MSW, RSW. “Wellspring has been a valued partner in providing emotional, financial and physical support. Referring someone to Wellspring means connecting them to a community of care that can make a meaningful difference in their quality of life – something which I’ve witnessed first-hand.” By recommending Wellspring, you’re extending your care beyond the clinic and into the daily lives of your patients – helping them manage the realities of cancer with dignity and strength.
To learn more about Wellspring or to connect a patient with support, visit wellspring.ca. n H
The essential role of simulation in robotics surgery
Simulation isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of safe, successful patient
By Agnes Ryzynski, Victoria May and Tarsila Da Cruz
At Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, preparation and education are the backbone to our ability to perform some of the most delicate and complex surgical procedures. This is why, before any of Sunnybrook’s cutting-edge surgical robotics systems transition into patient care, the Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre works in close collaboration with surgical teams to provide novel comprehensive training through high-fidelity simulations directly in the operating room (OR).
Take, for instance, Sunnybrook’s latest robotic surgical offering: a mitral valve cardiac robotic surgery designed to transform heart care. It’s part of a larger surgical robotics and digital navigation strategy supported by Sunnybrook Foundation that promises to advance practice, improve patient outcomes and enhance research, education, recruitment and retention across the hospital.
For Dr. Derrick Tam, a minimally invasive cardiac valve surgeon in Sunnybrook’s Schulich Heart Program who is spearheading the robotic valve cardiac surgery program, the bene-
fits of robotic surgery for patients are clear. His team spent hours training over multiple sessions with the robot in simulated surgeries before operating on their first patient in early April.
“Because the procedure allows for small incisions and no bones that need to be broken, patients tend to recover faster, have shorter hospital stays and can return to work earlier,” Dr. Tam says.
It benefits him as a surgeon too: “The robotic technology has a high-definition 3D camera, allowing me to see parts of the heart that would be difficult to see with a conventional incision. The technology also eliminates a natural hand tremor we all have when performing precise tasks.”
The simulations were key to the surgical teams’ success, according to Marie-Antonette Dandal, the manager for surgical performance improvement at Sunnybrook.
“The OR robotics simulation really played a significant role in onboarding our perioperative team. It has been a critical tool in the optimization of robotics assisted procedures, enabling workflow standardization, efficient improvements and enhanced team
coordination,” she says. “It prepares the staff to attend to intraoperative emergencies especially robotics malfunctions and emergency situations.”
The simulations focus on optimizing safety by refining surgical team ergonomics and noise management, while addressing key crises like cardiac arrest, airway emergencies, surgical bleeding and even fires. They also focus on strengthening team dynamics through role clarity, situational awareness, leadership and closed-loop communication for coordinated responses under pressure.
“Simulation has been critical as we launched our robotics surgery programs with teams from cardiac, gynecology, gyne-oncology, urology and otolaryngology surgical programs,” says Dr. Frances Wright, Sunnybrook’s Surgeon-in-Chief. “The ability to practice and troubleshoot in a safe environment has optimized success.”
The simulations began with an assessment to identify workflow inefficiencies and technical challenges, followed by training in a controlled environment with teams made up of nurses, perfusionists, anesthesiologists, anesthesia assistants, sur-
outcomes
geons, medical fellows, and a robotics representative.
Early in the sessions, simulations revealed key areas for improvement, such as optimizing OR setup, ensuring proper placement of critical equipment and monitoring systems, and identifying where additional training was needed in areas like robot docking/undocking and structured emergency responses.
Data from simulations were analyzed and interprofessional teams addressed findings and assigned action items to ensure all issues were addressed before the robotic system was used on patients. The program engaged 60 interprofessional team members in ten high-fidelity simulations, identifying over 50 changes to improve workflow and safety.
The Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre team’s expertise in education, clinical practice, and quality improvement ensured the success of these simulations. Accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the simulation program enhances training, improves overall surgical safety, efficiency and interdisciplinary collaboration. n H
Agnes Ryzynski, Director, Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre, Library Services & Archives; Victoria May, Simulation Project Lead, Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre and Tarsila Da Cruz, Manager, Sunnybrook Canadian Simulation Centre & Library Services.
Dr. Derrick Tam is spearheading Sunnybrook’s new robotic mitral valve cardiac surgery program.
Sunnybrook brings together full surgical teams to practice and train with the surgical robots directly in the OR before any procedure is done on a patient.
Rethinking nursing education in a time of crisis
Canada’s healthcare system is grappling with a significant nursing shortage, a challenge exacerbated by the aging population. Looking specifically at long-term care (LTC), the impact of the nursing shortage is even more pronounced. By 2031, an estimated 606,000 Canadians will require LTC, marking a nearly 60 per cent increase over 2019 levels
Despite this rising demand, staffing levels are declining. In 2022 alone, the number of direct care nurses in LTC fell by approximately by 2,500, a 5.1 per cent decrease from the year before Meanwhile, LTC homes across the country reported over 38,000 open positions – more than double what was recorded just three years earlier.
The urgency is clear: Canada must train, graduate, and integrate new nurses more effectively. What if part of the solution lies in how we manage nursing education itself?
RETHINKING NURSING EDUCATION MANAGEMENT: A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE
With more than 130 nursing schools across the country graduating over 12,000 learners annually, education is a key lever in addressing workforce shortages. But to improve their impact, nursing programs need to operate at maximum efficiency. What if optimizing the management of nursing education – through better systems and smarter processes – could accelerate the transition of qualified nurses into practice?
By removing administrative bottlenecks, supervisors and staff can refocus on teaching and mentorship. Learners can progress through their programs
without unnecessary delays. And schools could increase their capacity to graduate more work-ready nurses.
In the context of a national staffing crisis, these improvements are not just operational – they’re essential to sustaining healthcare delivery for Canadians.
LEVERAGING DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO ELEVATE NURSING SCHOOLS
Managing a nursing program involves a complex web of tasks: handling admissions, tracking registrations, managing clinical placements, and delivering assessments – each involving different stakeholders and volumes of data. Yet many schools still
rely on fragmented systems or manual processes that create inefficiencies and increase the risk of error.
To address this, an increasing number of institutions are adopting digital learner management platforms. These integrated systems streamline administrative workflows, support real-time scheduling, simplify compliance tracking, and improve communication between students, supervisors, and clinical partners. Crucially, they also offer the infrastructure to support Competency-Based Education (CBE), which is expected to become more prominent in nursing education in the years ahead.
WHY PARTNERSHIP MATTERS IN CANADIAN NURSING EDUCATION
Technology isn’t enough on its own. Real transformation requires having the right partner behind the platform. Because what works today may need to adapt tomorrow: curricula shift, accreditation standards change, and new educational models like CBE emerge.
And so, nursing schools need more than just a vendor; they need a partner who understands Canadian healthcare education and is committed to growing with them.
SPOTLIGHT ON LGI EDUCATION: SUPPORTING NURSING EDUCATION TRANSFORMATION
One platform – and partner –leading this shift is LGI Healthcare Solutions with its learner management platform. LGI Education offers nursing schools a comprehensive, future-ready tools to enhance operational efficiency and better prepare nursing students for modern clinical practice.
At a time when healthcare systems urgently need new nurses, rethinking how we support their education is more important than ever. For those interested in exploring what’s possible, more information is available here: LGI Education for Nursing Programs | Learner Management Platform n H
Powered by precision: Humber River Health’s first paediatric robotic surgery
By Shahana Gaur
For months, Farima and Mike watched helplessly as their teenage son suffered through waves of excruciating pain, nausea, and relentless vomiting. Every seven to ten days, their son would be struck with cramps so severe that he would double over. His vomiting would last for 24 hours at a time, leaving him exhausted and dehydrated.
“We went to various hospitals and emergency rooms so many times,” recalls Farima. “Everyone we encountered was hesitant to run tests or do ultrasounds. It was frustrating beyond words.”
As the months dragged on, their son’s episodes worsened. The vomiting was no longer sporadic – it was constant. “From morning to night, night to morning. He was just so sick. It was heartbreaking,” says Mike.
Then, they finally got an answer. An ultrasound revealed a blockage in their son’s kidney, a condition known as Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Obstruction, where urine could not properly flow into the bladder. The damage had progressed to the point where his kidney function had dropped to just 25 per cent. Their paediatrician immediately referred them to Dr. Ravi Kumar, a Urologic Oncologist and Surgeon at Humber River Health (Humber).
The news that their son needed surgery was both devastating and a relief. “At least there was a solution,” says Farima.
CHOOSING ROBOTIC SURGERY
From early on, Farima and Mike understood that their son’s case was unique. This was Humber River Health’s first paediatric robotic-assisted surgery – and one of the first in the city. When they learned that their son would undergo this minimally invasive pyeloplasty using the da Vinci Xi Surgical System – the family did their research. “We definitely looked it up on YouTube,” chuckles Mike. “Once we saw the level of precision and accuracy, we felt more confident. It was
reassuring to know that this advanced technology would be used.”
Dr. Kumar explained that while an open or laparoscopic surgery was an option, robotic surgery was beneficial.
“The da Vinci Xi system allows for an enhanced 3D, high-definition view, precise movements, and a level of accuracy that minimizes complications,” says Dr. Kumar. “For a case like this, it meant a smoother surgery and a quicker recovery.”
While laparoscopic surgery is a well-established technique, the da Vinci Xi robotic system elevates procedures like pyeloplasty to a new level of confidence. “We can be more certain about the critical steps when we do it robotically,” explains Dr. Luke Fazio, Head of Urology at Humber River Health. “Yes, we can do this laparoscopically, and we have, but the robot provides that extra level of confidence. When given the option, even highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons
overwhelmingly prefer using the robot, as it ensures the best possible reconstructive process, setting patients up for long-term success.”
One of the most significant advantages of Humber’s robotic surgery program is its accessibility. Humber’s community-based setting allows patients to receive specialized procedures closer to home. “Patients don’t always need to go to a downtown centre, especially when we have highly trained surgeons like Dr. Kumar who can perform these complex procedures right here,” says Dr. Fazio. “Because of the support we have from the Humber River Health Foundation and our donors, we’re able to provide these procedures, even if they are not cancer-related or do not always have strong funding support.”
A FUTURE WITHOUT PAIN
“The night before his surgery, our son was extremely nervous,” says
Mike. “When we got there, though, everyone was so reassuring. The Child Life Specialist walked us through everything, answering all our son’s questions. Then, Dr. Kumar, Dr. Fazio, and the anaesthesiologist all came to check in. They didn’t rush us – they made sure we were comfortable.”
Using the robotic system, Drs. Kumar and Fazio removed the blockage and reconstructed the ureter, allowing the kidney to drain properly again. The surgery was a success, and a temporary stent was placed to ensure optimal healing. After just two days in the hospital, their son was discharged. Within one week, he was back at school, and by the twoweek mark, he was feeling completely normal again.
It has now been five months since the surgery, and the results are clear. “Before, he couldn’t go more than a week without getting sick,” says Mike. “Now, he hasn’t had a single episode.
Drs. Ravi Kumar (left) and Luke Fazio (right) with the da Vinci Xi surgical system
No pain, no nausea. It’s like he has a whole new life.”
Though follow-up tests are still ongoing, the family is confident in the results. “He’s back to playing sports, he’s excelling at school – he doesn’t feel limited anymore,” says Farima. “That’s all we ever wanted.”
LOOKING AHEAD
While the hospital does not yet have a dedicated paediatric robotic surgery program, this successful case paves the way for more opportunities in the future. “There’s a lot of potential,” says Dr. Kumar. “The challenge is; most doctors don’t even think of referring paediatric patients to Humber for robotic surgery – yet. But now that we have done it, hopefully more families can benefit from this technology.”
For Humber to expand its robotic surgery program, additional donor support is essential. “Right now, we are using our robot five days a week,” says Dr. Fazio. “If we had a second device, we could do even more cases like this.”
For Farima and Mike, their biggest hope is that their story encourages other parents to speak up for their children. “If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this, it’s to advocate for the health of yourself and your family,” says Farima. “We had to fight so hard to get our son the right diagnosis. I can’t imagine how many other parents have been turned away.”
Thanks to the dedication of their doctors, the generosity of donors, and the innovative healthcare at Humber, their son now has a future free of pain. By continuing to invest in advanced surgical technology and expanding access to specialized care, Humber River Health remains committed to curing healthcare – one patient at a time. n H
Complex care patients can benefit from immersive virtual reality for pain control
By Jasmine Rooke
Immersive virtual reality lets users step into another world, and more importantly, in some cases, step out of this one.As immersive virtual reality (VR) technology has advanced, and become more readily available and affordable, the potential to introduce its use in health care settings has expanded. One notable use case has been in distraction therapy; reducing pain and distress for patients undergoing painful medical procedures.
New research is evaluating the effectiveness of VR in a complex care patient population at Bruyère Health in Ottawa, and found patients reported a decrease in pain intensity, decrease in in the unpleasantness of pain, and that they thought less about their pain.
“It was like being there,” one patient said about a virtual reality scene that brings viewers to an underwater world, swimming among sharks. “It took me away from thinking about what’s going on with my body. That helped a lot. I was totally immersed.”
“Patients receiving complex care can benefit from a little distraction,” said Lisa Sheehy, PhD and Investigator with Bruyère Health Research Institute. “Many of the patient participants were in chronic pain and had been in hospital for a long time for complex conditions, so it’s thrilling to see clinically significant results, where many of our users expressed a substantial decrease in pain by using immersive VR.”
The research team followed two groups of patients in complex care: those who were experiencing pain during wound dressing changes, and those who were experiencing chronic pain. Over the course of the study, patients undergoing wound dressing changes reported an average decrease in pain intensity by 3.6 out of 10, and a decrease in the unpleasantness of pain by 5.6 out of 10 when using immersive VR compared to dressing changes without VR. Patients with chronic pain reported an average de-
crease in pain intensity by 3.1 out of 10, and a decrease in unpleasantness by 3.5 out of 10. Patients rated the experience highly immersive and satisfying, with few complaints of discomfort or nausea.
“I definitely did not think about the pain. That distracted me,” another patient shared. “Now, I don’t know if they have anything else that would distract me as much.”
“This is seeing research at the bedside make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Paula Doering, Senior Vice-President, Clinical Programs, Chief Nursing Executive and Allied Health Professionals at Bruyère Health. “Complex care is a unique health care environment; at Bruyère Health we are committed to testing technologies that can help us deliver individualized patient care.”
Despite the positive results, it was a challenge to adapt the technology for
a complex care environment. Headsets, such as the Meta Quest II used in the study, are heavy and designed for a certain level of strength and mobility. Users are presumed to be sitting or standing upright with the ability to move their head and arms, something the team in a complex care environment could not always expect from patients. The VR experiences were adapted so patients did not need to use gaming controllers and they could be in a variety of positions, such as side-lying or semi-reclined while enjoying passive scenes of nature, travel, meditation, amusement parks, and more.
“The tools are there, but they need workarounds,” said Sheehy. “I hope we continue to work to understand how we can implement and evaluate the technology at our disposal to help provide compassionate and innovative care.” n H
Jasmine Rooke is the Research Communications Manager at Bruyère Health Research Institute.
Shahana Gaur works in communications at Humber River Health.
Researcher Lisa Sheehy holding one of the VR headsets used in the study.
P Redefining end-of-life care in Kingston
rovidence Care recently opened AB Smith Homestead House, a 10-bed hospice residence dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care in a home-like environment.
It’s a milestone achievement more than 10 years in the making and is Kingston’s first hospice, leading to new approaches to palliative care delivery in the region.
“We have a new space which has happily necessitated some new approaches, and new options,” explains Providence Care’s Clinical Director of Palliative Care, Dr. Danielle Kain. “We are very fortunate to have palliative care beds on Heritage 2 [at Providence Care Hospital] but the patients admitted there are not necessarily the same patients who are going to be admitted to hospice. From our standpoint, and our partners, we now have more options to talk to patients about where they might want to receive endof-life care.”
According to the Royal Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada report (2002), better known as the Romanow report, more than 70 per cent of Canadians say they would choose to die at home if given the option. However, when circumstances make that no longer feasible – due to complex care needs or caregiver fatigue – having a compassionate alternative becomes essential. Dr. Kain says Providence Care’s hospice house offers that alternative: a comforting, supportive environment that eases the burden on families when home is no longer the right option.
“There can be this sense of failure for a patient’s loved ones or care partners when they can’t adequately provide care at home,” says Dr. Kain. “I do feel AB Smith Homestead House will ease that burden. It’s not quite home, but it’s not a hospital either. It’s not that the care that we provide in the hospital is anything less than excellent care, but, going back to that original [Romanow] report, Canadians don’t particularly want to die in hospital.”
Providence Care’s AB Smith Homestead House is an expansion of existing in-hospital palliative care services and community-based hospice services. Located at 152 Phillips St. in cen-
Providence
Care’s Clinical Director of Palliative Care, Dr. Danielle Kain
MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF CANADIANS SAY THEY WOULD CHOOSE TO DIE AT HOME IF GIVEN THE OPTION.
tral Kingston, AB Smith Homestead House features private suites with patios, family gathering spaces, a spiritual room, a children’s corner and a large family-style kitchen, all to foster a sense of warmth and community.
