Summer

RReebbuuiillddiinngg hhoossppiittaallttoo rreebbuuiilldd ppeeooppllee’’ss lliivveess

Early phase of redevelopment begins in Fall 2008

1

When Cameron MacDonald first noticed asmall lump in his abdomen, he immediatelyphoned his doctor to test for cancer. Given thedemands of a career in commercial realestate, this busy father of two received theresults in an appropriately fast-paced fashion.“I got my [cancer] diagnosis by Blackberry,”the 56-year-old notes wryly.

The size and depth of his surgical incisionrequired a large skin graft on his abdomen.MacDonald’s stay in acute care didn’t stopthere: one edge of the graft didn’t healcorrectly, causing a painful wound to develop.

In March 2008, hearrived at St. John’sRehab Hospital toreceive treatment inour innovativeoncology rehabprogram. Yet, therewas an added benefitto his stay atSt. John’s Rehab –MacDonald receivedleading care for hiswound.

Many people who have been in a hospital foran extended time not only have to overcometheir primary medical condition, they may alsohave to deal with painful and potentiallydangerous wounds that come from traumaticinjuries, surgery or pressure ulcers (commonlyknown as bed sores).

Managing these wounds – and the pain,scarring or infection they may cause –requires advanced, specialized techniques.This is why St. John’s Rehab developed aspecialized wound rehabilitation pilot programin partnership with Women’s College Hospital.

“As our population ages, chronic wounds arebecoming more prevalent. This constitutes asignificant disease burden on the health caresystem,” observes Dr. Morty Eisenberg,physician and wound care consultant whospearheaded the development of the program.

As a specialized rehabilitation centre, St. John’sRehab is in a unique position to bridge thegap. Clinicians from across disciplines worktogether to learn about best practices,research treatment methods, and deliver carethat helps patients heal and recover.

See Helping wounds heal on page 4

People recovering from life-changing injuries and illnesses

are one step closer to afacility designed to rebuild

their lives.

In October,Willowdale M.P.P.

David Zimmerannounced the

provincial government’s approval of the earlyconstruction phase that will lead to theredevelopment of St. John’s Rehab Hospital.

“With this addition, St. John’s Rehab will be in aposition to serve the rehabilitation needs of residentsof Willowdale and across Ontario for years to come,”said Mr. Zimmer. “Our government is pleased to workwith the hospital to begin making this redevelopedfacility a reality.”

Since our last major renovation in the 1970s, patients’rehab needs have expanded dramatically. Morepeople than ever are surviving complex conditionssuch as strokes, cancer, amputations, organtransplants, traumatic injuries and severe burns.

St. John’s RehabHospital’s redevelopmentwill bring all of ouroutpatient services underone roof: the 49,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art John C. and SallyHorsfall Eaton Centre forAmbulatory Care.

The first phase, plannedfor November through tospring 2009, involvesreconstruction of the

hospital’s west parking lot, loading areas and siteservices. This phase will pave the way for theconstruction of the new ambulatory care centre,estimated to open in 2011.

The new facility will enhance St. John’s Rehab’s abilityto return people to active, productive lives in theirhomes, communities and places of work.

“Our first major renovation in 35 years will ensure wecan continue to meet people’s growing rehabilitationneeds,” says Malcolm Moffat, President and CEO ofSt. John’s Rehab Hospital. “We thank David Zimmer,Minister David Caplan, the Ministry of Health andLong-Term Care, our generous donors, our staff andour community for their commitment to rebuildingpeople’s lives.”

In September, the hospital produced a redevelopmentnewsletter and opened its doors to allow thecommunity to learn about the redevelopment project.If you were unable to attend, but want to find outmore information, please visitwww.stjohnsrehab.com/redevelopment.

A Bulletin forOur Community

CommunityReportCommunityCommunityReport

Volume 1, Issue 7

The redeveloped St. John’s Rehab Hospital campus from the north.At left: the John C. and Sally Horsfall Eaton Centre for Ambulatory Care.

The modern, bright St. John’s Rehab Auxiliary Therapy Pool.

“Our first majorrenovation in35 years willensure we cancontinue to meetpeople’s growingrehabilitationneeds.”

The redevelopment will provide expanded and enhanced treatment space, allowing the hospital to

care for the more than 50,000 outpatient visits we see each year. The project will incorporate:

• Dramatically expanded and improved multidisciplinary treatment space

• Clinic space for face-masks, splinting,gait-training and returning to activities ofdaily living

• The modern, bright St. John’s Rehab Auxiliary Therapy Pool

• A renovated inpatient wing to spread our 160 beds from four to five floors

• More accessible parking and main entrances

• Expanded therapy gardens - a key element in the whole-person approach to recovery.

HHeellppiinngg wwoouunnddss hheeaallHospital pilots advanced

wound rehabilitation

Cameron MacDonald’shealing was complementedby the hospital’s advancedwound care knowledge.

It takes seconds for a bolt of electricity to run throughsomeone’s body. It takes months or even years to fullyrecover.

“You can’t tell just by looking at a patient what some ofthe complex, life-altering effects of electrical injuriesare,” says John Cho, occupational therapist andoutpatient clinical coordinator at St. John's RehabHospital.

After an electrical injury, people might look just fine onthe outside. But, there’s much more going onunderneath the surface.

Some are recovering from visible injuries such as burnsor fractures, but may also be experiencing neurologicaldysfunctions like muscle twitching, weakness or a loss ofsensation. They may have difficulty doing simple thingslike walking, using everyday tools or workplaceequipment, or even listening, remembering, andexplaining their symptoms.

