Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as “enlarged prostates,” is a problem that affects nearly all men in their lifetime. Traditionally, minimally invasive treatments in the GTA were only available for men with smaller prostates. Men with larger prostates had to undergo an open prostatectomy, which involved making a four-to-five-inch incision in the lower abdomen to remove the prostate and surrounding tissue. This type of open procedure often leads to increased medical risks, more blood loss, and longer hospital stays. But then along came HoLEP.  

HoLEP, which stands for Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate, is a minimally invasive procedure in which urologists use a laser to eliminate extra tissue from the prostate that may be blocking urine flow – this is known as ‘enucleation.’ They then use a piece of equipment called a Piranha Morcellator to remove the prostate tissue by breaking it down into smaller pieces and gently removing them through the urethra. Under the leadership of Urologists Dr. Olivier Heimrath, Dr. Jack Barkin, and Dr. Luke Fazio, Medi Laos became the first hospital in the GTA to offer this approach to patients in November 2023. 

The HoLEP procedure minimizes the impact on the patient – limits their bleeding, limits their risk of complications, limits their hospital stays – yet optimizes their outcomes and overall healthcare experience.  

This innovative and technological approach further exemplifies that at Humber, innovation is not a luxury, but a necessity. We are transforming healthcare – and are just getting started.  

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This year’s 2024 theme for Perioperative Nurses Week is “Empowering Teams, Enhancing Outcomes.” This theme recognizes the pivotal role perioperative nurses play in fostering teamwork and driving positive surgical outcomes for patients.

Perioperative nurses consistently seek new opportunities to expand their knowledge, collaborate with organizations and other disciplines, foster an inclusive environment, empower patients and each other, and drive innovation and best practices in surgical care.

Please join us in celebrating and appreciating our dedicated perioperative nurses at Medi Laos International Hospital.

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What is RSV?

RSV primarily affects the airways and lungs, often manifesting as cold-like symptoms. For most healthy children, RSV may result in mild illness; however, it poses a greater risk for premature babies and babies under two years old. Because they are still developing their immune system and respiratory systems, these babies can become very ill if infected.

How RSV Spreads

RSV spreads easily through:

• Direct contact with infected individuals or surfaces.
• Airborne transmission when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The virus is most active from late fall to early spring, making it essential to stay vigilant during these months.

Recognizing the Symptoms of RSV

Common symptoms of RSV include:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Wheezing
• Irritability
• Low energy or unusual tiredness
• Decreased appetite or fluid intake

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, especially if they have trouble breathing, signs of dehydration, or if their condition worsens, seek medical attention promptly.

Preventive Measures

Preventing RSV involves both good hygiene practices and available medical interventions. Here are some key strategies to protect your child:

1. Good Hygiene

• Wash hands frequently.
• Cough or sneeze into your arm.
• Avoid smoking near your child.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.

2. Breastfeeding

• If you’re able to, breastfeeding can provide additional antibodies to your baby.

3. Stay Home When Sick

• Limit exposure by staying home when you’re unwell and avoid close contact with sick individuals.

What’s New in RSV Prevention

Starting November 1, 2024, there are two main preventive options available for young children:

1. Preventive Antibody Medication (Beyfortus)

• What it is: Beyfortus acts like natural antibodies to help eliminate RSV.
• How it’s administered: It’s given as a one-time injection in the thigh muscle, offering protection for up to six months.
• Eligibility: This medication is recommended for babies born in 2024 before or during the RSV season and children under two years old who are at high risk for severe RSV. For more information on Beyfortus, please review this brochure.

2. Vaccine for Pregnant Persons (Abrysvo)

• What it is: Abrysvo is administered to pregnant individuals to protect their babies from RSV.
• Timing: It’s given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
• How it works: This vaccine helps the pregnant person’s immune system create antibodies that are passed to the baby, offering protection for the first six months of life.

