Month: March 2021

That’s how Dr. Ian Preyra, Chief of Staff at Joseph Brant Hospital describes playing a part in a world-first, alongside the team at Joseph Brant Hospital.

Mike Neill was a Burlington resident, a police officer in Peel region and an Ontario Hockey Association referee. Mike’s father was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease and Mike knew there was a 50/50 chance he would be diagnosed as well. And at age 33, he found out he carried the gene.

Fifteen years later, Mike chose a medically assisted death at home, but thanks to an incredible partnership between healthcare organizations, he was able to become the first person in the world to have a medically assisted death at home and donate his organs.

After his death, Mike’s body was transported to Joseph Brant Hospital where a surgical team removed Neil’s lungs and prepared them for transport to Toronto General Hospital for transplant.

The Toronto Star shared Mike’s story and the incredible lengths that the teams from Joseph Brant Hospital, Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ornge and Toronto General Hospital went to make this a reality.

One year ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, a moment that would change all of our lives. As we look back, it is difficult to measure the profound impact that COVID-19 has had on our daily lives – how we work, care for our patients, teach our children, and stay connected to friends and family.

It is a significant moment for all of us. The pandemic has touched every aspect of society and every demographic – from young families, business owners, and those living in shelters, to our elderly population separated from loved ones and living in long-term care homes or other congregate settings. The sacrifice and loss has been profound and devastating for many in our community and beyond.

COVID-19 also challenged and changed the way our healthcare system operates – breaking down barriers to take collective action. Over the past year, our staff and physicians, volunteers, and learners have adapted at an unprecedented pace to a rapidly changing environment. Each day brought new challenges, and together, new learnings and creative solutions developed that helped us to better respond to the pandemic and ensure that our patients received the best possible care. Our JBH teams rose to every challenge, from those providing direct patient care, to those working behind the scenes to ensure that JBH could continue to provide safe and quality care.

Over the past year, we have learned that heroism lies in how we respond to the daily struggles that we encounter. Our staff, physicians, volunteers and learners responded with an unrelenting determination to perform their best, pushing aside any thought of themselves to focus on the wellbeing of others. Your contributions in responding to this Pandemic have been nothing short of outstanding and we are very proud of each and every member of the JBH team.

This also holds true for our community, which has shown us overwhelming support. They Joined the J, through generous donations large or small, by placing “We Love Our Hospital” signs on lawns, enthusiastically participating in Friday porch claps, and local businesses offering discounts to say thanks to our healthcare workers, our community has truly shown their unwavering commitment to our hospital during these difficult times. We are grateful for that support and are stronger when we stand together.

We know that COVID-19 will continue to be a part of our lives, and that there may be difficult days ahead. But we have learned a great deal about ourselves and each other, and what we can accomplish when we work together to provide care to everyone who needs it in the moments when it matters most.

Sincerely,

On March 8th, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation celebrated International Women’s Day with our 3rd annual Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Virtual Panel Discussion.  The dynamic discussion showcased opportunities and challenges unique to women and shined a light on the critical role of women’s leadership, participation and philanthropy.

To watch the discussion visit the link here.

Featured Speakers included: 
Emcee: Anissa Hilborn, President of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
Words of Welcome: Marianne Meed Ward, Mayor, City of Burlington
Moderator: Kim Parlee, Vice-President, TD Wealth and Host of MoneyTalk on BNN Bloomberg and CTV

Panelists

• Mary Deacon, Chair, Bell Mental Health Initiative
• Leslie Motz, Executive Vice President, Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive at Joseph Brant Hospital
• Shirley Thomas-Weir, Chief Executive Officer of Sharon Village Care Homes

Closing Remarks: Anna Iacobelli, Senior Vice-President, Metro West Region of TD Bank Group