“In hospice, the patient is usually very close to end of life, and the focus tends to be exclusively on comfort. Earlier on in a patient’s illness journey, and depending on a person’s goals of care, I have people that I bring into the hospital to conduct investigations to see if there are things that we can fix. If I can’t fix the cancer, for example, maybe I can fix the pneumonia or the electrolyte abnormalities or whatever’s brought them to hospital. Whereas hospice is focused exclusively on their comfort; on relieving suffering. At this point in their trajectory of illness, it doesn’t always matter what is causing the symptoms, what matters is that we help with those symptoms and that suffering.”
Not only does the newly opened hospice house expand options for patients and their families, but it also
helps to close a gap in care in the Kingston region.
“The Canadian Cancer Society released a report in 2023 on the state of hospice care throughout the country that stated, on average, most regions have about 50 per cent of the hospice beds they need. And of course, we were below that national average considerably, not having any here in Kingston. So, the opening of this hospice is accompanied by a big sense of pride. It takes a village to make something like this come to fruition, and the physicians involved from our group [Queen’s Palliative Medicine] are only one small part of it.”
The village behind turning AB Smith Homestead House from a dream into reality is the community. Funded largely through community donations, Providence Care’s hospice house is a project funded by the community for the community which will require continued support.
“Hospices are not funded like hospitals, and they require community support to keep their doors open,” explains Dr. Kain. “We will need on-
going fundraising and community engagement to stay operational.”
For the last 10 years Dr. Kain has worked exclusively in palliative medicine. She describes palliative care as both medical support and being a compassionate presence during life’s most vulnerable moments.
“It’s incredibly gratifying and uplifting to have the skills and training to provide care in a sacred space where someone is so vulnerable. I’m not the one saying there aren’t any more treatments – I’m the one saying, ‘You have pain, I can help you with that. You want to reconnect with your mother, who you’re estranged from? I can help you with that. You just need to sit here and cry for 20 minutes? I have the time to do that with you, and to carry some of that burden.’ It’s incredibly gratifying work.”
The interprofessional team at AB Homestead House includes registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs), personal support workers (PSWs), volunteers, physicians, and other health care and support professionals who work collaboratively to provide high-quality, compassionate care. The care the hospice team provides extends beyond just the patient and also includes bereavement support and grief counselling for care partners throughout the process. n H
List of Nominees
2025 Nursing Hero Awards
Don Elmer Aguilar
Scarborough Health Network
Irene Alao
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre**
Kevin Alesna University Health Network
Alice Anena Sunnybrook Health Science Centre
Patricia Annette Arhinson
Trillium Health Partners
Thushani Arunan
Trillium Health Partners
Sathiyaranee Arunasalam
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Daniella Arustei University Health Network
Jacqueline Baker
Alberta Health Services
Viksit Bali
University Health Network
Manjit Banwait
Trillium Health Partners
Lameese Barlay
Trillium Health Partners
Randi-Lynn Beaulieu
Providence Care
Lisa Bell
Alberta Health Services*******
Ruby Kulvir Bhullar
Trillium Health Partners
Chimo Bhutia
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Laura Bandstra Oak Valley Health
Ida Bevilacqua Trillium Heath Partners
Sandhya Binumon
Trillium Health Partners
Nancy Botelho
Trillium Health Partners
Marjorie Bowes
Trillium Health Partners
Jocelyn Boyce Providence Care Hospital
Marissa Bradley St. Joseph’s Health Care London
Cameron Braid Oak Valley Health**
Galyna Breslavets
Humber River Health
Angelique Caballero Scarborough Health Network
Yannan (Bay) Cai University Health Network********
Aideen Carroll University Health Network
Ingrid Champagnie Scarborough Health Network**
Ruth Chase Southlake Health
Donna Chen Oak Valley Health
Larry Chen Trillium Health Partners
Michele Cheng North York General Hospital
Jessica (Man Chung) Cheung Oak Valley Health
Michelle Chew
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Elizabeth Cresencia
Humber River Health
Melinda Crisolago Mackenzie Health
Aaron Cohen
Humber River Health
Rosezelda Cowan
Trillium Health Partners
Aleah Czerwonka Oak Valley Health**
Ann-Margaret
Delgado
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Celine D’Gama
University Health Network
Manjinder Dhaliwal
Trillium Health Partners
Brenda Diduck
Trillium Health Partners
Yangchen Dolkar
Trillium Health Partners
Rebecca Collier Doyle
University Health Network
Tamkia Egerton
Trillium Health Partners
Ola Esho
Oak Valley Health**
Hooreih Esterham
Mackenzie Health
Janet Evans
Sarsfield Colonial Home
Rose Faratro
University Health Network
Marla Feader
Alberta Health Services
Paula Ferguson
Trillium Health Partners**
Vanessa Flores
Humber River Hospital
Heather Foley
Providence Care
Cynthia Fontaine
Trillium Health Partners
Nicholas Fox
Trillium Health Partners***
Stella Fung
University Health Network
Austine Gaqui
Scarborough Health Network
Amy Gayo
Humber River Health
Colleen Gee
Oak Valley Health
Shannon Gilley
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre******
Yvonne Grant Trillium Health Partners
Amy Gray Trillium Health Partners
Michelle Green
Trillium Health Partners
Ruffa Madel De Guzman
Scarborough Health Network
Prava Gurung
Sinai Health
Elissa Hagey
Oak Valley Health***
Sheila Harris
Humber River Health
Barbara Harten
St. Joseph’s Healthcare London
Hussain Henaino Humber River Health
Francine Hebert
Alberta Health Services
Cara Henry Trillium Health Partners
Zachary Heuthorst
The Ottawa Hospital
Sheila Hossain
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Pam Houghton
Trillium Health Partners
Jennifer Huynh
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Anitha Ivy
Trillium Health Partners
Noorin Jamal
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Donna Jarvis
St. Joseph’s Healthcare London
Harpreet Jassal Humber River Health
Jenny Jones Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Naujot Kaun University Health Network
Jotinder Kaur Trillium Health Partners
Kim Kerr
St. Joseph’s Health Care London
Pegah Khorassani
Southlake Health
Elias Kibreab Humber River Health
Ann Klein
Southlake Health
Mavis Knight Trillium Health Partners
Jessika Kovasc
Sunnybrook Holland Centre
Lia Kutzscher
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Brian Lalisan Trillium Health Partners****
Cody Lamovsek Trillium Health Partners
Angela Lankowski Trillium Health Partners
Rodolfo D. Lastimosa Jr Humber River Health
Connie Leroux
North York General Hospital
Amanda Levesque The Ottawa Hospital
Cindy Li Oak Valley Health***
Doris Liaw
North York General Hospital
Joan Ligores
Trillium Health Partners
Keunhee Lim Trillium Health Partners**
Hailey Lott Southlake Health
Eduardo Magtoto University Health Network
Alessia De Marchi Oak Valley Health
Jackie Marquez Trillium Health Partners
Melebeth Matacot Humber River Health
Carol McAnuff
Scarborough Health Network/University Health Network
Meagan McCoy The Ottawa Hospital**
Maureen McCue Providence Care Hospital
Shelley McIntyre The Ottawa Hospital
Anna Melfi Humber River Health
Melanie Mentis Trillium Health Partners
Ronita Mesina Trillium Health Partners
Jennifer Michael Oak Valley Health**
Jeannie Michalakos Trillium Health Partners
Nicola (Nicki) Miller University Health Network
Donya Mirzai Humber River Health
Mamta Modgil Trillium Health Partners /Humber River Health**
Amal Mohamed Trillium Health Partners
Marycielo Molina Humber River Health
Cindy Moniz
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
London
Desteny Moran
Humber River Health**
Julia Morgan University Health Network
Cheryl Morgan Southlake Health
Annette Mukakigeri Trillium Health Partners
Julie Murray The Ottawa Hospital
Stacy Naqshband St. Joseph’s Healthcare London
Bharti “Maya” Nathani Universal Health Hub
Adriana Neaga Mackenzie Health
Judy Negrey Alberta Health Services
Cassandra Newby Windsor Regional Health
Lisa Niro Humber River Health
Dean Noriega Alberta Health Services
Muna Nur Westpark Healthcare Centre
Pat Oag
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Neliza Oliverio
The Ottawa Hospital
Marian Onut
Trillium Health Partners
Ivy Orines
University Health Network
Janet Pilgrim
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Cathyrn Plaxton
Trillium Health Partners
Jissega Polus
Trillium Health Partners
Megan Poulin
The Ottawa Hospital
Robert Prebble
Trillium Health Partners
Peyton Pressacco
Oak Valley Health
Abegail Quinones
Alberta health Services
Tiago Real
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Anna Redlik
Trillium Health Partners
Kalaivani
Renganathan University Health Network
Jessica Ritchi Mackenzie Health
Nichole Rodney Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Deepthy Roy Humber River Health
Rachel Sakr
Oak Valley Health
Analisa Salcedo
Scarborough Health Network
Paolo Santos
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre**
Hazel Saunders
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Karine Gottardo Severino Trillium Health Partners
Gurkaran Singh University Health Network**
Jhanvi Solanki
Humber River Health
Kalliopi Stilos
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Monika Summan
Humber River Health
Barbara Swierzbinska Humber River Health
Freda Tam
Southlake Healthcare
Anniena (Annie) Taurasi
Trillium Health Partners***
Vivene Taylor
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Angela Te-Smith
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Karin Trofimova
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Suzette Turner
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre**
Francesca Valdez
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Michelle Van Der
Valk
Mackenzie Health
Jenni Villafuerte
Humber River Health
Rodolf Villanueva
Humber River Health
Susan Wang
Westpark Healthcare
Aileen Webster
Trillium Health Partners**
Jennifer Welten
Humber River Health
Casey Wigg
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Lyndsey Wintle
St. Joseph’s Healthcare London
Nurul’aini Mohd Yacob
Trillium Health Partners
Vanessa Zavala
Lindo
Humber River Health
Beata Zegiel-Glos
Humber River Health
Rong Zhao
Trillium Health Partners
Aideen Carroll
University Health Network (UHN)
It is almost unfathomable to imagine my career, the careers of my colleagues, and the lives of our patients without the presence and influence of Aideen Carroll. She has left an indelible mark on every aspect of our Centre for Mental Health at University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, Canada. She has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty for nurses, colleagues, and patients alike, and is most certainly our Nursing Hero.
In Ontario, where nurses receive generalist training and psychiatric nursing remains a niche specialty – despite every human possessing both brains and psychological states – Aideen has spent her life working to normalize and universalize mental health nursing competencies across institutions. She has been a tireless advocate for recognizing mental health as an essential component of holistic healthcare, not an optional add-on.
Several years ago, she spearheaded the launch of UHN’s Mental Health Nursing Certification program, an ambitious initiative that demanded perseverance, strategic thinking, and an unwavering belief in the value of specialized psychiatric education. She continues to volunteer her evenings to teach its rigorous fourteen-week curriculum, pouring her heart and expertise into helping nurses build the skills and confidence needed to provide exceptional care. Many nurses have cited her mentorship through this program as transformative, unlocking new career possibilities and reigniting their passion for nursing.
More recently, Aideen’s advocacy has resulted in the integration of a robust mental health curriculum into UHN’s corporate orientation redevelopment. For the first time in our organization’s history, new hires now receive six hours of foundational education in mental health, covering critical topics such as suicide assess-
ment, mental status examinations, and the nuanced management of mental health disorders. This accomplishment has been pivotal, ensuring that every new nurse begins their journey with a comprehensive understanding of how mental health underpins overall patient care. Thanks to Aideen’s foresight, compassion, and determination, future generations of healthcare providers will be better equipped to deliver compassionate, competent, and holistic care.
Beyond education, Aideen has revolutionized the way physical and mental health are integrated in clinical practice. As Advanced Practice Nurse Educator, she was central to the strategic plan that “medicalized” our inpatient psychiatry unit. Thanks to her efforts, nurses on 8ES today confidently perform phlebotomy, run intravenous and enteral therapies, manage central lines, complete complex wound care, and administer blood products – skills once considered outside the scope of psychiatric nursing. Under Aideen’s leadership, we now treat the whole person – body and mind – as an inseparable entity, fulfilling a long-standing vision of truly integrated healthcare.
Yet beyond all her professional achievements, it is Aideen’s human spirit that truly sets her apart. Her kindness, tact, grace, and unfailing gaze on the patient make her a role model to every clinician who crosses her path. I myself am privileged to count her as my mentor. Nearly a decade ago, when I was just a surgical nurse curious about psychiatry, Aideen took me for coffee to answer my questions. She listened with genuine interest, shared her experiences, and soon after, arranged for me to shadow on the inpatient psychiatry unit – an experience that would shape my entire career trajectory. From nurse to Clinical Nurse Specialist to now an Advanced Practice Nurse Educator, Aideen has been a constant presence, guiding, encouraging, and championing my growth at every step.
Aideen’s energy for nursing education seems boundless. She remains a staunch supporter of the Canadian Nurses Association Mental Health and Psychiatric Certification program and still runs study groups on evenings and weekends for nurses working toward certification. Her passion for psychiatric nursing is magnetic, her belief in the abilities of others unwavering, and her ability to inspire unparalleled. Despite her relentless kindness, no one should mistake it for passivity. Aideen is fiercely committed to maintaining high standards of patient care. Her focus is always, unwaveringly, on the patient’s best interests. We often joke that even decades from now, we’ll find an octogenarian Aideen rolling through the halls with a walker, reminding us to complete Braden assessments and fall risk screenings – not for the sake of ticking off a checklist, but because every single one of these assessments translates directly into better, safer, more dignified patient lives.
A vivid example of her patient advocacy comes to mind: a patient with decompensated schizophrenia had developed a massive lice infestation in his beard. Many advocated for forcibly shaving him, arguing it was the most expedient and hygienic solution. Instead, Aideen insisted on preserving his dignity and autonomy. She coordinated a bioethics consultation, gathered a multidisciplinary team, and ensured decisions were made ethically, respectfully, and with the patient’s values at the center. In moments where it would be easier to take shortcuts, Aideen always chooses the more challenging, humane path.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when staffing was stretched to its limits and uncertainty loomed large, Aideen showed what true leadership and solidarity look like. There was no job too humble for her. Whether re-
st prize
plenishing PPE, performing COVID swabs, leading safety huddles, troubleshooting infection control challenges, or simply being a reassuring presence on the unit, she showed up for patients and staff alike, day after day. In a time defined by fear and exhaustion, she was a steady source of calm, hope, and determination.
When I reached out to colleagues for input on this nomination, the flood of responses was overwhelming – so much so that we could not possibly include them all without filling an entire magazine. Below are just some of the heartfelt reflections shared about Aideen:
One colleague recalled how Aideen, outside of her working hours, was seen setting up a celebratory display on the unit – just to uplift the spirits of the nursing staff. This small but meaningful act spoke volumes about her dedication to cultivating a positive and supportive environment where nurses felt seen and valued.
Another shared how Aideen’s support during a personal crisis provided an anchor when they needed it most. Whether covering shifts without hesitation, offering a listening ear, or advocating quietly behind the scenes, her presence went beyond professional – it was profoundly human.
Several nurses spoke about how Aideen’s encouragement inspired them to pursue certification, advanced degrees, and leadership roles. Many attributed their career advancements directly to Aideen’s mentorship, describing how she made them feel seen, capable, and worthy of striving for more.
Others reflected on working alongside Aideen during the pandemic in long-term care facilities. She recognized the overlooked issue of residents at risk for pressure ulcers due to limited turning schedules. Taking action, she designed, printed, and laminated
“Turning Clocks” for resident rooms –an innovation that remains in use today and has likely prevented countless injuries.
As one colleague so beautifully put it, “Aideen is the scaffolding of our mental health program.” Another simply said, “Without her, I would not be the nurse I am today.”
Multiple testimonials emphasized her unshakable advocacy for mental health. Thanks to her tireless work, today at UHN we have psychiatric units that provide excellent physical health care, and medical/surgical units that seamlessly integrate mental health awareness into their practice. She has fundamentally shifted the way our institution conceptualizes patient care, breaking down silos that once separated mental and physical health. She doesn’t chase recognition; she lifts others into the spotlight. She champions the quiet, critical work of frontline staff, never seeking credit for herself. When someone suggests a project or a quality improvement idea, Aideen doesn’t just support it – she rolls up her sleeves and helps make it happen.
A recurring sentiment among those who shared stories is that Aideen never stops investing in others. Whether it’s standing by a new nurse during their first NG tube insertion, coaching someone through certification study sessions after hours, or sitting down to plan the future of mental health education at UHN, Aideen shows up fully and wholeheartedly. Her dedication is not a series of one-time acts; it is a way of life.
Even seasoned physicians reflected on how much they learned from Aideen. One noted that in the early, chaotic days of the pandemic, it was Aideen who taught them how to perform nasopharyngeal swabs – offering
her own nose for practice with a smile. Another credited the seamless integration of mental and physical health across UHN to Aideen’s persistence, optimism, and collaborative leadership.
Another colleague recalled her first meeting with Aideen. Rather than launching into a list of demands or critiques, Aideen began the conversation by asking, “How are you holding up?”
This small act of empathy, particularly from someone of her stature, left a lasting impression.
Again and again, stories emerged of Aideen being everywhere she was needed. From emergency departments
to inpatient units, she moves with tireless grace, somehow always arriving just in time to solve problems, to teach, to support.
Aideen Carroll is more than a clinical educator or a mentor – she is the living embodiment of everything nursing aspires to be. Compassionate, skilled, humble, courageous, wise, tenacious, and endlessly generous. She is the North Star that guides so many of us in this often challenging profession.
