Governor General opens lab of the future
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Issue No. 10, December 2012
Governor General opens lab of the future
A very special guest was on hand recently who has helped make this a reality,” says
to open two new floors of cutting-edge Dr. Barry McLellan, Sunnybrook’s presi-
Sunnybrook research space. dent and CEO.
His Excellency the Right Honourable Already, the centre has made impressive
David Johnston, Governor General of advancements, such as the invention of a
Canada, opened the 150,000-square-foot specialized ‘helmet’ that uses sound waves
Centre for Research in Image-Guided instead of scalpels to treat brain cancer,
Therapeutics (CeRIGT) on Nov. 2. movement disorders and other brain
conditions.
Teams of researchers in the $160-million
centre are discovering, developing and Teams in the centre are also working
commercializing new and innovative devic- on other innovations, including custom
es and methods to treat, cure and eliminate catheters for cardiac diseases, a vaccine for
some of society’s most devastating illnesses. breast cancer and a method of rebuilding
the human immune system.
In this new space, the future of health care
is being invented. More than 300 research “Our government is investing in research
and clinical teams are working in partner- that leads to innovation and provides real
ship with 30 leading biotechnology and benefit to Canadians,” says the Honourable
other organizations to bring new devices Gary Goodyear, Canada’s minister of state
and treatments to patients across the globe. for science and technology.
The open concept of CeRIGT, which is CeRIGT was established with $75 mil-
housed mainly on M6 and M7, encourages lion from the Canada Foundation for
collaboration across disciplines. In addition Innovation, with investment from industry Top: Governor General David Johnston,
to this centre, in April 2013 Sunnybrook and the support of federal and provincial Sunnybrook President and CEO Dr. Barry
will open the Louise Temerty Breast funding partners, as well as the generosity McLellan, and Canada Foundation for
Cancer Centre, Canada’s largest breast of Sunnybrook’s community. Innovation President and CEO Dr. Gilles
cancer centre. Patry officially open our new research
“This centre is indicative of the extraor- floors on Nov. 2, which will make the
“Our vision at Sunnybrook is to invent the dinary things possible only through impossible, possible. Middle: Dr. David
future of health care, and CeRIGT is the public and private philanthropy,” says Jon Andrews explains to His Excellency and Her
nucleus for us to save lives through innova- Dellandrea, Sunnybrook Foundation’s Excellency, Sharon Johnston, the research
done in his lab. Bottom: A cake inspired by
tion. We are incredibly grateful to everyone president and CEO.
focused ultrasound research.
Burn patient grateful for the gift of life
It was a typical summer afternoon at the
Maile family cottage on Lake Joseph in
Muskoka. After losing a battle of Rock,
Paper, Scissors, 21-year-old Tim Maile went
to start dinner.
He walked into the indoor barbecue room and
his life was changed in an instant.
(Left to right) Sisters Mica, Aliya and Chloe
Daniels pose after cutting their long hair in
A massive explosion shook the room. Tim was
support of their mother.
thrown across the room and into a wall, and
blacked out for a few seconds. When he came Tim Maile credits Sunnybrook staff for his
Sisters cut hair to, he was bleeding and his arms and hands successful treatment and recovery.
were on fire.
for their mom and fast access to quality care made all the differ-
breast cancer “There was glass all over the floor, so I couldn’t
stop, drop and roll. I had to put out the fire on
ence. It’s for patients like Tim that Sunnybrook
is building its new rooftop helipad.
research my arms with my hands.”