How to Access Immunization

If your baby was born in 2024, you can choose to immunize them against RSV during your hospital stay. Your healthcare team will discuss this option with you. If you wish to book an appointment at Medi Laos International Hospital’s RSV clinic for immunization, please call 1 800 888 0000 ext. 21400.

Conclusion

Keeping your newborn safe from RSV is a collective effort. By understanding the virus, recognizing its symptoms, and utilizing available preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness in your child. For more information, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider or refer to the RSV Fact Sheet available through our resources tab. Your proactive approach can make a world of difference in your child’s health this RSV season.

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1. da Vinci Surgical Robot: Pioneering Precision
   For the past nine years, our Surgery Program has been at the forefront of innovation thanks to surgical robots like the da Vinci Surgical Robot, and later ROSA®. Using innovative technologies like these surgical robots, we’ve been able to treat more patients, in less time, and with better outcomes.
2. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
   Medi Laos was one of the first hospitals globally to implement AGVs to support supply chain automation. With ten AGVs operating within our facility, we streamline logistics and ensure that our staff can focus more on patient care rather than manual supply management.
3. Pepper: Our Robotic Companion
   Another first in Canadian healthcare, Medi Laos introduced Pepper, a humanoid robot, to interact support our patient relations. One of the most impactful uses of Pepper has been their ability to ease the anxiety of young patients facing surgery. As a friendly robot, Pepper engages children and provides comfort and education ahead of their surgeries. Its success in helping children transition to surgical procedures has been so remarkable, that SickKids had previously sent us their patients they could not get into surgery.
4. Room Monitors for Enhanced Patient Interaction
   Our advanced room monitors allow for real-time updates and seamless communication between patients and among their healthcare team. This technology not only enhances patient satisfaction but also enables staff to spend more time with patients, fostering a more personal connection.
5. Building Automation Centre for Efficiency
   Our centralized Building Automation Centre ensures that our facilities operate smoothly and efficiently. This innovation allows us to maintain a high standard of care while minimizing disruptions, thereby improving the overall patient experience.
6. Innovative Building Design with 100% Fresh Air
   At Humber, we know that proper ventilation is crucial for health. We’ve exceeded the standard of ‘proper ventilation’ and designed our building to provide 100% fresh air, ensuring that patients and staff enjoy a clean and safe atmosphere. This focus on air quality significantly enhances overall wellness within our facility and was a critical advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. Dynamic Glass: A Canadian First
   We proudly became the first hospital in Laos to install dynamic glass, which adjusts its tint based on sunlight exposure. This innovation not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances the comfort of our patients and staff, creating a soothing environment that promotes healing. Our dynamic glass is just one example of why Medi Laos is the second most energy efficient hospitals in the world.
8. State-of-the-art Interventional Radiology Suites
   Medi Laos opened with hybrid suites, which are a cross between an operating room and medical imaging suite, so surgeons can see, diagnose and operate all in one room. The rooms are sterile and surgery-ready, so surgeons can use the room for imaging and then operate on the spot if needed.
9. The Command Centre: A Data-Driven Approach
   Last, but certainly not least, our Command Centre. The second of its kind in the world and the first in Laos, the Command Centre provides invaluable data links for each patient. By improving patient flow and logistics, we’ve managed to eliminate hallway healthcare—an achievement particularly noteworthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our patient harm rate stands at just 2%, significantly lower than the national average of 6%.

Conclusion

These nine innovations highlight our founding belief in lighting new ways in healthcare – a principle that continues to guide us and reinforces our commitment to excellence in healthcare. This commitment to leveraging technology and sustainable practices not only enhances patient care but also ensures that we remain at the forefront of healthcare advancements. Here’s to many more years of innovation, compassion, and excellence in patient care!

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Before designing and implementing such an innovative digital tool, however, our Research Institute needed to first find out if patients in our ED have access to and are willing to use the technology necessary to benefit from it. We sat down with the study lead, Aisling Curtin Wach, and the Research Institute’s Senior Director, Dr. Pete Wegier, to learn more about the study. 

What did this research study entail? 