If there were such a thing as canonization in healthcare, surely Aideen would be the patron saint of mental health nursing. Her work has trans-
formed not only patient care at UHN but also the lives of countless nurses, physicians, and patients who have had the privilege to know her.
Nursing Hero is a title that hardly captures her contributions, but it is a fitting tribute to someone who has quietly, consistently, and passionately made our world a better place.
We cannot imagine our profession, our hospital, or our lives without her. And we never want to.
Nominated by: Linda Liu with testimonials provided by more than 20 of her colleagues. The full nomination can be viewed at hospitalnews.com n H
Testimonials from: Adrienne Tan, Anna Pamaong, Carmen Fang, Edna Bonsu, Gabriella Golea, Greg Baker, Irene Cecilia Azurin, Jennifer Reguindin, Jessica Campbell, Karelin Martina, Kathleen Sheehan, Kimberly Liew, Megan Smith, Michelle Sukhu, Nikita Puri, Oliver De Laurentiis, Raed Hawa, Ruth Appiah-Boateng, Sarah McDermid-Flabbi, Susan Abbey, Slawa Huniewicz, Tara Fowler
Yannan (Bay) Cai
University Health Network
It is with deep admiration and respect that we nominate Yannan (Bay) Cai, RN, for the Nursing Hero Award. A truly extraordinary nurse, educator, and caregiver, Bay’s journey across four countries – China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Canada – has shaped her into a deeply compassionate, culturally attuned, and highly skilled healthcare professional. Her story is one of resilience, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to her patients, colleagues, and the nursing profession at large.
A GLOBAL JOURNEY, ROOTED IN PURPOSE
Bay’s dedication to nursing began in China, where she was born into a family of three generations of medical
professionals. Inspired by her mother, a pediatrician, Bay chose to follow in her footsteps and began her nursing journey in 2002. Her internship coincided with the SARS outbreak, and Bay served on the frontlines – an experience that solidified her passion for nursing and ignited a lifelong dedication to service and education.
She went on to work as an emergency department nurse in her hometown, while also teaching medical-surgical nursing at a local nursing school. In 2006, inspired by a colleague fluent in English, Bay began self-studying medical English, determined to expand her professional horizons.
In 2007, after passing the recruitment exam for the Saudi Ministry of Health, Bay accepted a position as an emergency nurse in Saudi Arabia. De-
MY UNCLE, BING XIAO, WAS ADMITTED TO PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTER AT THE END OF MARCH FOR CANCER TREATMENT. ALTHOUGH HE HAS LIVED IN CANADA FOR ALMOST 15 YEARS, HE STILL SPEAKS LIMITED ENGLISH. A NURSE ON 15B, BAY CAI, HAS BEEN INVALUABLE. MY UNCLE AND HIS FAMILY GREATLY APPRECIATE HER ASSISTANCE.
DURING THIS TIME, EVEN THOUGH THE HOSPITAL OFFERS TRANSLATOR SERVICES, BAY HAS GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP, SAVING VALUABLE TIME FOR THE ENTIRE TEAM, INCLUDING PHYSICIANS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, DIETITIANS, PHARMACISTS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS. BAY HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONALLY PATIENT, EXPLAINING EVERYTHING THOROUGHLY. SHE ALSO PROVIDED CHINESE VERSIONS OF ALL MEDICAL LISTS, FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS, AND EMERGENCY CONTACT CARDS. WE ARE TRULY GRATEFUL FOR HER SUPPORT. – A GRATEFUL PATIENT
spite facing the challenges of a new culture and language, she taught herself Arabic within two months and quickly adapted to the fast-paced, multicultural healthcare environment. Her time in Saudi Arabia deepened her understanding of therapeutic communication, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed care, all of which have become hallmarks of her nursing style.
In 2011, Bay moved to the United States to pursue an RN-BSN program. The transition was not easy – she had to navigate language barriers, a new healthcare philosophy, and cultural differences. Where her previous roles emphasized technical skill, U.S. nursing education focused on critical thinking and clinical judgment. Bay embraced the challenge, developing a holistic, patient-centered approach that she carries to this day.
In 2018, Bay and her family immigrated to Canada. While working to transfer her nursing license, she pursued a master’s degree in education in Alberta, serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and further cementing her love for teaching. In 2022, she earned her Ontario nursing license and joined the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC), where her impact has been nothing short of transformative.
THE HEART OF 15B –PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE
At PMCC’s 15B unit, Bay is widely known and deeply respected. Her colleagues affectionately call her the “Peripheral Queen” due to her exceptional skill in IV insertions and blood work. She is often the first person teammates turn to for clinical expertise, technical support, or simply a calming presence in a stressful moment.
Her impact, however, extends far beyond her clinical abilities. Bay is a multilingual nurse, fluent in Mandarin, Arabic, and English. She frequent-
ly steps in to translate for patients with limited English, ensuring they understand their treatment plans and feel truly heard. While interpreter services are available, Bay’s immediate and compassionate assistance saves time for physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and social workers alike – and more importantly, reduces patient stress during vulnerable moments.
One patient’s family shared how Bay went above and beyond to support their uncle, a Mandarin speaker receiving cancer treatment. Bay not only translated complex medical information but also provided Chinese-language instructions, appointment details, and emergency contact cards – going the extra mile to offer clarity and comfort.
In another instance, an elderly patient with limited mobility and no family available to assist was being discharged. Bay organized his medications, created Chinese-language instructions, booked a taxi, and personally ensured his safe departure. These moments, while seemingly small, are profound in their humanity.
PROFESSIONALISM UNDER PRESSURE
Bay’s composure and leadership are perhaps most evident in moments of crisis. During a recent Code White emergency, Bay handled the situation with grace, staying composed, maintaining a safe environment, and communicating effectively with the AOS team. Her calm demeanor helped de-escalate the situation, ensuring safety for both the patient and staff.
On another occasion, while accompanying a disoriented patient for a PICC insertion, the patient became confused and attempted to get out of bed. Bay gently soothed the patient, using therapeutic communication and empathy to ease his distress. Her
ability to balance professionalism with deep compassion allowed the procedure to proceed safely, and left a lasting impression on everyone present.
A CULTURE OF CARE AND KINDNESS
Bay’s influence on the culture of 15B is immeasurable. She is generous, thoughtful, and always looking for ways to lift up her colleagues. Known to bring snacks, tea, and coffee on weekends and night shifts, Bay has helped foster a supportive, family-like environment. She even designed and donated custom T-shirts for the unit –a small gesture that had a big impact,
with patients and staff alike expressing admiration and appreciation.
Her readiness to help extends beyond clinical care. She’s often seen fixing printers, solving computer issues, or lifting equipment, earning her the playful title of the unit’s “mechanical engineer.” But her contributions are always grounded in compassion –whether it’s for her coworkers or the patients she treats like family.
BALANCING IT ALL: NURSE, SCHOLAR, MOTHER
Bay’s story is remarkable not only for what she has achieved but how
MY GRANDPA, MR. ZHANG, WAS ADMITTED TO PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTER 15B FOR TREATMENT. HE IS 87 YEARS OLD AND SPEAKS MANDARIN, OFTEN USING HIS PHONE AS A TRANSLATOR. SINCE MY GRANDPARENTS LIVE IN AN INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY FAR FROM DOWNTOWN, NO ONE COULD ACCOMPANY HIM WHEN HE WAS DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL. NURSE BAY CAI FROM 15B HELPED MY GRANDPA BY ORGANIZING ALL HIS HOME MEDICATIONS AND PROVIDING A CHINESE VERSION OF THE INSTRUCTIONS. SHE ALSO BOOKED A TAXI FOR HIM AND ASSISTED HIM IN LEAVING THE HOSPITAL. MY FAMILY TRULY APPRECIATES HER HELP.
– ANOTHER GRATEFUL PATIENT
she has managed it all. While working full-time in Toronto, she also balances part-time studies in Alberta and the responsibilities of motherhood. In 2024, she returned to school once again – this time for a post-master’s Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Alberta. Despite the physical and mental demands of commuting between provinces, Bay remains steadfast in her commitment to growth, driven by an enduring passion for learning and healing.
Her colleagues are in awe of her resilience, discipline, and humility. As one nurse noted, “She makes the rest of us want to be better – better nurses, better colleagues, better people.”
A RECOGNIZED LEADER
Bay’s impact has not gone unnoticed. On April 1, she was honored with the prestigious Rose Dean Oncology Nursing Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to cancer care and nursing excellence. A poster proudly displayed in the unit celebrates her achievement, but for those who work with her every day, no
award could fully capture the depth of her influence.
Her dedication to CAR-T and CAR-NK therapy, her tireless commitment to education, and her natural leadership make her an invaluable asset to PMCC – and to every patient lucky enough to have her at their side.
FINAL WORDS
Bay Cai is not just a nurse. She is a global citizen, an educator, a caregiver, a mentor, and an inspiration. Her journey across borders and cultures has brought with it a depth of experience that enriches every team she joins and every patient she treats. Whether through a kind word in someone’s native language, an expertly placed IV, or a thoughtful snack on a night shift, Bay’s presence makes things better –every single day.
She is the embodiment of what it means to be a Nurse Hero.
It is our absolute honor to nominate Yannan (Bay) Cai for this award. Her story reminds us all that nursing is not only a profession but a calling – one that Bay answers every day with courage, grace, and heart. n H
Scarborough Health Network Austine Gaqui A rd prize
ustine’s journey to becoming a registered nurse in Canada was marked by extreme hardship and perseverance. Uprooting his young family in the Philippines in 2009, he left behind a thriving career as Registered Nurse/ Police Nurse in the hopes of securing a better life for his family. In Canada, Austine’s professional achievements are marked by a significant transition from a janitorial role, a job he held for three years, to a successful nursing career. In Ontario, he faced challenges obtaining his RN registration, leading him to obtain his registration as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) to support his family.
In 2012, his perseverance paid off when he was offered part-time employment as RPN in the nephrology department at Scarborough Health Network (SHN). Later, his dedication led to a full-time position in the hemodialysis unit and subsequent completion of a Nephrology Nursing Certificate at Humber College, which equipped him with specialized skills in a critical area of healthcare. Beyond his clinical excellence, Austine is a mentor, educator, and advocate who has precepted new nurses and students, sharing his knowledge to uplift the next generation of healthcare professionals, highlighting his leadership and mentorship capabilities. As a preceptor, Austine has consistently exhibited a high level of knowledge in hemodialysis practices, ensuring that trainees receive thorough and comprehensive instruction. His ability to effectively communicate complex concepts, provide hands-on training, and foster a supportive learning environment has been instrumental in the professional development of new staff members. His mentorship has not only enhanced the clinical competencies of his trainees but has also contributed to the overall quality of patient care.
Beyond his instructional capabilities, Austine is a strong advocate for patient safety and best practices in dialysis care. His meticulous attention
to detail and adherence to established protocols ensure that patients receive optimal treatment while minimizing or preventing potential risks. His ability to troubleshoot issues, implement best practices, and educate others on safety measures has made a significant impact on the unit’s overall efficiency and quality of care. His responsibilities include on the spot vascular access assessment using non-invasive ultrasound dilution (Transonic) machine to confirm delivered flow, direct recirculation and measure access flow of arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft. Vascular access assessment is crucial for hemodialysis as it ensures proper blood flow for effective waste removal and helps identify potential problems early, preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.
Austine’s volunteer achievements are extensive and impactful. His biggest impact is the empowerment of internationally educated nurses (IENs) to obtain nursing registration/licensure in Canada. As Chair of the Board of Directors, he co-led the founding of the Integrated Fil-Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA) in 2019. Since its founding, IFCNA has helped hundreds of IENs resume their nursing careers in Canada, enhanced their quality of life, and ultimately becoming engaged and productive citizens of Canadian society at a time of severe nursing shortage. Through his collaborative leadership style, he co-led IFCNA in delivering professional development opportunities to IENs to help them transition their nursing knowledge and skills within the Canadian context by providing free mentorship to IENs. His recently forged a memorandum of agreement for clinical enhancement program with the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC), one of the Philippines’ biggest publicly funded tertiary medical centres, to provide placement for IENs, and meet nursing registration requirements in Ontario. The clinical enhancement program aims to provide IENs, who have not practised for more than five
years, with quality clinical exposure to meet the requirements for licensure in the province of Ontario. At the end of the structured supervised practice, nurses who successfully complete the program with satisfactory performance will receive a certificate of training, which can be used as supporting evidence for nursing licensure and safe practice requirements in Canada.
Moreover, he has been a dedicated volunteer providing medical support under the leadership of IFCNA at the summer festival called Fun Philippines Food and Music Festival. His background in the nursing field, coupled with his ability to stay calm and effective under pressure, makes him an outstanding Volunteer Medic. Austine has consistently demonstrated his quick-thinking ability to address both minor and major health concerns, ensuring the safety and well-being of all
attendees of over 250,000. His clinical judgment is sharp, and his compassionate approach is always evident in the way he interacts with patients. He has displayed leadership qualities through mentoring new volunteers, ensuring that they are properly trained and feel confident in handling various situations. Austine is also known for advocacy on environmental sustainability and community services, through volunteering to tree planting, clean up drive, and blood donation campaign.
Austine has received numerous awards, honors, and citations in recognition of his countless contributions to nursing and community service.
To conclude, I strongly recommend Austine for his exemplary contributions as a great mentor, community leader and a strong advocate for internationally educated nurses. n H
Noorin Jamal
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Ihave the extraordinary pleasure of nominating Ms. Noorin Jamal for the 20th annual Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of witnessing Ms. Jamal’s exceptional abilities in clinical care and her remarkable evolution as a leader in the field of cardiovascular nursing.
Since 2010, Ms. Jamal held an extensive role as a Nurse Practitioner. Her transformation of the Nurse Practitioner role within the Schulich Heart Program has been ground-breaking. In her most recent position in the transcatheter mitral valve program, she has adeptly managed patients pre- and post-mitral valve surgery, significantly enhancing clinical care through the development of pathways that uphold best practice standards. Prior to this, she was a pivotal figure in establishing the first Nurse Practitioner-led virtual heart failure clinic within the Schulich Heart Program, showcasing her ability to innovate and lead in clinical settings during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 20 years of nursing experience, Ms. Jamal is not only an accomplished clinician but also a formidable nursing leader. She has made substantial contributions to academia through her diverse teaching roles at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing at the University of Toronto. Additionally, her involvement on the boards of organizations such as the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario and the Canadian Cardiovascular Nursing Association demonstrates her commitment to advancing the fields of Nurse Practitioner and Cardiovascular Care throughout Ontario and beyond.
Ms. Jamal’s excellence in clinical practice has afforded her the opportunity to represent cardiac care as an ambassador at both local and national conferences. Her ability to convey the significance of high-quality care continues to inspire her peers and colleagues. Despite her demanding schedule, Ms. Jamal remains deeply committed
prize
to community service. Her volunteer work at Aga Khan institutions in various capacities – from board member to consultant, focused on addressing healthcare access and education for marginalized populations – driving programming that aligns with the board’s vision for holistic health care, is particularly commendable.
EXAMPLE
One of the most compelling examples of Ms. Jamal’s transformative approach to compassionate care can be illustrated through the story of a 75-year-old patient who was experiencing recurrent decompensated heart failure, a condition that had severely impacted his quality of life and extinguished his hope. When Ms. Jamal first met him, he was in a state of despair, discouraged by the ceaseless hospitalizations that had depleted his motivation and energy.
Recognizing the urgent need for effective intervention, Ms. Jamal prioritized comprehensive education, helping the patient understand his disease and presenting a clear, actionable plan for his care. By empowering him with knowledge, she instilled a sense of ownership in his health journey. She advocated for an aggressive medical therapy regimen, outlining its potential benefits to stabilize his condition and prevent further hospital readmissions. Through consistent encouragement and steadfast support, a remarkable transformation began to unfold. The patient, who once resigned himself to a life of limitations, embraced the therapy regimen under Ms. Jamal’s guidance. This pivotal moment paved the way for the successful completion of his mitral valve procedure. He experienced significant improvements in his health, and reclaimed his life by rediscovering daily pleasures, resulting
in him remaining out of the hospital for three vital months. He reclaimed his vitality and returned to socializing with his friends at the gym.
Ms. Jamal empowers her patients by providing them with vital education and skillfully guiding them through complex medical landscapes. Her holistic approach to care goes beyond mere treatment of conditions; she restores hope and facilitates a path back to fulfilling lives, allowing patients to thrive. For her unwavering dedication to excellence in nursing practice and her tireless advocacy for both her patients and the nursing profession, I can think of no one more deserving of the Nursing Hero Award than Ms. Noorin Jamal. Her commitment to uplifting her patients and the community truly embodies the spirit of this esteemed recognition.
Sincerely, Suzette Turner, RN, MS, ANP(C) n H
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Sheila Hossain
t is with the utmost respect and admiration that I nominate Sheila Hossain for the prestigious Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. Sheila’s exemplary career as a nurse at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has been defined by her unwavering dedication to patient care, her exceptional clinical expertise, and her deep-rooted compassion and empathy. Through her daily work and countless contributions, she has become not just a vital part of the Sunnybrook team but an inspiring role model for her colleagues and a beacon of hope for her patients and their families. Sheila’s professional journey and steadfast commitment to excellence in nursing care make her a truly deserving candidate for this honor.