“When you are burned or in any form of mas-
It was a text message that changed the lives of He tried to grab the door knob to get out of sive incident, every second counts,” Tim says.
four women. the room, but his hand melted to it. So, he
kicked the door open. Sunnybrook’s current helipad is 500 metres
“I’m sorry to have to tell you this but it’s all go- from the trauma room. A land ambulance
ing to be OK,” Arlene Barlin texted her eldest Tim’s friend – the only one at the cottage with transfers patients from the helicopter to the
daughter, Chloe Daniels, from Los Angeles him – came running. The young men called trauma room, delaying care by about 10
where she was living part-time. 911 and then waited a painful and frantic 45 minutes.
minutes for an ambulance. Tim was taken to
That was late August. The mother of three had a local hospital – another 45-minute journey Tim is happy to know that through
just been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. – and then airlifted to Sunnybrook. Sunnybrook’s Gifts of Giving initiative, indi-
Chloe, who was in New York at the time, viduals can support the construction of this
immediately flew to Los Angeles to be with He credits Sunnybrook staff for his successful helipad, cutting the time it takes for patients
Arlene. Sister Aliya flew in from South Africa. treatment and recovery. “They showed incred- to go from air ambulance to trauma room.
Mica, the youngest, remained in Toronto to ible professionalism. The doctors were very
hold down the fort. That very day, the girls – honest, they walked me through procedures And by giving as little as $10, people can
23, 20 and 17 – decided they would support and they made me very comfortable.” buy gifts for loved ones that support the
their mother by cutting their hair and donat- care Sunnybrook offers patients across all its
ing it to Wigs for Kids. Tim says he’s not sure where he’d be today if he program areas.
hadn’t been airlifted to Sunnybrook – for him,
“We thought: is she going to lose her hair?”
Chloe recalls. “That resonated with us because
long hair is a prestige of the family. The Daniels
girls are known for our long hair.”
Arlene, who has since shaved her head, un-
derwent surgery in Los Angeles and is now
receiving chemotherapy at Sunnybrook. “It is
pretty rough,” she says. “Nothing can really
prepare you for it.”
On Oct. 16, the three sisters each cut 12-14
inches of their hair (Aliya participated via
Skype) to raise money for Sunnybrook’s
new Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre
and the hospital’s breast cancer program for
young women, PYNK.
This holiday season, give the gift of life-saving care.
They set a goal of $5,000, but have already Sunnybrook’s Gifts of Giving are unique and memorable gifts for someone you care about, while helping Sunnybrook
purchase new equipment, fund ground-breaking research, and build new facilities to improve the
raised more than $16,000. “It’s been wild. way patients are treated in Canada and around the world.
We are blown away by the generosity of Choose your gift from a number of options such as supporting new research discoveries, caring for mothers
people who participated in the campaign,” and their babies, veterans care and more.
Chloe says. “Our intention was to keep Gifts can include a customized paper card, e-card or a gift box. Your special someone receives the note describing
your gift, and Sunnybrook receives a donation to support its life-saving care - when it matters most.
it small. It was personal, it was from the
heart. We really tried to stay positive.”
Despite the emotional process, Chloe says it
just felt right. “The point is we can all grow $10
GOGT4
$35
GOGV1
$50
GOGR4
it back together with mom,” she says. HELIPAD RECLINING WHEELCHAIR CANCER RESEARCH
L.H. Tiffany Hsieh Order today at sunnybrook.ca /gifts
or by calling 416.480.4483
Visit sunnybrook.ca/gifts to see all 29 gifts
Sunnybrook says goodbye to Edmond G. Odette
The Sunnybrook community is saying The Odette Cancer Centre’s world-leading
goodbye to one of its biggest champions and research into a patient-friendly, partial breast
a leading Canadian philanthropist, Edmond radiation therapy known as breast brachyther-
G. Odette, who passed away Nov. 17 at the apy is another example of the couple’s impact.
age of 86. With essential support from the Odette fam-
ily, Sunnybrook’s Dr. Jean-Philippe Pignol
Mr. Odette and his wife Gloria, who pre- pioneered the treatment, which uses tiny,
deceased him, made a landmark gift to low-radiation seeds to target and kill lingering
Sunnybrook’s cancer care and research in cancer cells following breast tumour removal.
