Facilities enhanced for critically ill patients and their families

TORONTO, ON (September 16, 2008) – The Loretta Anne Rogers Critical Care Centre at the Toronto Western Hospital, opened its doors today after undergoing a complete renovation to its existing site that will greatly improve upon current infection control procedures.

With a transformational gift of $5 million from Canadian philanthropists, Ted and Loretta Rogers, the hospital has renovated its facilities into a modern unit with additional bed space and a central nursing station with 2,000 square feet of additional space to optimize clinical care for the most critically ill patients.

The newly renovated Loretta Anne Rogers Critical Care Centre will provide for an improved healing environment for patients with a greater emphasis on infection prevention features.

“As health care providers, we take our responsibility seriously to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially in the critical care areas” said Dr. Bob Bell, President & CEO, University Health Network. “Both Ted and Loretta Rogers share in the vision to provide a critical care centre with updated technologies that help us bridge the knowledge gap and provide better opportunities for staff education and patient care. The Loretta Anne Rogers Critical Care Centre allows us to provide better care and markedly reduce the risk of spreading hospital acquired infection,” said Dr. Bell.

“The Toronto Western Hospital has long been a leader in compassionate and innovative care – an area both Loretta and I believe in deeply,” said Ted Rogers, president, Rogers Communications. “The Centre has been thoughtfully designed with patient-centered care in mind and with a focus on families needing privacy and peace in times of health-related crises. We are thrilled to be able to support this wonderful facility.”

The Loretta Anne Rogers Critical Care Centre is located at the Fell Pavilion at Toronto Western Hospital and will be able to accommodate up to 7,000 critically ill patients annually.

About Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation
Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital as well as for their respective research arms, Toronto General Research Institute and Toronto Western Research Institute. The Foundation’s vision is to enable global leadership and innovation in health by developing and sustaining strong relationships with University Health Network stakeholders.

About Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto Western Hospital has been serving the health care needs of its culturally diverse local community for more than 100 years. Home to the Krembil Neuroscience Centre, one of the largest combined clinical and research neurological facilities in North America, the Toronto Western Hospital is a leader in medical research and also offers expertise in community and population health and musculoskeletal health and arthritis. The Toronto Western Hospital, along with Princess Margaret Hospital and Toronto General Hospital, is a member of the University Health Network and is affiliated with the University of Toronto.

For media interviews, please contact:
Nadine Hubert
Director of Communications
Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation
416-340-4293
Nadine.Hubert@uhn.on.ca