SHEILA’S JOURNEY TO SUNNYBROOK
Sheila began her career at Sunnybrook in 2008, entering one of the most demanding and high-stakes areas of nursing: trauma critical care. Sunnybrook is renowned as Canada’s largest trauma center, providing life-saving interventions to patients from across Ontario who experience some of the most critical and complex medical emergencies. Sheila stepped into an environment defined by urgency, complexity, and the need for the highest levels of clinical excellence.
From the outset, Sheila distinguished herself with her aptitude for critical care. Her commitment to continual learning and excellence quickly led her to transition into the Trauma Neuro ICU, where she cared for patients suffering from devastating injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and multiple traumas. In this high-pressure environment where every second counts, Sheila proved herself to be a critical member of the team, combining sharp clinical judgment with compassionate, patient-centered care.
THE ROLE OF A TRAUMA ICU NURSE
The role of a Trauma ICU nurse (TICU RN) is among the most de-
manding in healthcare. Trauma ICU nurses are responsible for managing the care of patients suffering from severe trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, burns, gunshot wounds, and other critical injuries. These patients often require immediate life-saving interventions, mechanical ventilation, continuous hemodynamic monitoring, and intricate care planning.
Sheila exemplifies the skill set needed for this challenging role. She is proficient in:
• Advanced patient assessment, recognizing subtle changes in a patient’s condition and acting immediately to prevent deterioration.
• Resuscitation expertise, performing CPR, managing ventilation, stabilizing vital signs, and administering critical medications under pressure.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration, working seamlessly with surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists, and rehabilitation teams to deliver holistic patient care.
• Effective communication and advocacy, ensuring that the patient’s voice is heard even when they cannot advocate for themselves.
Sheila’s ability to combine technical excellence with human connection sets her apart. Her clinical skills are matched by her empathy, calm demeanor, and ability to inspire confidence in patients and colleagues alike.
PROFESSIONALISM AND APPROACH TO PATIENT CARE
One of Sheila’s most outstanding qualities is her unwavering professionalism. She consistently demonstrates preparedness, focus, and resilience, regardless of how chaotic the circumstances may be. Sheila begins each shift by thoroughly reviewing patient reports, preparing meticulously, and ensuring that every intervention is well-planned and intentional. Her presence at the bedside is a source of calm and reassurance. Patients and families immediately sense Sheila’s competence and compassion. Whether managing complex proce-
dures, preparing life-sustaining equipment, or simply holding a frightened patient’s hand, Sheila ensures that every detail is attended to with care and precision.
In the ICU, attention to detail can be the difference between life and death. Sheila’s meticulous organization, situational awareness, and prioritization skills ensure that her patients always receive the safest, highest-quality care.
EXEMPLARY DOCUMENTATION AND COMMUNICATION
Clear, thorough, and precise documentation is critical in critical care nursing, and Sheila’s documentation is second to none. Her patient notes are consistently accurate, comprehensive, and insightful, facilitating seamless communication between interdisciplinary teams.
Beyond written records, Sheila’s verbal communication is equally outstanding. She communicates with patients and families with clarity, empathy, and respect, translating complex medical terminology into understandable language. This fosters trust, empowers families to be active participants in care decisions, and helps ease anxiety during frightening times.
Sheila’s collaborative spirit extends to her colleagues as well. She is known for her ability to articulate patient needs clearly during handovers, contribute meaningfully during rounds, and foster an environment where open dialogue and learning are encouraged. Her communication style strengthens the entire team’s ability to provide coordinated, exceptional care.
EXPERTISE IN CRITICAL CARE AND RESUSCITATION
Sheila’s expertise in critical care and resuscitation is well-known throughout Sunnybrook. In the most intense, high-stakes moments – when seconds matter most – Sheila shines. She remains composed, focused, and ready to intervene swiftly and effectively.
Whether initiating advanced life support protocols, managing emergency intubations, or leading CPR efforts, Sheila’s actions are characterized by precision and calm under pressure. Her leadership during resuscitations has saved lives and inspired colleagues to trust in their own skills and preparation. Her deep knowledge of critical care best practices, paired with her ability to apply them instinctively in emergencies, makes her a backbone of the Trauma ICU.
MENTORSHIP AND DEDICATION TO EDUCATION
Sheila is not only a skilled clinician but also a gifted mentor. She has dedicated herself to supporting the next generation of nurses, recognizing that teaching and mentorship are critical to the future of the profession.
Sheila often takes new nurses under her wing, offering guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback. She is patient, approachable, and generous with her knowledge, creating an environment where colleagues feel safe asking questions and seeking advice. Her mentorship has empowered countless nurses to grow in skill and confidence, contributing to a culture of excellence within the ICU. Through both formal teaching sessions and informal bedside coaching, Sheila exemplifies leadership grounded in humility and service.
COMPASSION AND EMPATHY
In the high-intensity world of trauma nursing, compassion is essential but often difficult to sustain. Yet Sheila consistently embodies empathy in her care. She understands that her patients are not just clinical cases – they are human beings facing some of the most frightening and vulnerable moments of their lives.
Sheila listens deeply to her patients’ fears and concerns, offering emotional support alongside medical care. She
Alberta Health Services Lisa Bell
t is with great honor and heartfelt admiration that we nominate Lisa Bell, RN, Clinical Nurse Educator for the Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART), as a Nurse Hero. Lisa is not only the backbone of CSART – she is the heart, soul, and driving force behind a program that has transformed sexual assault care in Calgary. Her unwavering dedication, clinical excellence, and profound compassion make her not only an exceptional nurse but a true changemaker in our healthcare system.
Lisa has played a central role in shaping CSART into the trauma-informed, inclusive, and compassionate program it is today. Operating out of the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre and extending outreach to all five Calgary hospitals and the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, CSART is a lifeline for countless survivors of sexual assault. What sets it apart – and what Lisa has helped build – is a system rooted in dignity, respect, and healing.
Since joining CSART in 2012, Lisa has worked tirelessly alongside Dr. Kirsten Head to develop and continuously refine the program. Before CSART, survivors were often cared for in crowded emergency rooms by physicians already stretched thin,
Continued from page 26
comforts families struggling to comprehend devastating diagnoses. She grieves losses with dignity and celebrates recoveries with genuine joy. Her ability to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence reflects the very best of nursing.
In moments of tragedy and triumph alike, Sheila’s compassion shines as a beacon of humanity in a field that demands it most.
A ROLE MODEL AND NURSING HERO
Sheila Hossain is more than a dedicated trauma nurse – she is a role model, a teacher, a leader, and an inspiration. Her professionalism, clin-
many without the specialized training necessary for this deeply sensitive work. Through Lisa’s leadership, CSART has become a gold standard for trauma-informed care – providing forensic support, medical treatment, and compassionate advocacy in a holistic, patient-centered environment.
Lisa’s title may be Clinical Nurse Educator, but her role extends far beyond the expected. She is a clinical expert, a systems thinker, a passionate educator, and a fierce advocate for both patients and staff. She has led the development of training programs for nurses and physicians across Calgary, including those in rural and urban emergency departments, ensuring that all healthcare providers who may encounter a survivor are equipped to deliver trauma-informed care. She has built lasting partnerships with agencies throughout the community, fostering collaboration that strengthens patient support far beyond the hospital walls.
finalist 5
Her colleagues describe her as the steady voice of reason in the face of clinical complexity or emotional tur-
ical expertise, unwavering empathy, and commitment to mentorship have left an indelible mark on Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Sheila embodies the essence of a Nursing Hero. She lifts up her patients, strengthens her colleagues, and represents the very best of the nursing profession. Her tireless dedication has saved lives, comforted grieving families, and built a stronger, more resilient healthcare community.
It is with heartfelt enthusiasm that I nominate Sheila Hossain for the Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. She is profoundly deserving of this recognition, and she continues to inspire all of us lucky enough to work beside her. n H
moil. “I’ve got a bit of an odd one” is a common way conversations start with Lisa – and no matter how complex the situation, she is there, calmly offering wisdom, guidance, and support. Whether she’s debriefing with a nurse after a tough case, advising on forensic protocols, or answering a late-night call during a software rollout, Lisa shows up – without hesitation and always with empathy.
One of Lisa’s most impactful innovations was spearheading a pilot project to streamline how patients are admitted to CSART services. By creating a direct-admit pathway, she helped reduce the number of times a survivor must recount their experience – an act that both honors the patient’s emotional well-being and enhances the quality of care. She was also instrumental during the Connect Care launch, making herself available 24/7 to help staff navigate new systems and reduce stress during an already intense transition.
Lisa’s leadership is not top-down; it’s lived. She leads by example – working extra shifts, covering for colleagues, and always being available to those who need her. She has built a culture of mutual support, trust, and accountability within CSART that has made a lasting impression on the entire team. Staff turnover is remarkably low, not
only because people feel valued and heard, but because Lisa fosters professional development with care, respect, and a deep belief in every nurse’s potential. Many current leaders within the team credit Lisa for mentoring them with patience and encouragement during their formative years.
Perhaps the most telling testament to Lisa’s impact is the confidence her colleagues have in her. Time and again, they say: “I would trust Lisa to care for my own family.” That trust, that deep-rooted belief in her integrity, skill, and compassion, speaks louder than any metric or award.
Lisa Bell has created a legacy that will continue to uplift and empower survivors of sexual assault for years to come. Her relentless advocacy has reshaped how healthcare is delivered to one of society’s most vulnerable populations. She has changed lives – not just through the care she’s delivered personally, but through the systems she’s built, the professionals she’s educated, and the hope she’s restored.
In a world where nursing heroes often go unrecognized, Lisa’s work deserves the spotlight. She exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, to serve with purpose, and to never stop striving for excellence. Without her, CSART simply wouldn’t be what it is today.
We are beyond proud to nominate Lisa Bell as a true Nurse Hero. Her legacy is one of healing, humanity, and unwavering dedication. n H
Ruth Chase Southlake Health HM honourable mention
Ruth Chase has been an outstanding nurse in the Mental Health Unit at Southlake Regional Health Centre since December 2011. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and compassionate care that is evident in her day-to-day work. Ruth completed her nursing education in England, earning qualifications as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, Registered General Nurse, and Certified Midwife. Over the course of her career, she has worked in three countries – England, Barbados, and Canada – always maintaining a dedicated focus on mental health care.
Ruth’s broad and diverse experience spans several esteemed institutions:
Mount Sinai Hospital: Specialized in Dissociative Identity Disorder, Small Group Therapy, and Psychotherapy.
Toronto General Hospital: Specialized in Eating Disorders.
Mackenzie Health: Worked in General Inpatient Mental Health, the Schizophrenia Clinic, and the Day Hospital Program.
Southlake Regional Health Centre: General Inpatient Mental Health.
St. Elizabeth Health Care: Served as a Visiting Nurse for Mental Health patients.
Having worked across a wide range of mental health settings, Ruth has developed a profound understanding of the complexities of the human psyche. She recognizes that circumstances and experiences shape each individual’s mind, and she uses this understanding to guide her compassionate, patient-centered care.
Ruth’s approach to nursing is characterized by her compassion, flexibility, and non-judgmental attitude. Her dayto-day interactions with patients and staff alike demonstrate her adaptability and commitment to excellent care. Nu-
DO YOU HAVE EMPLOYEES NOT COVERED BY THE HOSPITAL’S GROUP HEALTH PLAN?
There is a solution. Introducing the Health Care Providers Group Insurance Plan, a distinctive program designed to either supplement your existing coverage or provide a comprehensive option, all without increasing hospital expenses.
Coverage is tailored to meet the needs of your workforce and can help protect them from unexpected events.
For employees already covered by a spouse's or another group plan, there's an exclusive option including Life, ADD&D, and LTD coverage, all for under $32 per month. Peace of mind at an exceptional value.
HCP honours the invaluable contributions of nurses. Join us in recognizing their efforts! Reach out to HCP today for more details.
merous times, Ruth has gone above and beyond to accommodate the needs of distressed patients, offering psychoeducation, emotional support, and crisis intervention whenever needed.
She is particularly skilled at working with patients facing dual diagnoses, providing the nuanced, flexible approach they require. Ruth also excels in family interactions, offering support and guidance to caregivers and ensuring that the voices of patients and families are always heard. Her dedication to maintaining high standards of patient autonomy, informed consent, and ethical practice sets her apart.
One of Ruth’s many strengths is her steadfast advocacy for her patients’ physical health needs. She consistently ensures that patients receive necessary physical health examinations and attend hospital specialist appointments during their admission to the mental health unit – demonstrating her commitment to holistic, integrated care. Ruth’s risk assessments and treatment reviews are of the highest standard, and she is recognized by her colleagues as a safe, competent, and highly effective nurse.
In February 2025, Southlake’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) team recognized Ruth for her contributions to Black excellence across the organization. This recognition celebrated her 12 years of dedicated service and highlighted the profound impact that mental health nurses like Ruth have on patients and the broader community.
Ruth’s work is pivotal in helping individuals regain their ability to care for themselves, their families, and others who depend on them. She creates safe, supportive environments where patients can address deeply rooted challenges that often hinder their well-being. While the work can be emotionally demanding, Ruth finds deep fulfillment in standing by those who need her most, offering compassion, dignity, and hope.
Born in Barbados, a small island in the Eastern Caribbean with predomi-
nantly African and British influences, Ruth brings a global perspective to her nursing practice. Growing up in such a diverse environment, then pursuing nursing education in England and working internationally, has given Ruth a rich and empathetic understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and life experiences. This cultural awareness informs her approach to care, ensuring that every patient feels seen, respected, and valued.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ruth is also a Registered Metaphysical Minister, having officiated several weddings – including those of Southlake colleagues. Her deep sense of community, spirituality, and service extends far beyond her clinical role, enriching the lives of those around her in countless ways.
Ruth Chase exemplifies the spirit of a Nursing Hero. Through her unwavering commitment to patient care, her exceptional clinical skills, her advocacy for both mental and physical health, and her dedication to supporting families and caregivers, Ruth has made a lasting impact on countless lives. She brings empathy, knowledge, and a profound sense of purpose to every interaction, uplifting patients and inspiring her colleagues. It is with great pride and admiration that we nominate Ruth Chase for the Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. Her remarkable career, exceptional character, and enduring contributions to mental health care make her truly deserving of this honor. n H
Strength. Dedication. Compassion.
We celebrate the amazing nurses who provide comfort, care, and support to patients every day. Your compassion and expertise are unmatched, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do. Thank you for being healthcare heroes!
Jhanvi Solanki
Humber River Health
hanvi Solanki is not just a leader – she is a transformative force in Canadian healthcare. As Vice President of Clinical Programs at Humber River Health, she is among the few racialized women to hold a senior executive leadership role in a large, acute care hospital. Jhanvi carries this responsibility with humility, strength, and fierce dedication, inspiring those around her through her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to change.
JIn a healthcare system where executive representation has historically lacked diversity, Jhanvi has paved the way for racialized female leaders to thrive. She does not simply occupy a role; she redefines what leadership can and should be – empathetic, inclusive,
people-centered, and rooted in both strategic excellence and lived experience. Her presence challenges outdated norms and opens doors for future generations of diverse leaders, setting a powerful example through both her words and actions.
Under Jhanvi’s leadership, the Surgical Program at Humber River Health has flourished. She has spearheaded major advancements, including the expansion of the robotics program, the implementation of surgical navigation technologies like Intellijoint, and the rollout of the innovative High-Efficiency Hip and Knee Procedural Throughput (H-HPT) Model. These initiatives have significantly improved access to timely surgical care, enhanced patient outcomes, and reduced operational costs. Jhanvi’s abili-
ty to drive innovation while remaining deeply connected to frontline realities demonstrates a rare and invaluable balance of vision and pragmatism.
However, Jhanvi’s greatest impact extends beyond operational success. She is deeply committed to creating space for others, especially women of color, to lead. She actively mentors, encourages, and challenges emerging nurse leaders to find their voices and step confidently into leadership roles. Her approach is rooted in Humber River Health’s core values of compassion, accountability, respect, and teamwork – values she exemplifies every day.
HMman experience. She understands that behind every metric and every policy are patients, families, and healthcare workers whose lives are directly affected. This rare combination of head and heart leadership has earned her widespread respect among her colleagues and staff.
honourable mention
Jhanvi’s leadership is characterized not only by what she accomplishes but by how she accomplishes it. She leads with empathy, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of collective impact. In every decision she makes, she weighs both the data and the hu-
More than a healthcare executive, Jhanvi Solanki is a nursing hero. She represents the future of nursing leadership: diverse, dynamic, courageous, and deeply human. Through her work, she is not only shaping better healthcare outcomes but also building a more inclusive, compassionate future for the entire system.
For her vision, her courage, and her relentless advocacy for both patients and future leaders, Jhanvi Solanki is profoundly deserving of the title of Nursing Hero. n H
Jackie Marquez
Trillium Health Partners
Iam writing to nominate my colleague Jackie (Milagros) Marquez as a Nursing Hero for 2025.
Jackie has worked at Trillium Health Partners (THP) as a Registered Nurse for over 20 years, most recently as Clinical Educator at the Moir Family Centre for Complex Continuing Care unit at the Queensway Health Centre.