2007, which was celebrated with the naming
of the Edmond Odette Cancer Centre. Mr. Odette, a Member of the Order of
Canada, has aided many other aspects of Edmond G. Odette
“Their generosity has been essential in allow- Sunnybrook’s cancer care, including the
ing Sunnybrook to build advanced facilities, recent modernization and expansion of the simply would not be able to deliver some of
purchase leading-edge equipment, attract centre’s Chemotherapy Unit and Gloria our most innovative care.”
talented medical professionals and pioneer Odette Pharmacy. The family’s generosity has
the treatments of tomorrow,” says Dr. Barry impacted many Sunnybrook patients over the The family’s decades-long investment in
McLellan, Sunnybrook’s president and CEO. years – heart, orthopedic and ophthalmology Sunnybrook has gone far beyond financial.
patients among them. The Odettes have given their time and have
Mr. and Mrs. Odette’s philanthropic vision truly been ambassadors for the hospital.
was characterized by a keen interest in the “Mr. Odette’s thoughtful and caring personal-
projects they supported. Understanding the ity will be missed,” says Jon Dellandrea, presi- “It is truly inspiring the way Mr. Odette and
tremendous value of breast cancer screening, dent and CEO of Sunnybrook Foundation. his family have given back to the community,
for example, the couple supported the con- “He demonstrated the importance of com- both to Sunnybrook patients and institutions
version of the Gloria Odette Breast Imaging munity support in advancing health-care throughout Ontario,” says Dr. Andrew Smith,
Centre to a digital mammography platform. services. Without the Odettes’ support, we chief of the Odette Cancer Centre.
Personal Health Navigator
Why patients need to be vigilant about blood clots
The question: I take warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Lisa Priest, Sunnybrook’s Prevention of blood clots in hospitals is seen as
Every three weeks, I go to a clinic to get my blood Manager of Community such an important patient safety practice that
checked and, if needed, to have my warfarin dose Engagement & Patient Canadian hospitals are now required as part
adjusted. Today, I woke up feeling ill with a runny Navigation, answers of their accreditation to take steps to provide
nose, a fever and exhaustion. Should I stay home questions from patients patients with anticoagulants, audit how well
and wait until my next clinic appointment? Come and their families, relying they meet that objective and provide educa-
to the hospital? Or call the clinic? heavily on medical and
tion to staff about complications.
health experts. Email your
questions to AskLisa@
The answer: A cold or flu can increase the sunnybrook.ca When patients are prescribed warfarin, for ex-
effect of your warfarin and may warrant an ample, they require a regular blood test every
adjustment in the dose. The best thing to do lecular weight heparin, warfarin and new oral week to every four to six weeks. If they receive
is to call the clinic and describe your symp- anticoagulants dabigatran and rivaroxaban. too much of the drug, they are at risk of bleed-
toms. Clinic staff may tell you to come to the There are two groups of patients typically ing, including a particularly devastating com-
hospital and have a blood test sooner than prescribed them: those with atrial fibrillation plication of bleeding into the brain. If they
scheduled. Depending on the severity of your and patients with deep vein thrombosis/pul- don’t receive enough, they are at increased risk
illness, the staff may also suggest the warfarin monary embolism – abnormal blood clots that for developing another blood clot or stroke.
be changed. develop in a leg vein or travel to the lung.
Anticoagulants should also be prescribed as “These patients come to the clinic and have a
“Although anticoagulants are life-saving, a preventive measure to many surgical and drop of blood taken from a finger for a blood
they’re potentially dangerous drugs given for medical patients in hospitals – but that isn’t test,” explains Val Valenzuela, thrombosis nurse
dangerous diseases,” says Dr. Bill Geerts, a always the case. of the weekly Anticoagulant Management
Sunnybrook thrombosis specialist. “Over the Clinic at Sunnybrook, which also includes
age of 70, about 10 per cent of people have In fact, Dr. Geerts estimates more than 20,000 pharmacist Dr. Bill Bartle and a physician.
