Dear Colleagues,
January 2011 – and the first Straight Talk of the year begins with the very good news that Dr. Anthony Lang was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. His citation reads: "For his contributions to the field of movement disorders, notably for advancing the therapeutics of Parkinson's disease." A well deserved tribute to an individual who has done so much for his patients and Canadian health care. Congratulations Tony from everyone at UHN.
I would also like to thank everyone at UHN who has taken part in this year's United Way campaign. We had set an ambitious goal and I'm told that we are very, very close to achieving our target of $150,000. So, if you're still thinking about making a contribution, now is the time. Your gift will be the one to push us over the top!
And finally, if you haven't already had your flu shot, you will have another opportunity. There are an increasing number of patients with flu, we have had several units in outbreak over the past week which has meant required flu vaccinations or prophylaxis with Tamiflu for staff members who had not already received their flu shot, and it is likely that we will see more flu patients as the season progresses.
So -- the flu carts will roll again on the clinical units to make it easier for everyone. Occupational Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control are working to make this possible so here's what your need to know:
- flu carts are up and running now
- flu surveillance protocols for staff reporting off with flu-like symptoms are now in effect
- a pager at TGH/PMH and TWH gives your manager the ability to bring the cart to your work area
- managers can arrange the shots for an individual requiring the shot or to attend at staff meeting/shift changes etc.
- carts will roam throughout the sites with coverage scheduled for days, nights and weekends – 2 carts at TGH 1 cart at PMH and 2 carts at TWH. On nights and weekends will be smaller numbers of carts but they will be there.
- the carts will have chocolate bars for everyone getting their shot.
Please take advantage of this second opportunity for a flu shot and protect yourself, your family members and your patients.
Bob