Jackie is passionate about teaching and mentoring nurses at all stages of their careers – from new hires at THP, to new nurses on our unit, and staff who wish to expand their professional knowledge and acquire new skills. Jackie has taken a particular interest in teaching staff who are new to healthcare, notably through her leadership role with the development and im-
plementation of our Clinical Externship program at THP. This program has allowed THP to train student nurses, and students from other health professions, to support many areas of the hospital when pandemic staffing shortages impacted us severely.
In addition, Jackie has played a pivotal role in supporting internationally educated nurses who are new to Canada and striving to continue their nursing careers here. This critical work has supported the growth of the nursing profession in Ontario during a time when recruitment and retention were particularly difficult.
HM
honourable mention
#NursingWeek2025
The role of Clinical Educator is perfect for Jackie, as she has a knack for providing feedback in a sensitive way and teaches complex information so that her audience can confidently incorporate new skills into daily practice.
Jackie is an experienced registered nurse with a true passion for providing the highest-quality patient- and family-centered care. An example that stands out is during the early days of the pandemic, when she volunteered to support neighboring long-term care facilities. At that time, COVID-19 had severely impacted these facilities with outbreaks, staff illness, and visitor restrictions. Jackie provided a wide range of supports including feeding residents at mealtimes, providing personal care, assessing resident well-being, and reinforcing best practices for infection prevention and control.
At great personal toll to herself and her family, Jackie remained committed to helping others at THP and in the broader community. I am confident
that Jackie’s generous contributions made a significant difference to the quality of life for many residents in these facilities.
Jackie is also an expert in wound prevention and healing. When teaching new and experienced staff alike, she shares her passion for providing the best possible care to our long-stay patient population.
Jackie exemplifies dedication, passion for nursing, and a commitment to giving of herself to others. I know she would be an outstanding recipient of this year’s Nursing Hero Award.
Jackie continues to bring joy to her team and treats each member like family. She is also a skilled corporate “choreographer” for videos and promotional activities during our celebration weeks. As a founding member of our unit’s “Fun Club,” her mission is always to bring the team together – because at Trillium Health Partners we are truly “better together.” n H
Vivene Taylor Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
The Veterans Nursing Resource Team (VCNRT) are an adaptable mix of cross-trained nurses who are oriented to Sunnybrook and prepared to provide excellence in patient care. This team of float nurses reinforces care delivery by enhancing patient safety, promoting knowledge sharing, facilitating skill exchange, and driving innovative practice. By filling staffing gaps across three campuses, the NRTs ensure continuity of care while reducing the strain on unitbased staff and helping to minimize operational costs associated with agency nurse utilization.
It is an honor to nominate Vivene Taylor, RPN, for the Nursing Hero Award. Having worked on Veterans and Palliative Care Units for many years,
Vivene consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional nurse and is a true hero to her patients, their families, and her colleagues.
What truly sets Vivene apart is her unwavering person-centered approach. She not only provides excellent care to her residents and their families but also fosters positive relationships with her nursing colleagues, interprofessional team members, support staff, and unit leaders. As one colleague noted, Vivene consistently goes “above and beyond in providing excellence in care for the patients and is always there to support her colleagues.”
Several testimonials highlight Vivene’s remarkable dedication and willingness to assist others. A new graduate shared a story of a night shift where:
“VIVENE CONSISTENTLY GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND IN PROVIDING EXCELLENCE IN CARE FOR THE PATIENTS AND IS ALWAYS THERE TO SUPPORT HER COLLEAGUES.”
“Vivene stepped in right away without thinking twice to do the morning care for those patients before she did care for her own patients” after a staff member on the unit became unwell.
In another example, a new graduate recalled:
“Vivene went across the unit to [a different quad] and assisted the other nurses with a new admission.”
This selfless act demonstrates Vivene’s immediate response to the needs of others and her commitment to patient well-being across units.
Furthermore, a nurse from LSSW shared that Vivene has “always been patient-focused” and would often forgo her breaks because she “strongly believed that these patients/veterans deserve the best care.” This level of dedication reflects her deep commitment to her patients and her understanding of the unique needs within the Veterans Centre (VC), which she considers a “special” and unique healthcare space.
Vivene even sought additional review of nursing skills on her own time to better support her work across multiple units and assist new hires during orientation. On one occasion, she proactively sought guidance and involved a new colleague to ensure the correct procedure for a blood transfusion was followed – showcasing her commitment to both patient safety and mentorship.
honourable mention
Vivene is also praised by her peers as a strong team player who is: “always there for everyone and will always offer a lending hand no matter the situation.”
Her proactive approach to learning and willingness to work collaboratively wherever she is scheduled is commendable. As the APN lead for VCNRT orientation observed, Vivene shared:
“strategies she found useful, with wisdom, thoughtfulness, and respect for others’ perspectives,”during discussions about nursing assignments.
Vivene’s dedication extends to upholding Sunnybrook’s mission and values, “always ensuring quality care that is safe and based on best practices and Sunnybrook and VC policies and procedures.” Her detailed documentation in PointClickCare further demonstrates thorough assessments, appropriate interventions, and timely communication with the healthcare team and families.
Even during times of increased stress – whether from changing policies, staffing shortages, or added responsibilities – Vivene’s outstanding contributions remain consistent and inspiring.
In conclusion, Vivene Taylor’s unwavering dedication to her patients, her steadfast support of her colleagues, and her commitment to providing high-quality, safe care based on best practices make her an ideal candidate for the Nursing Hero Award. Her actions truly embody the spirit of nursing excellence, making her a hero in the eyes of everyone she serves and works alongside. n H
Oak Valley Health
W Colleen Gee
e have the great pleasure of nominating Colleen Gee, a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator at the Adult Diabetes Education Centre (ADEC), for the Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice.
Colleen has been an integral part of ADEC for over 15 years and has been with our organization for even longer. Although she works part-time, Colleen brings full-time passion, diligence, and care to every interaction with her patients. Her knowledge, experience, and ability to form trusting relationships have earned her deep respect from the patient community.
Colleen’s impact extends beyond direct patient care. She helps her colleagues grow by encouraging them to think critically and problem-solve independently – a rare and invaluable skill. She doesn’t simply provide
COLLEEN’S IMPACT EXTENDS BEYOND DIRECT PATIENT CARE. SHE HELPS HER COLLEAGUES GROW BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO THINK CRITICALLY AND PROBLEM-SOLVE INDEPENDENTLY – A RARE AND INVALUABLE
SKILL
answers; she teaches others to find solutions, fostering long-term growth within the team.
Colleen is highly respected for her clinical expertise, compassion, leadership, and advocacy skills. Here’s what some of her colleagues have said:
“I always feel incredibly fortunate to have Colleen as my close teammate. She is not only an exceptional nurse but also deeply passionate about caring for her patients. I am constantly impressed by her extensive nursing
knowledge, her calm and comforting tone, and the number of patients who express their gratitude for her support. She is more than deserving of this recognition.”
tient-related, or operational. Colleen’s ability to troubleshoot and streamline processes is invaluable.
From a clinical perspective, she excels at educating and supporting all ADEC patients, no matter how complex their needs. In the past two years, Colleen has taken the lead in expanding her expertise in managing Type 1 diabetes patients on insulin pumps. Her calm demeanor allows patients to relax and trust her guidance.
HM honourable mention
Another colleague shared:
“It is with great pleasure that I nominate Colleen for this award. Although I don’t work with her regularly, I’ve long admired her knowledge and skills in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes management. She handles a wide variety of patient populations, including those with complex needs, pump users, and non-pump users. Despite the complexity of her caseload, Colleen maintains professionalism and kindness. Her calm demeanor helps patients feel at ease, and her guidance during our team huddles and discussions has greatly expanded my knowledge.”
“Colleen consistently steps up when needed – taking on additional patients when we are short-staffed, covering inpatient educator duties, and advocating tirelessly for her patients by working closely with families and physicians. Her sincerity makes it easy for colleagues to approach her, and she builds strong trust within the team through her encouragement and support.”
Colleen’s leadership qualities have also been instrumental to the success of our clinic. Our Team Lead shared:
“Over the past year, I have heavily relied on Colleen’s judgement and insights to resolve clinic issues. She brings forward thoughtful ideas and solutions, but more importantly, she helps team members work through concerns – whether clinical, pa-
Beyond patient care, Colleen actively mentors her teammates, sharing her advanced skills generously. Her willingness to teach and her humility have made her a trusted resource. As a Team Lead, I highly respect and depend on her judgement and encouragement.”
Colleen’s excellence extends beyond her team to the wider multi-disciplinary community. One of the endocrinologists she collaborates with stated:
“I am fortunate to have worked closely with Colleen for over 10 years. She genuinely cares for patients, demonstrates empathy, and makes them feel heard, respected, and empowered.
She has also excelled in her clinical knowledge, which she uses both to educate patients and assist her colleagues. Colleen creates a positive and safe atmosphere, showing respect and acceptance to everyone she works with.”
Colleen embodies the values of patient-centered care, professional mentorship, clinical excellence, and compassionate leadership. Her dedication not only improves the lives of her patients but also strengthens our entire healthcare team.
We are truly proud to nominate Colleen Gee for the Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. She exemplifies everything a Nursing Hero should be, and we are grateful every day for her contributions to our patients and our clinic. n H
Providing outstanding care while staying in budget.
Together we’re
Delivering the best care shouldn’t mean disregarding your budget.
We believe that innovative care should be available to all patients. That is why we have dedicated ourselves to developing the wound care technologies that are as kind to patients as they are the bottom line. By shaping innovations for all, we’re shaping what’s possible.
s a member of the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), Rebecca’s role is the TAVI, MitraClip/ Triclip, and Mitral Valve-in-Valve Coordinator. I am continuously impressed by Rebecca’s approach to patient care – always placing the needs of patients and their families at the center of everything she does.
A Rebecca Collier Doyle University Health Network HM honourable
Her role is complex, requiring daily collaboration with clinical professionals across multiple departments, programs, and hospitals. Through her kind approach, she ensures that patients and their family members experience a smooth journey as they move toward their procedure date. Feedback from her colleagues and patients paints a clear picture of what an exceptional nurse Rebecca is.
One of her colleagues shared:
“It is rare to find someone as hardworking as Rebecca. What is even more
special is to find someone who cares so much about each and every patient interaction. She comes to work every day ready to give her best. She puts her heart and soul, as well as her many talents, into her job. It’s been a privilege to work with Rebecca for the last several years and to witness firsthand the dedication and quality of patient care that comes through when you truly love the work you do.”
mention
Rebecca’s dedication shines through in her persistence to find answers and advocate for urgent follow-ups when necessary. A physician within the PMCC notes:
“Rebecca is so altruistic, you can’t say ‘no’ to her. There is a kindness
and a warmth to her that’s unlike any other nurse I’ve worked with. Her kind approach is what makes her so effective in her role.”
Rebecca’s patients and their families recognize her profound nursing abilities. She has received numerous letters of gratitude, including:
***
“I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your exceptional coordination during my mother’s recent procedure. The procedure went smoothly, and she is now in the process of recovering. Your professionalism and compassion throughout the entire process did not go unnoticed. Your ability to navigate such a complex situation with ease helped to alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding the day. Your clear and timely communication, as well as your attention to detail, truly set you apart. My family and I are incredibly grateful for all that you have done. UHN is fortunate to have someone like you who embodies healthcare excellence, particularly in the front-line staff who set their organization apart from the rest. Rebecca should be commended for her dedication, professionalism, and compassion.”
***
“Hi Rebecca, I wanted to make sure that I thanked you for setting up and organizing my MitraClip procedure. For a variety of reasons, it took me over two years of advocating for myself and help from people like you to get my life back with this procedure, and I would like to make sure that you know how much you and your colleagues as well are appreciated. When facing health challenges, it really helps to have someone like you be so pleasant to deal with. It means a lot. Thank you again and hopefully, I won’t require your services in the future!”
Rebecca is one of the most exceptional nurses I have had the privilege of working with. She proactively leads departmental initiatives to enhance patient assessment and streamline processes, ensuring faster access to procedures. She works effectively with minimal supervision and seeks support appropriately when needed. Every effort she makes embodies the core value of the PMCC: putting patients first.
Rebecca Collier Doyle truly is a nursing hero and deserves all the recognition she receives. Thank you for taking the time to read Rebecca’s nomination and for your careful consideration. n H
Melinda Crisolago
Mackenzie Health
I
t is my honour to nominate Melinda Crisolago for the Nursing Hero Award for 2025.
By way of background, I have been a patient of the Mackenzie Health Oncology Clinic for the past 19 years, receiving ongoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy under the care of Dr. Matilda Ng. I want to thank you for the opportunity to highlight the vitally important role Melinda has played – and continues to play – in my treatment journey. Her care, expertise, and compassion have been nothing short of life-changing.
My earliest and most vivid memory of Melinda dates back to the very beginning of my treatment in 2005. She immediately sensed my nervousness and calmly, carefully explained what lay ahead: the treatment plan, potential side effects, and the steps I could take to maximize success. From that very first conversation, Melinda conveyed a powerful message – that this was a partnership and that I was not in this alone. That reassurance gave me tremendous strength and confidence to face what lay ahead. Since then, I have been fortunate to have Melinda as one of my primary nurses. Over the years, she has demonstrated excellence in four key areas that I believe make her more than deserving of this award:
MELINDA PUTS THE PATIENT FIRST
Melinda’s approach always begins and ends with what is best for the patient. Cancer treatment involves a series of overwhelming decisions, even for the most well-informed patients. Whether the decision is straightforward – such as when to insert a port – or more complex, like changing drug regimens, Melinda ensures I am empowered with the information I need. Recently, when I had to switch drug treatments, the pharmaceutical materials outlined a dizzying array of potential side effects. Melinda contextualized this informa-
tion, sharing her experience of which side effects were most common and which were rare, setting realistic expectations. Her practical, grounded advice prepared me both mentally and physically, reducing unnecessary anxiety.
Melinda’s technical expertise is equally remarkable. She administers chemotherapy with great skill, tailoring her approach to my specific reactions and history. For instance, when administering a new drug with the potential for severe reactions, she adjusted the infusion rate to minimize risks – a subtle but life-saving measure that I only later fully appreciated.
MELINDA UNDERSTANDS THAT CARE DOESN’T END WHEN THE CHEMO SESSION ENDS
True to her holistic philosophy, Melinda’s care extends beyond the walls of the clinic. Between treatments, unexpected issues inevitably arise –rashes, fevers, weakness – all causing immense distress. Recently, after starting a new medication, I developed a severe rash. Uncertain whether it was
honourable mention
dangerous, I called the clinic. Within 30 minutes, Melinda contacted me directly, having already consulted my doctor and arranged for a prescription. She explained what to expect over the next 48 hours and followed up with me personally.
This commitment to continuity of care makes all the difference in the cancer journey. Melinda doesn’t just deliver chemotherapy; she ensures that patients feel supported every step of the way.
MELINDA ANTICIPATES PROBLEMS AND FINDS SOLUTIONS
Melinda’s forward-thinking approach repeatedly prevents complications before they occur. She identified early signs of toenail deformity – a side effect of treatment – and immediately arranged for a podiatry referral, preventing an infection that could have derailed my chemotherapy schedule. She even coached me on how to communicate with the podiatrist to ensure appropriate care.
Another example: when my oncologist suggested submitting my medical history to a California research orga-
nization exploring new drug combinations, Melinda managed the intricate process of gathering medical records and samples. When the first courier shipment was lost, she calmly organized everything again, ensuring the application was submitted. Her perseverance and resourcefulness ensured that valuable feedback on potential future treatments was obtained.
Melinda doesn’t wait for problems to escalate – she proactively addresses challenges with creativity, skill, and relentless determination.
MELINDA IS A LEADER
Beyond her personal patient care, Melinda is a recognized leader among her peers. I have witnessed numerous nurses seek her advice on everything from medication protocols to complex scheduling challenges. She provides guidance calmly, patiently, and supportively.
Her commitment to mentorship is equally inspiring. Melinda has invited newer nurses to observe complex procedures, such as accessing difficult chemotherapy ports. She carefully supervises them, building their confidence and skills. She doesn’t have to take this extra time – but she does, knowing that strengthening her team ultimately benefits patient care.
Melinda embodies leadership not through hierarchy, but through service – sharing her expertise, lifting others, and setting a high standard for excellence in oncology nursing.
I am immensely grateful to be one of the many patients who have benefited from Melinda Crisolago’s extraordinary care. Her technical skill, patient-first philosophy, holistic approach, foresight, and leadership set her apart. Every day, she demonstrates what it means to be a true Nursing Hero.
I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than Melinda. Her dedication has transformed my cancer journey from one of fear and uncertainty into one of hope and resilience. n H
Jenny Jones Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Jenny Jones is a Nursing Hero that came into our lives on August 29, 2024, at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in D4 ICU, during a very difficult time for our family. Her presence, skills, and ability to connect with all of us made the difference. Everyone needs to be cared for by a “Jenny,” and she is truly deserving of recognition for her exceptional nursing skills that touched the mind, body, and spirit of our entire family. We are forever grateful to her. Here is our story. My husband, Edwin Alejandro Cocco (Alex), unexpectedly found himself fighting for his life following a seven-hour surgery on August 27th. Earlier that summer, he had been diag-
nosed with a very rare neuroendocrine insulinoma cancer of the pancreas. The Whipple surgery was put forward as the best chance of extending his life. At the same time, our oldest daughter, Malaya, was scheduled to begin her first year at Queens University and move into residence on August 31st. It was a daunting task for the whole family given the circumstances. Alex had anticipated this milestone for years and wanted to ensure his daughters lived life fully, not burdened by his illness.