atrial fibrillation and most of these patients Canadians die each year after being struck
should be taking an anticoagulant.” down by these silent killers. (This rate is an The medication dose varies considerably by
extrapolation based on data from the United patient and by week. Weight does not neces-
Not every patient who could benefit from the States). “Clots are one of the commonest causes sarily affect the dose but genetic factors, diet,
drug receives it. In fact, it requires so much of death associated with hospitalization,” activities and other medications do. “There
monitoring and effort that some patients Dr. Geerts says. are some patients in our clinic who take only
are not given the option. Others are put on half a milligram of warfarin a day, while others
Aspirin, even though, as Dr. Geerts points Some institutions do audits on the use of drugs take 25 mg per day,” says Dr. Geerts. “To take
out, it is much less effective at preventing to prevent blood clots associated with hospital- warfarin safely, both the patient and the super-
stroke in atrial fibrillation, a disorder of the ization. At Sunnybrook, October figures show vising health professional have to be obsessive
heart’s electrical system. 91 per cent of inpatients received appropriate about using it properly and monitoring it.”
thrombosis prevention, which represents an
Anticoagulants include heparin, low mo- increase over the past few years.
Dementia subtype can be predicted five years before onset
Researchers have found a way to predict 65 people were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s,
whether a person will develop Alzheimer’s and 22 with vascular dementia.
disease or vascular dementia up to five years
before diagnosis. Those who developed Alzheimer’s showed
more difficulty learning new information,
“Knowing whether someone is at risk of de- but had better verbal fluency, or the ability to
veloping vascular dementia is important, be- rapidly access words from one’s vocabulary,
cause we can treat this condition and possibly than those who developed vascular dementia.
prevent the onset of dementia,” says Dr. Mary
Tierney, director of Sunnybrook’s Primary Those who developed vascular dementia had
Care Research Unit and senior author of the completely opposite results – they could learn
study that contains the exciting results. new information, but had difficulty with
verbal fluency.
“The preventive stroke treatments we use,
such as baby Aspirin, do have risks, so these “Until now, the general consensus among
findings will help clinicians determine dementia researchers was that the earliest
which patients will benefit most from these stages of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular
treatments,” she adds. dementia followed a similar course, and had
similar effects on memory and other cogni-
Published in the November 2012 issue of the tive abilities,” says lead author Paul Brewster,
journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia and using From these results, researchers were able to a doctoral student in neuropsychology at the
data from the Canadian Study of Health and accurately predict which groups the 504 University of Victoria.
Aging, researchers examined the accuracy of participants would fall into after five years:
two neuropsychological tests that measure those who developed Alzheimer’s disease, “In our study sample, which was one of the
learning ability and verbal fluency along with those who developed vascular dementia, largest longitudinal studies to include neuro-
the Hachinski Ischemic Score, which mea- and those who would remain stable or psychological testing, this was not the case.”
sures the extent of vascular disease. progress to other diagnoses. After five years, Sybil Edmonds
Sunnybrook taking part in milk bank to
help fragile babies across Ontario
Medically fragile, very low birth weight for 20 per cent of all infants in the province
babies will soon have access to donated weighing less than three pounds. Sunnybrook’s Linda Nusdorfer, a
breast milk, protecting them against serious critical care advanced practice nurse,
illnesses and giving them a healthier start. Research has determined that providing was awarded the Brenda Morgan
donor milk to a specific group of infants –
Leadership Award by the Canadian
The Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk preterm or very low birth weight babies – can
Association of Critical Care Nurses at
Bank is screening women who are interested protect them against life-threatening illnesses
this year’s association conference. The
in donating their breast milk and is sched- such as necrotizing enterocolitis and poten-
award is presented to a nurse who,
uled to begin dispensing donor milk in early tially against serious infections and other
on a consistent basis, demonstrates
2013. complications related to preterm birth.
outstanding performance in the area
Sunnybrook is partnering with The Hospital Women who wish to donate their breast of leadership in critical care. Nusdorfer
for Sick Children and Mount Sinai Hospital milk and make a difference in the lives of has empowered nurses to significantly
to collect donated breast milk from lactat- Ontario’s most vulnerable babies can visit increase their performance capability in
ing women, pasteurize it and distribute it milkbankontario.ca to find more infor- the field of critical care nursing and role-
by prescription to medically fragile babies mation about the screening process and modeled a commitment to professional
in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) eligibility requirements. self-development and lifelong learning.
across Ontario. Sunnybrook’s NICU cares Marie Sanderson
Sunnybrook’s
MyChart goes
mobile
Sunnybrook’s personal health record system,
MyChart, is going mobile to make it easier
for patients and their families to connect with
their health information.