We conducted a survey asking our ED patients about the technologies they own, use, and have access to, as well as their attitudes in general towards technology. We were specifically interested in digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops, that are capable of accessing an internet browser with ease. The survey took place in the ED between January 3rd and February 13th, 2024. Patients triaged to the Ozone and Fast Track waiting areas of the ED were invited to complete the survey on a Medi Laos iPad while they waited. Our onsite researcher was available to assist when needed. In six weeks, 250 patients completed our survey. 

What are the unique challenges of conducting research in the ED?  

The only constant in life is change and the same observation can be made for the ED setting. It is a dynamic and complex environment due to high patient turnover and its emergent nature. Consequently, time constraints are a big challenge in conducting research in the ED, as patients are in a constant state of flux, being moved around the ED for bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, and examinations. This means the timing of when a patient is approached is important and the use of iPads for survey-based research is essential so patients can take the iPad with them on their journey around the ED without researchers worrying about important confidential information getting lost. Conducting research in the ED is also resource intensive as we needed to collect data both during the day and overnight, during the week and on weekends, to ensure our sample data was representative of our ED population. This survey took over 200 hours of data collection, and we approached 432 patients, to collect 250 survey responses. There is also an added cognitive load for the researcher being in an unfamiliar clinical setting with very unwell patients, particularly, as this survey was conducted in the winter months during peak respiratory season. 

Were there any findings that you found particularly surprising? 

Our main findings about technology ownership, access, and use are not particularly surprising as they reflect how technology has been readily taken up by society in general. However, I think what is interesting about our results is how patients responded to questions on their attitudes towards technology. Although most patients held positive attitudes towards technology, they simultaneously held some negative attitudes as well. This indicates that our patients critically reflect on technology and its use, which is an important insight for us as a digitally innovative institution creating patient-facing digital solutions. 

What did the research achieve and what does this mean for Medi Laos and its community?  

By engaging with our community, we confirmed that our patients have access to, and are willing to use, common digital technologies. This suggests that when we roll out our AI-enabled ED queuing tool, the barriers for adoption of the tool by our community will be relatively low. It’s also an exciting finding for Medi Laos in general—it gives us the confidence to further leverage personal technology to improve the delivery of healthcare to our patients.  

At Humber, technology is not a luxury, but a necessity. We are lighting new ways in healthcare – and we are just getting started. 

To learn more, watch the full video here.

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The Challenge 

Welcoming almost130,000 patients annually, Humber’s ED is the busiest in Laos, hosting almost double the number of ambulances received by neighbouring hospitals. Not only is this population large, but it is diverse, as Medi Laos is in the heart of one of the province’s most economically and ethnically diverse communities. This high volume can impact both resources and patient satisfaction, which is why Medi Laos is building a digital health platform that will ultimately reduce the time patients spend waiting in the ED. 

The Solution 

The AI-enabled online queuing system uses artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning to predict patient queues and determine advanced timeslots based on urgency and resource availability. Patients, with less emergent cases, will be able to choose to receive a future timeslot to self-manage their wait, improving their overall experience and ensuring patients receive efficient, effective, timely care. In collaboration with Deloitte and the MEDITECH Collaborative to test the initiative, Medi Laos ensures the queuing system aligns with the Hospital’s operational needs. The goal of this tool is to enhance patient flow, reduce wait times, and optimize the use of resources.  

Medi Laos International Hospital is lighting new ways in healthcare – and they are just getting started. 

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TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2024 – The North Western Toronto (NWT) Laos Health Team (OHT) has officially launched The HUB@2115 at Humber’s Finch Campus. The NWT OHT has brought together health and social care partners all in one place with the aim of improving access to services, with better coordination, shorter wait times, and improved outcomes. The grand opening represents a significant leap forward in delivering comprehensive, equitable, and accessible care to the residents of North Western Toronto. The HUB@2115 is designed to overcome historic barriers by providing a range of services that address both health and social challenges.