HM honourable mention
National Nursing Week is a special time to celebrate the nursing profession and excellence of nurses worldwide. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” perfectly encapsulates the nursing profession and the incredible work our nurses do here at The Ottawa Hospital.
Nursing Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions that each and every one of you has made – and continues to make – to our patients, our hospital and our community.
Our dedicated team of over 4,500 registered nurses forms the foundation of patientcentred care. Their impact is felt with every interaction at every corner of our hospital, from emergency departments and specialized clinics to community outreach programs and research initiatives.
Over 4,000 nurses work at The Ottawa Hospital; the largest group of healthcare professionals at one of Canada’s biggest hospitals. It is nurses who are at the core of care teams and at patients’ bedsides 24/7, bringing the hospital’s mission to life by providing exceptional and compassionate care. I cannot thank you enough for your incredible efforts and invaluable expertise.
Our nurses’ contributions extend beyond the bedside. They influence and lead education, research, policy and health-care advocacy.
This year’s Nursing Week theme is “Our Nurses. Our Future.” which recognizes the many roles that nurses play in a patient’s health-care journey. Nursing is a demanding profession, requiring many different and difficult skills. You must be efficient, decisive, patient, respectful, empathetic, strong and careful; on top of that you are held to exceptionally high standards. And yet you do it with professionalism and humility every day.
Their dedication to championing new models of care, advancing evidence-based practices, driving research and innovation and expanding their skills are vital in transforming health care. In an ever-evolving environment, their work ensures we continue to provide world-class, compassionate care to our patients and community, while inspiring and supporting future generations of nurses.
On behalf of your family at The Ottawa Hospital, I am honoured to pass on a great deal of thanks and respect for all that you do. Happy Nursing Week!
As a nurse of more than 30 years, I am immensely proud of our profession. On behalf of everyone at The Ottawa Hospital, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all nurses for all you do.
Happy Nursing Week!
Suzanne Madore
Kevin Peters RN, Executive Director, Clinical Operations
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Executive
When we met Jenny, Alex was intubated, sedated, and medically paralyzed. She immediately took an interest in learning about Alex as a person – what motivated him, who he was, and the important things about our family. Even though he was unable to communicate directly, she instinctively saw his will to fight. Her warmth and competence were evident from the first moment we met her, creating an immediate sense of trust and comfort.
We had the privilege of Jenny caring for Alex for five consecutive days in the D4 Critical Care ICU. During this time, her ability to connect with Alex and her clinical expertise became invaluable. Jenny assured us that she and the care team would look after Alex while we moved Malaya into residence. Before we left, we gathered around Alex’s bed, said our goodbyes, and Jenny said, “We got this… he would want you to go… I will keep you fully updated… you can call anytime.”
Her energy and conviction made an incredibly difficult decision more manageable and positive.
While at Queens, we surrendered to the unknown and trusted the extraordinary skills of the care team. Jenny communicated continuously and advised us that Alex’s procedure had been a success. Only six hours after returning from the OR, Jenny sent a video: Alex, though still intubated, miraculously lifted his arms to show Malaya his progress. Jenny’s encouragement and thoughtfulness made that moment possible – an unforgettable gift that demonstrated how one special person can extend their care far beyond the patient.
Jenny instinctively knew that Alex needed “wins” to fuel his recovery. Understanding his athletic background, she assisted him to sit at the side of the bed while he was still connected to multiple life-supporting devices. This small but powerful act strengthened his resolve to fight for recovery.
JENNY JONES BECAME MORE THAN A NURSE TO OUR FAMILY; SHE WAS A LIFELINE, A SUPPORTER, AND A TRUSTED FRIEND.
Upon returning from Queens, Jenny was there again, welcoming us warmly. She discovered that our youngest daughter, Lola, was interested in nursing and immediately began explaining procedures and involving Lola in appropriate ways. Through these moments, Jenny empowered Lola to feel engaged and helpful during a time that otherwise felt overwhelming. Watching them care for Alex together was a beautiful and enduring memory.
Even after Alex’s initial surgical recovery moved to other units, Jenny continued to visit, offering smiles, encouragement, and genuine connection. Later, when Alex returned to Sunnybrook ICU in December as his cancer progressed, Jenny was the one to welcome us again – on New Year’s Eve, no less. Her presence was a source
of tremendous comfort during an uncertain and painful time.
Alex remained in ICU for ten days and, despite his serious condition, found strength through Jenny’s support. She talked with him about hiking and adventures, sharing inside jokes and building a relationship that extended beyond caregiver and patient. Alex referred to her as his “Guardian Angel.”
During another hospital stay, Jenny again welcomed Alex back and created yet another moment of hope and strength. Recognizing that Alex needed a morale boost, she returned the next day with a bracelet she made for him that read “Battle Ready.” Jenny’s encouragement inspired Alex to push himself – rigging up a system for him to carry his IV bags like a back-
pack so he could walk with pride and determination.
Alex wore that bracelet constantly. It became a symbol of his strength and mindset. When visitors worried about him, Alex would simply hold up his arm to show his “Battle Ready” bracelet and reassure them, saying, “It’s okay… I’m battle ready… we got this.”
Sadly, Alex passed away before his third scheduled procedure, but he did so wearing the bracelet Jenny gave him – a lasting symbol of his courage, resilience, and the extraordinary care he received.
Jenny Jones became more than a nurse to our family; she was a lifeline, a supporter, and a trusted friend. Her ability to tap into Alex’s strength, her timely presence during critical moments, and her unwavering compassion made an indelible impact on all of us. She truly embodies everything a Nursing Hero should be.
Nominated by: Shelly, Malaya & Lola on behalf of Edwin Alejandro “Alex” Cocco (Jan 18, 1974-Mar 17, 2025) n H
S Francesca Valdez Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre HM honourable mention
unnybrook Health Sciences Centre is home to one of Ontario’s leading Regional Stroke Centres, providing expert emergency stroke care, specialized inpatient treatment, and prevention services. As an interprofessional team, they care for the largest volume of stroke patients in the Greater Toronto Area. Within the organization, the Neurovascular Unit (NVU) is one of the busiest, moving patients from the emergency department through various tests and life-saving procedures, into neurovascular critical care, Level 1, and the ward. Despite this rapid pace, the team ensures seamless, high-quality care.
At the heart of the NVU is Francesca Valdez, Registered Nurse – a true nursing hero. With unwavering compassion, she advocates for patients, supports colleagues, mentors new nurses, fosters a positive work culture, and drives initiatives to enhance
care. In this fast-moving environment, Francesca’s dedication ensures both patients and staff thrive.
Francesca has made a profound impact on stroke patients and their families, providing not only expert nursing care but also essential emotional support during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Motivated to bring hope to patients and show the team the meaningful impact of their work, she launched the “NVU Graduates” project. This initiative shares inspiring stories of stroke survivors who have recovered and left the hospital, giving current patients and families hope while celebrating the incredible work of the healthcare team.
Providing outstanding care while staying in budget.
Together we’re
TESTIMONIALS:
• Dr. Christine Hawkes, Neurovascular Medical Director:
“Francesca has been an exceptional colleague and high-performing Team Leader on the B4 Neurovascular Unit. She is dedicated to offering quality patient care and constantly strives to improve the experience for patients and families. Her NVU Graduates initiative showcases her innovative and compassionate approach. I love working with Francesca, a true nursing hero!”
• Megan McPolland, Social Worker:
“Francesca’s professionalism and ability to go beyond not only for the staff but also for her patients does not go unnoticed. Her use of quality improvement knowledge uplifts patients’ morale and staff. Her dedication and hard work are evident in everything she does.”
• Delores Clayton, Patient Service Partner:
“Francesca is amazing. She’s a people’s person. She has patience, listens, cares for your needs, and helps in the best way she can.”
• Rocio Alcantara, Patient Administrative Associate:
“Francesca is a humble, dedicated, friendly person who gets along well with coworkers and the entire medical team. She shows compassion when interacting with patients and
empowers her team members, providing them with the support they need. She teaches others in a way that builds confidence.”
• Christine Arroyo-Simpao, Registered Nurse:
“Francesca is a knowledgeable, approachable, and motivating instructor and colleague. She has coached me supportively through caring for deteriorating patients, building my confidence as a novice nurse.”
• Katrina Lazo, Advance Practice Nurse:
“Francesca’s compassion and creativity shine in everything she does –whether comforting nervous patients, teaching in an engaging way, or adding a personal touch to care. Even her bright-coloured scrubs reflect her vibrant, uplifting personality. She’s not just a nurse; she’s a spark of joy and a reminder of the kindness that makes healthcare so much more than a job.” Francesca Valdez exemplifies the very essence of nursing. She is an unwavering advocate, an inspiring mentor, and a steadfast leader. Her tireless dedication to enhancing patient care, supporting her colleagues, and driving innovation sets her apart. Francesca’s impact is felt by everyone she encounters, making her a true hero in every sense of the word. It is with great admiration and respect that she is nominated for the Nursing Hero Award. n H
Ingrid Champagnie Scarborough Hospital Network HM
It is my honour to nominate Ingrid Champagnie for the Nursing Hero Award.
Ingrid has been a dedicated emergency nurse and leader at Scarborough Health Network’s Emergency Department for over 20 years. Throughout her remarkable career, Ingrid has consistently embodied the highest standards of clinical excellence, compassion, and leadership.
A WARM AND INSPIRATIONAL LEADER
Ingrid is a wonderful and warm leader who brings joy, confidence, and a sense of belonging to her team. She supports every member of the department, mentors junior nurses, and exemplifies what it means to be a role model. Her leadership style fosters a
positive environment where every team member feels valued and motivated to provide their best care.
UNWAVERING COMPASSION AND CONSISTENCY
One of the greatest challenges in healthcare is maintaining the same level of compassionate care throughout long and demanding shifts. While many healthcare professionals can deliver exceptional care at the start of a shift or during true emergencies, only the truly outstanding ones – like Ingrid – maintain that standard for a full 12hour shift, every day, throughout an entire career.
I have had the privilege of working alongside Ingrid for two decades as a physician leader. I can honestly say that I have never met another nurse who
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is proud to honour our dedicated nurses and the essential roles they play in the healthcare journey of our patients.
Nurses at SHN have made significant impacts through compassionate care, patient advocacy, resilience, and community outreach. Their quick thinking and dedication have led to timely intervention and treatments, the development of new care protocols, and health education initiatives that improve community health.
Thank you, SHN nurses, for leading the charge as we shape the future of care for our Scarborough community. Your actions and impact are truly transformative, and we celebrate your excellence.
consistently goes above and beyond the way Ingrid does. Even more impressively, she does so without exception –there are no “off” days. Ingrid remains composed, kind, and compassionate, even during her own health struggles.
Despite facing significant challenges with pancreatitis in recent years, Ingrid returned to work with her characteristic strength and dedication. Although she may not always have felt her best, she continued to give 100% to her patients and her team. Her resilience and commitment are truly inspiring.
CHAMPION OF EDUCATION AND TEAM WELLNESS
Ingrid and I have collaborated closely on interprofessional education initiatives, particularly as our department welcomed many new and inexperi-
enced nurses over the past five years. Together, we encouraged participation in interprofessional simulation training and continuing medical education seminars, helping to build knowledge, confidence, and a deeper sense of wellness and belonging within our team.
INSTRUMENTAL IN OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS
Ingrid has also played a vital role in operational improvements aimed at reducing wait times and improving patient flow in our emergency department. She has been an essential member of our leadership team, helping to implement and refine multiple initiatives over recent years. Thanks to her hard work and insight, we have seen significant improvements in our departmental performance metrics. n H
Hooreih Esterham
It is my honour to nominate Hooreih Esterham for the Nursing Hero Award for 2025.
By way of background, I have been a patient of the Mackenzie Health Oncology Clinic for the past 19 years, receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy under the care of Dr. Matilda Ng. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to highlight the pivotal role that Hooreih has played in my care.
In summary, Hooreih:
1. Demonstrates unwavering dedication to her patients.
2. Builds strong, trusting relationships with those she cares for.
3. Expertly manages multiple competing demands with grace and efficiency.
I would like to elaborate on each of these attributes that make Hoo-
Mackenzie Health HM
reih an outstanding candidate for this award:
DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE IN PATIENT CARE
I have had the privilege of being one of Hooreih’s patients for over seven years. Throughout this time, she has consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to providing exceptional care. She remains focused on addressing the key issues impacting her patients and avoids distractions from less important details.
Hooreih actively encourages patient engagement, welcoming questions about treatments and self-care practices. She always provides clear, thorough explanations in a manner that is easy for patients to understand.
Her dedication extends to vigilant clinical monitoring. On one occa-
MENTAL HEALTH FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Strengthen your client mental health knowledge and support. Humber’s first of it’s kind, tuition-free* certificate builds essential skills in patient care, therapeutic interventions, and ethical practice.
Limited spots available –register today: humber.ca/mhhw
Supported in full by The Barrett Family Foundation *Registration fee of $30/course
HOOREIH’S EMPATHY AND COMPASSION ARE EVIDENT IN EVERY INTERACTION. SHE CONSISTENTLY CHECKS IN ON MY EXPERIENCES BETWEEN TREATMENTS, ENSURING THAT ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR CONCERNS ARE COMMUNICATED TO THE PHYSICIAN.
sion, after noticing an adverse reaction during an IV infusion, Hooreih promptly consulted with the physician, paused the treatment, flushed the line with saline, and then cautiously resumed the infusion at a slower rate. Thanks to her swift and thoughtful actions, I was able to complete my treatment without further complications. This proactive intervention not only improved my immediate experience but also informed the approach for future treatments, which proceeded smoothly.
BUILDING STRONG PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS
Hooreih’s empathy and compassion are evident in every interaction. She consistently checks in on my experiences between treatments, ensuring that any side effects or concerns are communicated to the physician. This attentiveness has built my trust and confidence in the care team.
EXPERTLY MANAGING MULTIPLE DEMANDS
Hooreih is a consummate multi-tasker. I have observed her managing her own patient assignments while also supporting junior nursing staff – checking in to ensure they take their breaks and assisting them with challenging situations when needed. She often serves as a “go-to” resource for colleagues seeking advice on treatment protocols or patient care.
Despite the heavy demands, Hooreih always maintains a calm, composed presence, never appearing rushed or overwhelmed. As a patient, this instills great confidence in her clinical abilities and leadership skills.
honourable mention
Six months ago, while beginning a new chemotherapy regimen, I was feeling particularly anxious. Even though Hooreih was not assigned to me that day, she noticed my distress and took the time to sit with me, offering reassurance by sharing her experiences with other patients undergoing similar treatment. Her willingness to provide comfort, even amidst her busy schedule, exemplifies her extraordinary commitment to patient-centred care.
Moreover, Hooreih provides practical, actionable advice to patients post-treatment – emphasizing important self-care practices such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising, and avoiding high-risk exposures. Her guidance goes beyond immediate treatment and promotes overall wellness, contributing significantly to patient recovery.
In every interaction, Hooreih Esterham exemplifies the qualities of a true nursing hero: dedication, empathy, leadership, and excellence in clinical care. I am deeply grateful for her support and expertise and believe she is most deserving of the Nursing Hero Award. n H
Galyna Breslavets
Humber River Health
t is with great pride that I nominate Galyna Breslavets for the Hospital News Nursing Hero Award. Galyna is a transformational nurse leader whose impact extends far beyond the walls of the Operating Room. As the OR Manager at Humber River Health, she leads with both strategy and soul – balancing complex operational demands with compassion, grace, and empathy. Her ability to inspire, empower, and elevate others makes her not only a nursing hero, but a nursing visionary.
Galyna has been a driving force behind the successful implementation of the High-Efficiency Hip and Knee Procedural Throughput (H-HPT) Model, a groundbreaking initiative that has redefined how surgical care is delivered at HRH. Under her leadership, the OR, Surgical Day Care (SDC), and MDRD teams achieved:
• Operational savings of $489K over 16 surgical days, with an increase of 192 completed cases.
• A 50 per cent reduction in hospital waste and linen usage, supporting green healthcare.
• A 3x increase in OR room utilization – all without additional funding.
• Shortened length of stay, optimized surgical trays, and standardized anesthesia protocols that improved patient recovery and outcomes.
But beyond the numbers is Galyna’s human-centered leadership. She coaches new leaders with patience and wisdom, creating an environment where people feel safe to grow and innovate. She mentors with empathy, ensuring new managers and frontline staff feel supported, respected, and empowered. Her door is always open – whether to discuss a quality improvement idea or to support a nurse through a tough day.
Galyna is also the reason why so many on her team choose to stay. Her emotional intelligence, calm demeanor under pressure, and ability to unite diverse disciplines under a shared vision have cultivated a positive, high-performing culture in one of the most fast-paced and high-pressure environments in healthcare. She treats every patient, family member, and colleague with dignity and respect, ensuring no one ever feels like “just a number.” Galyna’s leadership during high-acuity surgical days, staffing crises, and complex cases con-
sistently reflects her commitment to excellence, accountability, and compassionate care.