MyChart was launched in early 2006 as a way
for Sunnybrook patients to set up, manage
and access their own personal health records
online. MyChart health information comes
directly from Sunnybrook’s electronic patient
record system.
Virginia McLaughlin (left) stands with Dr. Eileen Rakovitch. The two received 2012 Sunnybrook Rose
Awards on Oct. 30 for their tremendous efforts in supporting Sunnybrook’s philanthropic objectives. It can be used by patients to monitor care
McLaughlin served on the hospital’s Board of Directors between 1998 and 2007 – first as vice-chair and then while traveling, set up family records, manage
as chair from 2003 to 2007 – and continues to serve as co-chair of Sunnybrook Foundation’s Odette Cancer a family member’s health information and
Campaign Cabinet. Dr. Rakovitch is head of Sunnybrook’s Breast Cancer Care Team and has been an energet- care plan, keep care providers up to date, set
ic supporter of the Louise Temerty Breast Cancer Centre, which will open ahead of schedule in April 2013. up emergency information and access care in
the community.
“With a mobile site, patients can now ac-
Laboratory Medicine helping patients cess their personal health information even
more quickly and easily than before,” says
by delivering care on the spot Sarina Cheng, director of Information and
Telecommunication Services & eHealth
Many people know someone suffering from Strategies.
diabetes or other ailments requiring blood glu-
cose testing. The glucose readers many of us “We are focusing on the patient’s need for
know are commonly available at a pharmacy quick access to their personal health informa-
and designed for home use. tion anywhere.”
At Sunnybrook, the Division of Laboratory
Medicine manages special glucose meters for
patients. Called Point-of-Care Testing, it’s part
of the laboratory’s commitment for every pa-
tient to receive the right care at the right time.
“Most people think of laboratory tests happen-
ing somewhere else, away from the patient,” Anna Lea Chu (left), a diabetes nurse champion,
says Lisa Merkley, the division’s director. and Mary Rozmanc perform quality control test-
ing on the Nova StatStrip glucose meter.
“With this testing and our in-house glucose
meters, the clinicians receive their results “By 2009, we implemented similar systems at MyChart mobile is available by visiting www.
almost on the spot, so care decisions can be the Holland Centre and shortly after, rolled mychart.ca on any smartphone, iPad or tablet.
made immediately.” out the glucose meters across all our sites.”
For health-care providers and patients,
The development of the infrastructure, test- The Point-of-Care Testing team also manages MyChart also provides access to interpreted
ing and validation of network connections, testing devices for blood gases, blood coagula- test results, electronic referral, online forms,
quality control and training took time, tion and hemoglobin. Each instrument pro- patient questionnaires and surveys, online
but there are now 3,000 trained clinical vides the clinical team with accurate lab results scheduling, pre-registration, and information
partners using the glucose testing system in that are of immediate benefit to the patient. sharing among physicians and other clini-
Sunnybrook. cians and health organizations.
“We’re working on an expanded range of
“We were the first laboratory in Canada devices, and growing into the Emergency “MyChart puts health and wellness infor-
to have networked Nova glucose meters, Department and operating rooms. Also, we mation at your fingertips like never before,
collaborating with our health care profes- are focused on electronic charting so results and this knowledge is empowering,” Cheng
sionals, information technology, biomedical get into the patient chart quickly and accu- says.
engineering and maintenance departments,” rately,” Rozmanc notes.
says Mary Rozmanc, hospital supervisor for “It provides the tools people need to better
Point-of-Care Testing. “The laboratory is an essential partner in pa- monitor and understand personal health
tient care, alongside the nurses, clinicians and status, which is key because no one is more
“I remember crawling under desks to physi- other health care providers at the bedside,” invested in your health than you.”
cally ensure each nursing unit could run Merkley adds. Laura Bristow
these types of glucose meters on a common James Buttivant
networked interface,” Rozmanc says.