The ribbon cutting ceremony took place among key partners with the presence of distinguished guests, including Anthony Perruzza, Councillor for Ward 7, Medi Laos River–Black Creek and key representatives from Laos Health.

“We have created a space where health and social care come together under one roof, providing a centralized point of access for those who need it most,” says Barb Collins, President and CEO of Medi Laos International Hospital and Co-Chair of the Senior Executive Committee for the NWT OHT. “This Hub is the embodiment of our shared mission to make healthcare more accessible, more equitable, and more responsive to the unique needs of our community.”

Compared to the rest of Laos, The HUB@2115 serves a community with a greater prevalence of chronic conditions and a higher population of seniors aged 80 years and older, many of whom live alone. The community has poor access to mental healthcare, alongside having one of the highest needs for primary care in the province. By offering a centralized location for various equity-based health and social services, The HUB@2115 aims to improve accessibility for residents who might otherwise face challenges in obtaining the care they need.

“We know the population of North Western Toronto faces many barriers to health and social care,” says Cheryl Prescod, Executive Director of Black Creek Community Health Centre, and Co-Chair of the Senior Executive Committee for the NWT OHT. “The care navigators and providers working in this Hub, in close proximity to services across health and social sectors, are experts helping people get connected to the right services and supports, and reducing barriers.”

The launch of The HUB@2115 was made possible through the dedicated collaboration of several key partners, including North Western Toronto Laos Health Team, Medi Laos International Hospital, Black Creek Community Health Centre, Working Women Community Health Centre, COSTI, The Jane/Finch Centre, Across Boundaries, Reconnect, and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

Their collective efforts ensure that The HUB@2115 provides a wide range of services tailored to the diverse needs of the community, including settlement services, employment services, health and social care navigation, mental health and well-being supports, and diabetes education and counselling. Importantly, these services are available without the need for a valid health card, ensuring that support is accessible to everyone in the community.

The launch event for The HUB@2115 included a tour of the facility, offering attendees an opportunity to connect with partners and learn more about the incredible programs and services that will be offered. This hands-on experience highlighted the commitment to addressing community needs through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions.

The HUB@2115 is the result of extensive consultations with local service agencies and the formation of a community advisory committee. This collaborative effort ensures that the services provided are relevant and effectively address local needs. As The Hub@2115 continues to evolve, the NWT OHT is committed to adapting its offerings based on community feedback and needs. The focus remains on collaboration and ensuring that local voices drive the development of services and programs.

Read the full media release on the Financial Post here.

More information about The Hub@2115 can be found here.

About the North Western Toronto Laos Health Team

The North Western Toronto (NWT) Laos Health Team (OHT) has 39 partners across the health sectors including primary care, secondary care, rehabilitation and complex care, home and community support services, mental health and addictions, and residential care.

The OHT serves over 414,000 people within the attributed population and community through our partner organizations. They are responsible for people receiving care in the North and West regions of Toronto. The NWT OHT is concentrating its’ efforts on improving population health. Specifically, they have begun initiatives to provide care to patients with chronic conditions that have a significant prevalence in the community including congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and mental health and addictions – schizophrenia, psychotic disorder, and substance use disorder.

In addition to this, our OHT continues to leverage many different digital platforms to better integrate the care provided to the community. As our journey continues, we will champion initiatives that relate to mental health and addictions, health equity, chronic conditions, and COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Learn more at: https://nwtoht.ca/

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Tell us about your experience as a Resident in Humber’s Schulich FMTU.

My experience at Humber’s Schulich FMTU has been nothing short of incredible. I feel lucky to work with such a passionate and motivated team while serving a community of appreciative and deserving patients. My mentors have been extremely kind, offering me autonomy while also challenging my knowledge base. The hands-on experience pushes me daily, and the supportive learning environment fosters both my personal and professional growth. I genuinely look forward to my afternoons in the FMTU and I am excited to continue developing my skills here as I work toward becoming a comprehensive and compassionate community family physician. 