Her work has not only improved patient flow and access to timely surgical care but has also been recognized regionally and provincially. Other hospitals have adopted the H-HPT model after site visits to HRH, and Galyna’s contributions have informed broader discussions at the Toronto Region Surgical Recovery Tables – proving that her leadership has influenced healthcare beyond her organization. n H
NURSES
Free supports for newcomer nurses across Canada
Navigate nursing regulations nationwide
Explore regulated nursing employment opportunities
Connect virtually with nurse mentors
Observational Job Shadowing (OJS)
Workplace Integration Program (WIP)
Jessica (Man Chung) Cheung Oak Valley Health HM honourable
We are honoured to nominate Jessica Cheung, a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator at the Adult Diabetes Education Centre (ADEC), for the Nursing Hero Award. Since joining ADEC, Jessica has been an exceptional asset to our team. Over the past 6–7 years, we have watched her grow into an outstanding healthcare provider. Despite the demands of a young family and her responsibilities as a mother, Jessica’s unwavering commitment to her patients remains steadfast. She consistently prioritizes patient needs, advocating for their best care, whether that involves adjusting education to each patient’s level or reaching out to physicians and pharmaceutical companies for compassionate assistance.
Jessica follows best practice principles diligently and leads her team by example, ensuring that her colleagues also uphold these high standards. Her
dedication to patient-centered care and team growth has earned the respect and admiration of patients, colleagues, and administrative staff alike.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL
Jessica’s depth of knowledge and technical skill is unmatched. She is a trusted expert in supporting complex Type 2 diabetes patients on oral agents and insulin. Over the past two years, Jessica has expanded her expertise to insulin pump management for Type 1 diabetes patients. She invested countless hours in self-study, workshops, and webinars to master pump therapy, resulting in significant improvements in her patients’ glycemic control. Many patients have expressed deep gratitude for Jessica’s guidance in optimizing their care.
LEADERSHIP
Jessica is a natural leader. She lifts up her colleagues by providing encour-
THE NURSE
By Roopdai Mohotoo and Nita Marcus
Florence Nightingale, the lady with the lamp, Mother Theresa in the refugee camp, Caring, compassionate, gentle and kind, A more noble profession, one could not find.
The nurse is the doctor's eyes and ears, Records any changes, allays patient fears, Monitors rhythms, takes vital signs Administers drugs, sets up IV lines. The nurse is highly trained in her skills, To assist in the healing of wounds and ills, In the OR, wards or critical care, Her presence unnoticed because she is always there.
With devotion and pride, she nobly serves, Though pressures, demands, may fray her nerves
The nurse lowly paid, in gold is her worth, For she's truly god's angel sent down to earth
agement and support without ever making them feel intimidated. She notices areas for improvement and helps her teammates grow while fostering confidence. Jessica is approachable, always willing to troubleshoot problems, share resources, or provide advice. She has become a role model for many within ADEC, leading with humility, integrity, and dedication.
COMPASSION
Beyond her clinical duties, Jessica is deeply involved in the broader diabetes community. As co-chair of the Community Diabetes Educator Network of Toronto (CDENT), she organizes educational webinars and workshops for diabetes educators across the region. She also assists in other clinic areas, covering inpatient diabetes education, language support, and complex patient management. Her readiness to help wherever needed has won the hearts of patients and colleagues alike.
ADVOCACY
Jessica’s patient-centered approach and focus on safety are exemplary. She actively engages patients in their care plans, ensuring they feel both cared for and empowered. She communicates proactively with family physicians and endocrinologists to advocate for necessary care adjustments. Her advocacy often leads to better outcomes for her patients, as she leaves no detail overlooked.
PEER TESTIMONIALS
Jessica’s colleagues hold her in the highest regard. One wrote, “Jessica’s compassion and dedication are reflected in everything she does. She approaches every patient with empathy, sensitivity, and a commitment to providing the best experience possible. Her energy and passion for continuous learning are contagious. Jessica not only uplifts her patients but energizes her team, inspiring us all to deliver the best care.”
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
Jessica’s exceptional impact is best captured in the words of a patient:
“Managing diabetes is a long journey, but having someone like Jessi- ca makes all the difference. Despite living almost 40 km away, I continue to visit Oak Valley Health because of Jessica’s unparalleled care. Her expertise, compassion, and guidance have improved my quality of life dramatically. Through her support, I transitioned to insulin pump therapy, resulting in better blood sugar control, weight gain, and renewed hope for the future. Jessica listens without judgment and supports patients as true partners in their care. Thanks to her, I finally feel confident about my future living with diabetes.”
COLLEAGUE ENDORSEMENTS
Jessica’s Endocrinologist colleague adds:
“Jessica’s knowledge, leadership, advocacy, and compassion make her one of the best clinicians I have ever worked with. When complex cases arise, I fully trust Jessica’s care and judgment. She continually seeks to improve by studying, asking questions, and applying new knowledge. Jessica’s work ethic is impeccable, and her initiative is unmatched – from finding compassionate medication programs to developing community resource lists for patients. Her advocacy and empathy have transformed many patient journeys. She helps patients feel heard and empowered, even in challenging circumstances.”
The Endocrinologist shares a powerful story about Jessica’s influence:
“We had a patient with Type 1 diabetes who struggled for years with suboptimal control. Initially hesitant about insulin pump therapy, this patient could have easily been written off. However, Jessica’s perseverance, empathy, and support led to a complete transformation. After a year of Jessica’s consistent encouragement, education, and advocacy, the patient embraced pump therapy and experienced a remarkable improvement in quality of life – all thanks to Jessica’s unwavering belief and care.”
CONCLUSION
Jessica (Man Chung) Cheung is the epitome of a Nursing Hero. Her commitment to excellence, tireless advocacy, passion for education, leadership, and profound compassion touch the lives of every patient and colleague she encounters. She exemplifies Oak Valley Health’s mission to deliver extraordinary patient experiences through a culture of care.
It is with the utmost pride, respect, and admiration that we nominate Jessica Cheung for this award. She is a true beacon of hope, compassion, and excellence in healthcare.
compassion and commitment to patient care. Any time I have a patient who is more complex whether medically or socially, I know that I can fully trust in Jessica’s care.
Jessica previously worked in a community health center. When she joined the DEC, it was clear that she was keen to take on more complex cases and was a fast learner. In our clinic, she will see and assess patients first and give her clinical impression and recommendations. I will see the
patient after and complete my note with my final plan. Jessica is one of the few clinicians that I know of who will take the extra time after a full day’s clinic to review my notes. She will ask questions if she does not understand a clinical decision. She is very open to feedback in order to improve. She is aware of her learning needs and for example, improved her knowledge and skill at managing insulin pumps by doing extra training, shadowing peers and analyzing reports. I have seen her knowledge improve exponentially because of the above willingness to learn.
Jessica leads by example by showing her peers that she values lifelong learning, a positive attitude and impeccable work ethic. She supports her peers if they are overworked, always ready to step in.
Jessica is a tireless advocate for her patients. She will always go the extra mile to help. She takes this initiative herself, without even being asked. I can think of many examples, some of which include:
• She will search for compassionate programs or assist patients with trillium access if they are in financial need
MENTAL HEALTH FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Strengthen your client mental health knowledge and support. Humber’s rst of it’s kind, tuition-free* certi cate builds essential skills in patient care, therapeutic interventions, and ethical practice.
Program Highlights:
• 6 expert-led online courses
• 100% asynchronous – learn at your own pace
• Complete in under one year
Limited spots available – register today: humber.ca/mhhw
Supported in full by The Barrett Family Foundation
*Registration fee of $30/course
• She compiled a list of affordable foot care for the entire clinic as a resource. She even sought out preferred languages for our Chinese patients and called the individual practitioners to check price and confirm availability
• If medication use is unclear, she will call a pharmacy and check on dispensing history. If there is a concern, she will advocate for blister packs, family help or community care access
• If a patient is struggling with their mental health, they often will share this with her first and she will advocate for a referral to social work or a mental health program Above all, it is Jessica’s compassion for patients that is second to none. Many patients who attend the diabetes clinic feel that they have previously been judged for their behaviors. I have seen countless times that even after one encounter with Jessica, the patient feels heard. They let their guard down and are open and receptive to her advice and support in order to make positive changes. She is empathetic,
considers their entire socio-economic state and finds a tailored approach to meet each patient where they are at. I could go on forever, but I wish to share one last case to highlight these values in Jessica and why she is most deserving of this award. We have a patient in the DEC who has type 1 diabetes and suboptimal control for many years. Insulin pumps were discussed but the patient was reluctant. Another clinician may have thought that this patient was not motivated and given up. However, Jessica’s compassion was evident and she continued to support this patient. After working together for just under a year, this patient had a transformation. They benefited from Jessica’s close follow up and check-ins to keep them on track. They learned more about pumps from Jessica’s knowledge and became keen to start. I in fact was unsure if this patient would be the best candidate but Jessica advocated for them and promised to support them. I fully trusted her judgment. They are now doing so well and experiencing improved quality of life, directly thanks to Jessica’s care.” n H
Susan Wang
Westpark Healthcare Centre
t is with immense admiration and profound respect that I nominate Susan Wang, a dedicated and exemplary nurse at Westpark Healthcare Centre, for recognition of her outstanding contributions. For over 19 years, Susan has consistently demonstrated a level of commitment, compassion, and professional excellence that transcends the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on patients, families, and colleagues alike.
Susan’s dedication to West Park is evident in her unwavering commitment to the Long-Term Ventilation (LTV) program. She was instrumental in the creation and expansion of the LTV
unit, navigating the complexities of establishing a new care environment with exceptional skill and foresight. Her contributions extended beyond the clinical, encompassing the meticulous preparation of each room for patient occupancy during the campus development. This tireless effort ensured a smooth and comfortable transition for every resident.
During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Susan remained a pillar of strength, providing unwavering care and support while maintaining a calm and reassuring presence. She seamlessly integrated new staff into the team, offering guidance and mentorship that fostered a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Furthermore, Susan played a pivotal role in preparing the unit for accreditation. Her meticulous attention to detail, coupled with her deep understanding of regulatory requirements, ensured the unit met the highest standards of care. This was achieved while maintaining her daily nursing responsibilities, a testament to her exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
What truly sets Susan apart is her unwavering commitment to patient and family well-being. She consistently goes above and beyond, offering comfort, reassurance, and compassionate care that extends beyond the physical. Her colleagues consistently express their gratitude for her support, noting her willingness to answer questions, provide guidance on carrying out orders, and ensure comprehensive documentation.
Susan’s acts of kindness, though often subtle, speak volumes about her character. She will stay late to cover a shift, provide meals to her colleagues when short-staffed, and consistently offer words of encouragement. These
seemingly small gestures create a sense of unity and support within the unit, fostering a positive and nurturing environment.
Crucially, Susan performs these acts of extraordinary service without seeking recognition or praise. Her motivation stems from a genuine desire to provide the best possible care and support to those around her. Her humility and selflessness are truly remarkable. In a profession defined by compassion and dedication, Susan stands as a shining example. Her unwavering commitment, exceptional clinical skills, leadership, and profound empathy make her an invaluable asset to Westpark Healthcare Centre. If these actions are not going above and beyond, I do not know what else could be.
I, together with the 4C Long-Term Ventilation unit wholeheartedly recommend Susan for recognition of her exceptional contributions. We urge the committee to strongly consider Susan Wang for the Nursing Hero Award for her outstanding 19 years of dedication to ther profession. n H
I Home Hemodialysis Nursing Team University Health Network
t is my great pleasure to nominate the Home Hemodialysis Nursing Team at the University Health Network for the Hospital News Nursing Hero Awards. This team exemplifies the highest standard of nursing – merging expert clinical care with compassion, innovation, and advocacy for medically complex patients. Their unwavering dedication empowers patients to thrive independently at home while receiving life-sustaining dialysis therapy.
The nurses are leaders in patient education, recruitment, and training, offering comprehensive and personalized support throughout the dialysis journey. This nursing team enhances every aspect of patient and family care, creating seamless, human-centered journeys that prioritize the individual at every step. Their ability to problem-solve and adapt treatments to unique patient needs is extraordinary.
Aligning with UHN strategic priorities, they are able to turn the possible into reality through care, education, and research, leading with innovation, and pushing past boundaries.
Example: They co-developed an adapted home nocturnal hemodialysis plan for a patient with epidermolysis bullosa, an extremely rare skin condition (Faratro & Chan, 2023).
Their contributions go far beyond bedside care. They are active researchers and co-authors on numerous peer-reviewed publications that have shaped national and international best practices in home dialysis. Their work has included:
• Designing a simulation-based education model to enhance patient readiness during training (Chan et al., 2015).
• Evaluating the use of vascular access audits to prevent complications and
infections in the home setting (Dhruve et al., 2019; Rousseau-Gagnon et al., 2016).
• Addressing barriers to self-cannulation, a key skill for home dialysis patients, through structured training and support (Ward et al., 2018).
• Developing practical innovations, such as a venous line clamp prototype, to enhance patient safety (Kennedy et al., 2019).
• Leading a nurse-administered vascular access surveillance initiative, significantly improving quality and safety (Dhruve et al., 2019). Their commitment to academic excellence is also seen in their exploration of resource utilization and backup care for patients, reinforcing the need
for comprehensive, community-based dialysis support systems (Kennedy et al., 2020).
Patients frequently describe their nurses as heroes – not only for their technical expertise, but for their empathy, advocacy, and life-changing support. Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion across their patient population while creating a respectful and valued environment for all. The nursing team has not only helped patients survive, but truly thrive at home. It is with full confidence and deep admiration that I nominate the Home Hemodialysis Nursing Team for this recognition. They are trailblazers, educators, caregivers, and heroes in every sense of the word! n H
(May 12-18)
Home Hemodialysis Nursing Team members: Rose Faratro, Celine D’Gama, Daniella Arustei, Eduardo Magtoto, Kalaivani Renganathan, RN, Stella Fung
Yvonne Grant
Trillium Health Partners
t its core, the nursing profession is about serving the public – a principle reinforced by the College of Nurses of Ontario, whose mandate is to protect the public through safe nursing practice. But in a field so focused on caring for others, it can sometimes feel like we forget to care for ourselves – or each other. That’s where Yvonne Grant makes all the difference.
A HM honourable mention
I AM DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO WORK UNDER A LEADER LIKE YVONNE –SOMEONE WHO NOT ONLY SUPPORTS OUR PATIENTS BUT WHO FIERCELY SUPPORTS HER TEAM.
Yvonne consistently goes out of her way to advocate for her nursing team while also ensuring the highest level of patient care. She strikes a rare and beautiful balance – supporting her colleagues without compromising the needs of patients. I’ve witnessed this firsthand, time and again.
One particular instance stands out. I had just discharged a young patient following a hysterectomy. A few hours later, she returned to the unit visibly upset, claiming an error had been made
with her prescriptions. She was adamant that unless she received her preferred medications, she wanted to be readmitted. Unfortunately, her room had already been reassigned, and her physician had just left for vacation. I felt frustrated – I had spent considerable time going over her discharge instructions and answering her questions. I wasn’t sure what else I could do.
That’s when Yvonne stepped in. Overhearing the situation, she calmly took charge. She called a nurse at the physician’s office, who then contacted another doctor – and within 30 min-
Happy Nursing Week from All of Us at Trillium Health Partners!
utes, a new prescription was faxed to a nearby pharmacy. No blame was cast. She didn’t take sides. She simply saw a way to help and followed through with humility and grace. Her intervention diffused a tense situation and left both the patient and staff feeling supported.
told at 1800 that she would be receiving a new admission – but the report never came. Then, at 1850, the sending unit suddenly called to transfer the patient.
My colleague had tried to receive the patient earlier, but the necessary information wasn’t provided. With only 10 minutes left in her shift – and given the patient’s unstable condition – she explained that it would be unsafe to accept the transfer at that time. The sending unit pushed back and even threatened to file an incident report. That’s when Yvonne stepped in once again.
In another memorable situation, I saw a colleague – known for being confident and composed – exit a patient’s room in tears. The entire team took notice. She later explained that a patient had verbally abused her while she was changing a surgical dressing. She wasn’t crying because of the insults, but out of the sheer frustration of being harassed while trying to help.
During National Nursing Week, we thank our 4,800+ nurses for your extraordinary dedication and the vital role you play in transforming health care.
Celebrating National Nursing Week: The Power of Nurses to Transform Health
May 12 – May 18, 2025
Visit us at thp.ca, thpcareers.ca or donate at trilliumgiving.ca
At the time, this patient was already known on the unit for their challenging behavior. Even the manager was aware. After hearing the full story, Yvonne quietly got up and went to speak with the patient. On my next shift, I was assigned to that same patient – and their attitude had completely transformed. They offered an apology for their past behavior toward all nurses and explained that their anger had been misdirected. After their conversation with Yvonne, they understood the toll their actions were taking on the healthcare team. From that point on, they became one of the most respectful patients I’ve ever worked with. That kind of change doesn’t come easily – it comes from someone like Yvonne, who sees beyond surface frustration and reaches people at their core.
If you’re still not convinced, I have one more story.
After reviewing the case, she agreed with our colleague: it wasn’t safe to proceed. Using her authority as the charge nurse, she contacted the coordinating nurse on the other unit and successfully advocated for the transfer to be delayed until after shift change. I kid you not – everyone at the desk applauded. It might seem like a small win, but for those of us on the frontlines, it meant everything. Concerns around transfer timing have been longstanding, and seeing someone actually take a stand for both patient and nurse safety was truly empowering.