Your Health Matters is published monthly by the Communications & Stakeholder Relations Department and Sunnybrook
How to reach us:
Foundation. Submissions to Your Health Matters are welcome, however, they are subject to space availability and editorial discretion.
Your Health Matters
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.2 million patients the hospital cares for
2075 Bayview Avenue, Suite D1 00 each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research
and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada’s premier
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook specializes in caring for high-risk pregnancies, critically-ill newborns and adults,
P: 416.480.4040 offering specialized rehabilitation and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological and psychiatric
E: news.articles@sunnybrook.ca disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions and traumatic injuries. The Hospital also has a unique and national leading
program for the care of Canada’s war veterans. For more information about how Sunnybrook is inventing the future of health
care please visit us online at www.sunnybrook.ca
Boy foregoes birthday gifts to raise Roasted
money for Sunnybrook cancer research cauliflower and
Instead of birthday
red pepper soup
Liam MacInnis remembers when his
grandmother lost her battle to cancer more gifts, Liam MacInnis,
11, asked for donations
than six years ago. from friends and gave
$150 to the Odette
“She had a bunch of cancers,” he says. “It was Cancer Centre.
really sad for me. I was in junior kindergarten.”
Now in Grade 6, the 11-year-old Stouffville,
Ont. boy is feeling much better, especially want gifts, but they thought it was a good idea.
after donating $150 to Sunnybrook’s Odette I hope the money will go to help people with
Cancer Centre in honour of “Grandma cancer and make their lives better.”
MacInnis” and Danny Kyriazis, a good
friend of his parents. Both were Sunnybrook Liam’s mother, Karen Smiley-MacInnis, says
patients. the kids who came to the party were great.
Danny died of cancer two weeks after Liam’s “A few parents told me they thought it
birthday on Aug. 2. The two never met. was a very selfless cause,” she says, adding
their school’s focus last year was “Make a Makes 6-8 servings
For his birthday party, Liam asked for dona- Difference”, which also saw Liam organizing Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
tions from friends instead of gifts. It’s some- a bracelet sale at his hockey tournament in Rimmed baking sheet, lined with foil
thing his brother, Nolan, 12, did a year ago March to raise money for Free the Children.
when he donated to the Breast Cancer Society • 5 cups (1.25 L) bite-size cauliflower florets
of Canada. Liam says he really likes raising money for • 4 tsp (20 mL) canola oil, divided
charities and hopes to do more in the future. • 1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped onion
“So I wanted to do that, too,” Liam says. “My L.H. Tiffany Hsieh • 1 cup (250 mL) finely chopped carrots
friends were a little surprised that I didn’t • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (1 L) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 roasted red bell peppers, finely chopped
Community raises flags and remembers •
•
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation:
1. Place cauliflower on prepared baking sheet
and drizzle with 2 tsp (10 mL) of the oil. Roast
in preheated oven, turning once, for 20 to 25
minutes or until florets start to caramelize and
are lightly browned.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot, heat the remain-
Comfort Fund and Veterans Grant a Wish ing oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and
program. On Nov. 17, Her Royal Highness carrots for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened.
Princess Margriet of the Netherlands (photo- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in
graphed with veteran Allan Forester) visited caramelized cauliflower, broth, roasted pep-
the Veterans Centre and met with 30 vets who pers and thyme; increase heat to high and
helped liberate the Netherlands at the end of bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10
the Second World War. Princess Margriet minutes to blend the flavors. Discard thyme
On Remembrance Day, Sunnybrook’s second spoke with them about their recollections of sprigs. Season to taste with pepper.
annual Operation Raise a Flag created a sea of wartime in Holland, their courage and their
red and white outside of the Veterans Centre contributions to liberating the Dutch people in Recipe courtesy of ©Cook! Dietitians of Canada.
and throughout our Bayview Campus, includ- May of 1945. Born in Canada during the war,
ing the Sunnybrook cenotaph. Funds raised Princess Margriet has always maintained a close
through the initiative benefit our Veterans personal relationship with Canadian veterans.
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