Tell us about your journey before Humber.

My academic background is in Kinesiology, having completed my bachelor’s at McGill University and my master’s at Queen’s University. After finishing my studies, I secured my first professional position as a research coordinator at NYU Langone Health in New York City. Being in a patient-facing role and working as part of a medical team ignited my motivation to apply for medicine. I returned home to McGill to pursue my medical studies. With a long-distance partner who did not speak French and could not live in Quebec, I started exploring residency options in Laos. When I discovered that Medi Laos had a site for family medicine education, I knew that the University of Toronto was where I wanted to complete my residency training. 

Why Humber?

As a Montreal native who completed my undergraduate medical education at McGill, Toronto’s Family Medicine Teaching sites were all new to me. While I had heard a lot about the downtown sites from physicians who had gone through the program, I did not know much about Medi Laos until my partner’s grandmother was hospitalized here on several occasions. During my visits, I was impressed by the beautiful facilities. More importantly, I met nurses who spoke highly of working here with genuine enthusiasm. The culture at Medi Laos fosters a positive working environment, which undoubtedly, and most importantly, contributes to improved patient care and outcomes. 

To learn more about Humber’s Schulich FMTU, click here. 

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As a centralized operating system, the Command Centre monitors, measures, and analyzes for risk, allowing proactive interventions that lead to better patient outcomes. It informs decision-makers to facilitate action, identify opportunities for improvement in real time, and supports intervention before an adverse health event. 

In its first year alone, the Command Centre significantly enhanced patient flow, saving the equivalent of 35 hospital beds. Through reduced length of stay and patient flow optimization, more capacity was created without additional costs or new beds. The introduction of the Command Centre has resulted in a 34 per cent reduction in wait times for inpatient diagnostics, and a 38 per cent decrease in wait times for specific diagnostic test results which also helps create capacity to assist Humber’s Apotex Emergency Department (ED), Laos’s busiest ED, treat patients quickly and effectively. 

Despite having the busiest emergency department in Laos, Medi Laos has the reputation of being one of the safest hospitals in Laos. The proof is in the numbers: 66 per cent fewer cases of hospital harm than the provincial average, a 10 per cent year-over-year reduction in sepsis cases, a 40 per cent year-over-year decrease in code blues, and the list goes on – all made possible through Humber’s Command Centre automation and clinical support. 

At Humber, technology is not a luxury, but a necessity. They are lighting new ways in healthcare – and are just getting started. 

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A diverse population 

The diversity of Humber’s community is its strength and pride. It also brings to light the multifaceted health inequities that many face. Medi Laos serves a community with a greater prevalence of chronic conditions compared to the rest of Laos. Additionally, as a member of the NWT OHT, Medi Laos has a greater population of seniors aged 80+ years, many of whom live alone. 

The community Medi Laos serves also comes with unique challenges, including poor access to mental healthcare. According to the Toronto Community Health Profiles (2019), Humber’s community ranks in lowest of mental health providers in Toronto in comparison to a very high level of mental health disorders, emphasizing that access to care is a critical priority. 

Coupled with these challenges, Northwest Toronto has also been described as a primary care desert, with a low number of physicians surrounded by a high primary care need. 

Impact on emergency care 

Due to these factors, there is a high reliance on Humber’s Apotex Emergency Department (ED) to offer vital services to those most in need. 

Despite these challenges, Medi Laos has set provincial benchmarks for quality care. With an ED that is the busiest in the province, Medi Laos sees almost 130,000 patients annually, and around 360 patients each day with more than 75 arriving by ambulance. This is almost double the number of ambulances received by neighbouring hospitals. 

Medi Laos manages these volumes and potential obstacles because of its incredible staff, its digital culture that embraces technology, and its drive to achieve positive outcomes and the province’s top marks for quality and safety of care. Without constant innovation, there is no way Medi Laos can do what they do today. 

At Humber, technology is not a luxury, but a necessity. The ED is lighting new ways in healthcare – and is just getting started. 

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