Healthcare is a high-pressure environment. When the stress of an overworked nurse meets the distress of a struggling patient, tensions rise. One side may forget why they entered the profession, and the other may forget that help is being offered. Yvonne never forgets either. She sees both the nurse’s heart and the patient’s pain –and that, I believe, is her superpower.
Yvonne has an extraordinary ability to see through the noise – the frustration, the tears, the defensiveness – and connect with the humanity beneath. She leads not just with knowledge, but with kindness, humility, and a willingness to serve those around her.
As an admitting nurse, part of your responsibility is to settle, stabilize, and document new patients before the next shift begins at 1900. This process can take 30 minutes or more, depending on the patient’s condition. On one particular day, a colleague of mine was
I am deeply grateful to work under a leader like Yvonne – someone who not only supports our patients but who fiercely supports her team. She is the type of nurse and leader every healthcare environment needs – and she is more than deserving of recognition as a true Nursing Hero. n H
Trillium Health Partners
I Nicholas Fox
am privileged to nominate Nicholas Fox for his outstanding contributions as a nurse educator. Nicholas has been a nurse educator for the past three years who consistently goes above and beyond in their role, offering unparalleled support and leadership to the nursing staff through their visible presence and hands-on approaches. This visible leadership is evident by his frequent presence on the unit, where he actively engages with staff, observes patient care, and offers in the moment guidance. His commitment to being present and approachable ensures that nurses at every level feel supported and empowered, which helps to foster an environment where staff feel comfortable seeking guidance and sharing concerns and further creating a culture of openness and collaboration.
One particular story that I would like to share pertains to a young paraplegic patient who was admitted with
multiple wounds, requiring multiple wound care interventions, including negative wound pressure therapy. Nicholas was an active participant in providing support to not only the staff in demonstrating clinical techniques, but also helped support the family members and patient. Specifically, he would spend quality time discussing the wound care treatment with the family members and patient, answering all their questions and concerns, to ensure that they were an active participant in their care. He actively consulted with the wound care team to disseminate important updates, and supported best practices with sterile technique, wound measurement, and application of negative pressure wound therapy. There was a time where one of the wounds of a patient was not improving. Nicholas took it upon himself to consult with additional evidence-based practices to trial a new wound care product: continuous
oxygen diffusion therapy. In doing so, he greatly advocated for the best treatment of the patient, further building a therapeutic relationship with both the patient and family member. The plan for wound care management for negative wound therapy was ordered three times per week, to which Nicholas was heavily involved in supporting each team member with this practice. He also provided educational in-services, which were further supported by expert vendors.
mention
Nicholas is always ready to step in and lend a helping hand. This approach not only enhances the skills of individual nurses but also instills confidence in the entire team. By being physically present and actively involved in patient care and team activities, Nicholas continues to create a learning environment that is dynamic,
interactive, and deeply rooted in practice. Above all else, staff feel comfortable confiding in Nicholas not only for guidance in clinical matters, but also for emotional support. This further demonstrates his visibility in providing encouragement, lend a listening ear, and offering assistance when needed. This unwavering commitment to supporting the staff has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and respect among the team. n H
We recognize our incredible nurses for shaping the future of health care, advancing new ideas, and championing compassionate, patient-focused care. Their dedication creates lasting impact for both patients and colleagues.
Partnerships propel kidney research forward
By Lise Diebel
After joining Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) in 2018, medical oncologist and researcher Dr. AlyKhan Lalani was quick to establish a reputation as a relationship builder.
Lalani was deeply interested in the connection between immunotherapy – a fairly new cancer treatment back then – and gut health, but in order to get research projects off the ground he needed to forge new partnerships locally, nationally and worldwide.
“The evolution of this work shows how researchers leave pebbles along a path as they build relationships that allow studies to expand,” says Lalani, who treats kidney cancer patients at HHS Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (JHCC), where he’s also chair of the genitourinary cancers disease site team. Genitourinary cancers include prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer.
Lalani is a scientist with the Escarpment Cancer Research Institute, a joint research institute of HHS
and McMaster University, located at JHCC. He’s also an associate professor and an associate member of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research at McMaster. He’s passionate about translational research, which bridges the gap between research that happens in a lab and direct patient care.
A PEBBLE ALONG THE PATH
With funding from the HHS Foundation, Lalani launched a feasibility study involving JHCC kidney cancer
Reducing blood cancer risks
Anew study published in Nature by Dr. Steven Chan’s team at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre suggests that metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, may help prevent the expansion of mutant blood stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells, HSCs) linked to clonal hematopoiesis (CH), a condition associated with several illnesses, including blood cancer.
HSCs are immature cells that can develop into different types of blood cells. In CH, these stem cells acquire mutations that cause the abnormal expansion of the mutated cells.
CH is linked to an increased risk of blood cancers, heart disease and age-related inflammatory conditions such as chronic liver and kidney disease. Although suppressing the expansion of mutant HSCs may help prevent these health issues, no approved treatments are currently available.
The most common mutation in CH affects a gene called DNMT3A, which
produces a protein, DNA methyltransferase, that helps regulate gene expression through a process known as DNA methylation.
A specific mutation in this gene, DNMT3AR882, is linked to a significantly higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML), making it an important target for preventive intervention.
To better understand how this mutation works, the researchers used experimental models with an equivalent mutation to DNMT3AR882. They discovered that cells with this mutation have higher metabolic activity than normal (wild-type) cells, which gives them a competitive advantage.
Metformin, a commonly used diabetes medication, works by inhibiting a protein called Complex I, which is involved in metabolism and energy production. Due to its effect on cellular metabolism, the team tested whether metformin could reduce the competitive advantage of mutant cells.
patients undergoing immunotherapy –a treatment that ramps up the immune system to fight cancer. “My aim was to collect stool samples from these patients in order to better understand the relationship between immunotherapy and the gut’s microbiome,” says Lalani.
Through lab-based models, the researchers found that treatment with metformin reduced this competitive advantage. Advanced sequencing techniques also showed that metformin increased DNA and histone methylation potentials in mutant cells, helping to counteract the effects of the mutation and modify the activity of metabolism-related genes.
“Observing these metabolic changes in mutant cells marks the first time this feature has been demonstrated in CH,” adds Dr. Mohsen Hosseini, a scientific associate at the Princess Margaret and first author of the study. “This study is also among the first to reveal the crucial interplay between metabolism and DNA modification in CH, highlighting that these interactions can induce reversible changes to cellular characteristics.”
Dr. Steven Chan, Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret and senior author of the study, says: “These findings are significant because they sug-
Mutations in stem cells that give rise to blood cells can lead to various health issues, such as clonal hematopoiesis (CH).
Scientists at UHN explored whether metformin, a drug commonly used to treat high blood sugar levels in diabetes, could also be used to treat CH.
gest that metformin could be used as a preventative treatment for people with CH with DNMT3AR882 mutations.”
“More research and clinical trials are needed to investigate this further,” adds Dr. Chan, an Allan Slaight Scientist who is also an associate professor in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto. n H
The following UHN principal investigators are co-authors of the study: Dr. Federico Gaiti, a scientist at the Princess Margaret; Dr. Aaron Schimmer, Director of the Princess Margaret; Dr. Gary Bader, affiliate scientist at the Princess Margaret; Dr. John Dick, Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret; and Dr. Stephanie Xie, a scientist at the Princess Margaret. The following investigators from other Toronto institutions are co-authors of the study: Dr. Shraddha Pai, principal investigator at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research; Dr. Grace Egan, clinician-scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children. This work was supported by The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation; the University of Toronto’s Medicine by Design; the Leukemia Research Foundation; the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; the Canadian Cancer Society; the Terry Fox Research Institute; and the Ontario Ministry of Health. Dr. Steven Chan has received research funding from the Centre for Oncology and Immunology in Hong Kong, Celgene/BMS, AbbVie Pharmaceuticals, Agios Pharmaceuticals, and Servier Laboratories. For additional competing interests, see the manuscript.
Photo: Josh Carey
Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani.
To make this study a reality, Lalani formed a new partnership with McMaster’s Surette Lab, which specializes in microbiome research. Results are expected to be published later this year.
THE NEXT STEP
This study laid the groundwork for much larger undertaking – the global CYTOSHRINK trial that Lalani led with co-investigator and HHS radiation oncologist Dr. Anand Swaminath, and the Ontario Clinical Oncology Group (OCOG). Patient recruitment ended in the spring of 2024 and study results are expected later this year.
CYTOSHRINK involved patients with newly-diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. This study received a federal-funding grant from BioCanRX, Canada’s immunotherapy network.
“I think this trial could be very impactful when results are available, hopefully later this year,” predicts Lalani, adding that the trial was made possible through partnerships he established with McMaster’s Surette Lab and the Human Immune Testing
“BUT WE NOW KNOW THAT RADIATION CAN SHRINK A KIDNEY TUMOR, AND MAY EVEN ALLOW IMMUNOTHERAPY TO WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY. THIS IS WHAT WE SOUGHT OUT TO TEST IN A RANDOMIZED TRIAL.”
Suite, as well as cancer centres in Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Toronto, Edmonton and Australia.
“Launching this trial didn’t involve a yellow brick road that was already laid out for me to follow,” says Lalani. “It was something that had to be established, and as an early career investigator I’ve learned so much along the way.”
All patients in this phase 2 randomized trial received immunotherapy and provided stool, blood and tissue samples before, during and after their treatment for comparison. But the experimental group also received stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRBT), which delivers precisely targeted high doses of radiation to tumors in fewer sessions, in this case targeting the kidney tumor at the main disease site.
“Historically, kidney cancer was felt to be radiation resistant,” says Lalani. “But we now know that radiation can shrink a kidney tumor, and may even allow immunotherapy to work more effectively. This is what we sought out to test in a randomized trial.”
Lalani and his team compared the two groups, based on patients’ symptoms, CT scans and how long they live after treatment. There were lessons to be learned by comparing blood using a cutting-edge blood test, as well as stool and tissue samples of two groups before, during and after treatment, to see how they were influenced by immunotherapy versus immunotherapy combined with targeted radiation.
“We’re not only learning if the combination of immunotherapy and
radiation helps patients live longer,” says Lalani. “For example, we can also look at changes in blood and the gut microbiome before, during and after treatment to better understand why some patients do better with treatment and some don’t.” Given that this trial is unique, sample collections will also create a one-of-a-kind biomarker repository.
INSPIRATION FROM PATIENTS
Lalani views research, and partnerships built through studies, as powerful tools in improving outcomes for cancer patients locally and globally.
“I come to work every day curious about understanding human beings diagnosed with cancer, how to prolong their lives and provide good quality of life through both direct treatment and research,” says Lalani. “That’s the spark I wake up with every day. You’ve got to feel that at the end of the day, your understanding will help people, and make a ripple somewhere in this world.” n H
Lise Diebel works in communications at Hamilton Health Sciences.
L Study offers hope for hard-to-treat type 2 diabetes
isa Mercer had tried just about everything to regulate the ups and downs of her blood sugars, from a
strict diet to medication to four-a-dayday insulin shots.
But her busy life with type 2 diabetes finally started to feel better when
she enrolled in a clinical trial at St. Joseph’s Health Care London to test the effectiveness of a system that combined glucose monitoring with an automated insulin pump.
“It was life-changing for me. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 25 years ago and my blood sugars have always been all over the map. I felt sort of helpless. I said yes to this clinical trial because I hoped it would return some normalcy to my life,” she says. Now that study, with results newly published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, is being heralded as a big step forward for patients with hard-to-treat type 2 diabetes.
“This is an exciting finding because it shows we can improve patients’ blood sugars and hopefully prevent long-term negative consequences of high sugars while at the same time making it easier for patients to manage the disease,” says Dr. Tamara Spaic, Medical Director of St. Joseph’s Diabetes Education Centre and the lead Canadian researcher for the multi-site international study based at the Jaeb Center for Health Research in Tampa, Fla.
Study participants were placed either in a group testing the effectiveness of a new system called Control IQ+ or a control group continuing their existing diabetes management regimen.
The intervention group wore glucose monitors that electronically talked with high-tech pumps that delivered insulin – automatically, in the right dose and at the right time – with minimal patient input.
While the device was approved about five years ago for people with type 1 diabetes, this is the first examination of its effectiveness managing the complexities of type 2 diabetes.
“The biggest burden in diabetes control is that it’s 24/7 vigilance: did I eat or not; what did I eat and how much; did I exercise; do I need to wake up for an insulin shot in the middle of the night? This system largely removes those variables to bring blood sugars to target levels,” says Spaic, who is also a Lawson Research Institute scientist and professor of endocrinology and metabolism at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
“What surprised us was that this worked so well across all populations regardless of duration of the disease, amount of insulin needed, whether they used other medications or not, whether they were tech-savvy or not. It worked for everyone regardless of their ethnicity, socioeconomics, and whether they were male or female, old or young,” she adds.
Researchers even asked participants in the intervention group to skip insulin with meals on occasion – generally
Lisa Mercer and Dr. Tamara Spaic
a no-no in the highly regimented life of someone with insulin-managed diabetes – and the automated system responded appropriately and quickly to adjust blood sugars.
Mercer found improvement within a couple of weeks: “Before the pump, I felt awful. When my sugars were too low, I got the shakes, I had trouble communicating and thinking clearly and I got extremely tired. When my sugars were too high, I was exhausted. It dominated every day and was tough on my job as a police officer. Now I feel better. I feel more in control.
“Is it perfect? No. But my sugars are stable and consistent more often than not.”
NOT YET APPROVED IN CANADA
In February, the US Food and Drug Administration cleared the use of the Control IQ+ system in adults with type 2 diabetes – approval that also meant the expense could be covered through health insurance.
However, it has not yet been brought to Health Canada regulators for approval, Spaic says.
A LANDMARK INTERNATIONAL STUDY INVOLVING PATIENTS AND RESEARCHERS AT ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH CARE LONDON SHOWS AUTOMATED INSULIN PUMP DELIVERY CAN BE ‘LIFE-CHANGING’ FOR PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Even so, several of her patients, including Foster, decided to continue using the system after the 13-week trial, paying out-of-pocket or through private insurance.
Spaic and St. Joseph’s colleagues, endocrinologist Dr. Selina Liu and nurse coordinator Marsha Driscoll, were extensively involved in the design of the study, recruiting and monitoring participants and reporting results. Diabetes type 2 usually develops in adulthood and is a condition in which body cannot make enough insulin or does not properly use the insulin it makes to regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
While most people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood sugars
JUNE 2025
Pharmacists Supplement Pharmacists Supplement
JUNE FOCUS: Precision Medicine and Genomics, Pharmacy and Medication, Research: Developments in the field of personalized medicine. Innovative approaches to fund-raising and the role of volunteers in healthcare. An examination of safe and effective use of medications in hospitals including medication management.
ANNUAL PHARMACY SUPPLEMENT
Advertising Booking Deadline May 23rd
Material Deadline May 27th For more info email advertising@hospitalnews.com
through lifestyle changes or with new treatments such as non-insulin glucose-lowering medications, the sub-set of North Americans who require insulin still numbers in the millions.
THE STUDY
What: 13-week, large-scale clinical trial to test the effectiveness of a system combining automated insulin delivery with continuous glucose monitoring for people with type 2 diabetes. Who: 319 study participants – including 13 at Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph’s Health Care London – all needing multiple daily insulin doses. Age range 19 to 87, from 21 centres across the U.S. and Canada. Study led by Jaeb Centre for Health
Research in Tampa, Fla., and funded by Tandem Diabetes Care, which also provided the automated insulin-delivery systems
How: Two-thirds of patients received an automated insulin pump, continuous glucose monitor and transmitter to track and automatically administer insulin to regulate their blood sugars. A control group continued their existing insulin-delivery method and also received glucose monitors.
Results: The intervention group had more stable blood sugar levels – with 3.4 more hours per day in the target glucose range – than the control group. Use of automated insulin devices was successful and safe even for patients without previous experience with an insulin pump
Why it matters: Automated insulin delivery can help insulin-dependent patients manage their type 2 diabetes better than before. Better management means improved quality of life and may result in fewer diabetes complications such as heart disease and damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves. n H
UPCOMING EDITIONS
JULY 2025
JULY FOCUS: Cardiovascular Care, Respirology, Diabetes, Complimentary Health: Developments in the prevention and treatment of vascular disease, including cardiac surgery, diagnostic and interventional procedures. Advances in treatment for various respiratory disorders, including asthma and allergies. Prevention, treatment and long-term management of diabetes and other endocrine disorders. Examination of complementary treatment approaches to various illnesses.
Advertising Booking Deadline June 20th
Material Deadline June 24th For more info email advertising@hospitalnews.com
AUGUST 2025
Paediatrics Supplement Paediatrics Supplement
AUGUST FOCUS: Paediatrics, Community Engagement and Patient Advocacy and Social Work:
Paediatric programs and developments in the treatment of paediatric disorders including autism. Specialized programs offered on an outpatient basis. Community engagement initiatives. Empowering patients – tools and strategies for improving patient education and self-management. The role of patient advocates and how healthcare professionals can support advocacy efforts. Social work programs helping patients and families address the impact of illness.
Advertising Booking Deadline July 25th
Material Deadline July 29th For more info email advertising@hospitalnews.com
Strength. Dedication. Compassion.
We celebrate the amazing nurses who provide comfort, care, and support to patients every day. Your compassion and expertise are unmatched, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do. Thank you for being healthcare heroes!