UHN on the Go is our monthly feature highlighting news and events at UHN.
Winner of the Waste Reduction Week inter-hospital challenge
For the second year running, UHN entered an inter-hospital challenge for Waste Reduction Week (WRW) with staff from Sunnybrook, Sinai Health System and SickKids.
Since organizations vary in size, the winning location needed the greatest participation rate in taking a WRW quiz. From Oct. 16 to 30, front line staff, management and green team champions across the organization went into overdrive in eco-engagement.
With 1,145 participants, University Health Network was proud to earn first place, narrowly surpassing last year's winner, Sinai Health System. Edward Rubinstein, Director - Environmental Compliance, Energy, and Sustainability, and Lisa Vanlint, Energy Steward, received the trophy (the Stein of Sustainability) on behalf of UHN.
The competition doubled in size over 2016. UHN participants scored well individually, with a 79 per cent average participation rate in all 3R programs (reduce, reuse, recycle). High scores were found in recycling (93 per cent), and using reusable food containers (96 per cent) and bags (92 per cent).
"It is wonderful to win the challenge, but everyone, everywhere wins when we take these waste reduction lessons to heart, which is what's important," says Lisa Vanlint, Energy Steward.
For more information on making your department greener and more sustainable, contact the Energy & Environment Department at
green@uhn.ca.
Living Life to the Full, Patient & Family Education Caregiver Fair
UHN, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, is now running Living Life to the Full.
A free eight-week course for caregivers at least 55 years old, Living Life to the Full is designed to provide participants with skills and knowledge to cope with life's challenges. The course is open to caregivers to learn more about mental well-being and how to make small changes to feel happier, less stressed and more in control of their situation.
The course is being offered in Cantonese to 15 caregivers at Toronto Western Hospital (TW), as well as in English at Toronto Rehab's Lyndhurst Centre. A new series will begin in English in February at Toronto General and again at TW in April.
"I attend the workshop to prepare for retirement and caring for my family members," says Lawrence, who is enrolled in the course. "I learn how to deal with difficulties in different ways and also develop the skills to change the vicious cycle to a 'positive cycle'… the course is highly recommended as it helps me and my family better prepare for retirement and mutual caring for each other in the near future."
Join Toronto General Patient & Family Education Caregiver Fair on Nov. 22 to learn more and for a chance to:
- Meet and talk to UHN and community agencies
- Learn about system supports and how to utilize them
- Find and access care for the caregiver
- Connect with exhibitors including respite services, pet therapy, home care, funding, support groups, equipment and safety
Celebrating Medical Radiation Technologists Week
To celebrate MRT Week 2017, Radiation Therapists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre participated in activities that included competing in fun games and a mask decorating contest.
Masks are immobilization devices from patients who completed therapy. Decorated masks in the photo symbolize the courage demonstrated by patients on their challenging treatment journey. The creative touch of Radiation Therapists transformed the masks into pieces of art.
The 167 Radiation Therapists at the Princess Margaret are essential members of the Radiation Medicine Program's integrated inter-professional team, serving in roles that include frontline clinical, advanced practice, clinician scientist, combined therapist /research, education, practice leadership and management.
Radiation Therapists provide unique expertise in radiation treatment planning and delivery, as well as in the daily monitoring and support of patients undergoing radiation treatment for cancer.
Looking back over the past year, radiation therapists at Princess Margaret delivered more than 10,500 courses of treatment, authored 40 publications, delivered 36 presentations and received 12 research awards.
UHN International Clinical Fellows Meet & Greet
Responding to the desire of Clinical Fellows to meet their counterparts from across the organization, the UHN International Centre of Education (ICE) hosted its first Fellows Meet and Greet last month.
The event, held in the DeGasperis Conservatory at Toronto General Hospital, provided a unique networking opportunity outside of the clinical environment for the Fellows, who are healthcare professionals topping off their training in specialized areas not normally acquired during residency.
Each year, more than 450 Clinical Fellows from over 50 countries train at UHN. At this event, the fellows learned about various services available to them, including the Wellness Centre, Continuing Education, Interprofessional Education, Education Development and various UHN ICE programs.
In addition to light music and refreshments, those who attended also heard speeches from Mohammad Salhia, Director of UHN ICE and Continuing Education, Dr. Adrienne Tan, Director of Post Graduate Medical Education, and Dr. Grainne O'Kane, a third year Medical Oncology Fellow.
"The network of mentors and friends you build during your Fellowship will stay with you throughout your career," Dr. O'Kane told the gathering, which UHN ICE plans to make an annual event.
The team at UHN ICE, which works to support Clinical Fellowships by providing a resource hub for fellows and the programs, would like to thank all those who attended and supported the event.
Read more about the programs and services of UHN ICE.