Patients are often challenged or misunderstood byfamily, co-workers, insurers and employers. Electricalinjuries are not immediately visible, they don’t show upon traditional tests and no two cases are alike. Eachperson presents different symptoms which ariseunpredictably.

Some patients even go backto work, confused and unableto understand what’s goingon inside their own bodies.New issues that show upweeks or months later maynot be attributed back to theelectrical accident. Thisreduces the chance thatpatients will see electricalinjury specialists who canprovide the help they need.

“The best thing for anyonewho has been in an electrical contact accident is earlyintervention,” says Dr. Joel Fish, St. John’s Rehab’s ChiefMedical Officer and the Medical Director for the burnrehab program. “A specialized, comprehensiveassessment by a multidisciplinary team will result in aplan of care that minimizes future complications, suchas permanent disability or other long-term effects.”

The team at St. John’s Rehab works together to providecomprehensive, customized assessment and treatmentfor these invisible and unpredictable injuries.

A physiotherapist may work with a patient to regain thestrength it takes to open a clenched fist. Anoccupational therapist will help the same patient learnto hold a pencil to write or a fork to eat. A psychologistwill help the person overcome sleep disturbance,depression, anxiety and help them stay motivated toparticipate in rehabilitation.

The Back on Track rehab program team also includesnurses, social workers and other health specialists thataddress the unique and complex rehabilitation needs ofeach patient. Back on Track provides clients of theWorkplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and autoinsurers with a range of outpatient rehab services fortraumatic injuries.

People from across the country have been assessed andtreated at St. John’s Rehab Hospital since the electricalinjury program began in 2003. Currently, St. John’sRehab and acute-care partner Sunnybrook HealthSciences Centre are Canada’s only specialized facilitiesworking clinically and publishing research aboutelectrical injuries. Ongoing research will help developnew therapies that may benefit existing and futurepatients.

One of the benefits of St. John’s Rehab’s program is thatwe can recognize the patterns of symptoms. Patientsbecome more hopeful, learn coping strategies and, whenthey leave, they have more skills at their disposal.

Instead of explaining what it’s like to live with anelectrical injury, patients at St. John’s Rehab can focuson recovery and returning to their lives.

At the forefront of specialized rehabilitation care

Summer

A Bulletin forOur CommunityA Bulletin forOur CommunityRReeccoovveerriinngg ffrroomm aa sshhoocckk ttoo tthhee ssyysstteemm

Electrical injury rehab gets people back on track

Walter Soulliere (right) might not look like a typical rehab patient.

Physiotherapist Vera Fung coaches Soulliere to perform a wrist

exercise as part of his recovery from an electrical injury.

SStt.. JJoohhnn’’ss RReehhaabbHHoossppiittaall aappppooiinnttssnneeww CChhaaiirr,, BBooaarrdd

MMeemmbbeerrss

AAccccrreeddiittaattiioonn ddrriivveess hhoossppiittaall ttoo qquuaalliittyy aanndd bbeeyyoonndd......

The holidays are a time to relax with family and friends. Too much stress canharm your health and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Take care of yourself• Get enough sleep, so you can keep up with the demands of the holiday.

• Plan some downtime with those you value most – holidays areabout family and friends. Make use of a calendar to avoid over-committing yourself.

• Maintain an active exercise routine to keep your energy, boost your immune system, and keep your mood up!

• Take time to eat properly and well.

Shop with a plan• Plan ahead. Reflect on what is important or special for you — and what you can do without. Block

off time in your calendar over several weeks to shop or run errands.

• Shop early. Avoid getting swept up in the last-minute shopping frenzy, or consider purchasing gifts over the internet.

• Set realistic expectations with shopping and events. High expectations could cause stress if things don’t work out as planned.

• Stick to a budget to avoid overspending and to make decision-making easier.

Enjoy the season• The holidays are more than a dash to the mall. Enjoy small things — like the first snowfall

or family traditions.

• Holidays can be a lonely time for some. You can get involved in community activities or focus on others by volunteering your time at a worthy cause.

SSeellff--hheellpp ttiippss:: SSttrreess-free holidays

“You can’t tell just

by looking at a

patient what some

of the complex,

life-altering

effects of electrical

injuries are.”

Accreditation Canada is an organization that measuresquality in hospitals and other health care facilities acrossthe country. In 2006, St. John’s Rehab received a three-year accreditation award from Accreditation Canada.

To drive increased quality in our health services, St. John’sRehab Hospital has adopted the theme “Quality andBeyond!” as we work towards Accreditation 2009.

The St. John’s Rehab team has nearly completed itsself-assessment period, during which the

hospital examines all aspects of ourservices. Following this period, staff

will put into place immediate

quality improvement actions and monitor these actionsduring the coming months.

During an on-site survey in October 2009, designatedAccreditation Canada surveyors will visit the hospital,meet our team, assess our strengths and suggest areasfor improvement. Accreditation Canada’s surveyors areleaders in health care who are knowledgeable about thefacilities they visit and the types of patients served.

“St. John’s Rehab looks forward to accreditation as anopportunity to further improve the rehabilitation serviceswe provide to our community,” says Malcolm Moffat,President and CEO.

2

In June, the Board of Directors ofSt. John's Rehab Hospital welcomedJoyce Bailey as its new Chair.

An accomplished health care executive,Ms. Bailey brings over 30 years ofknowledge and experience to her new role.Her extensive career includes seven yearsas President and CEO of The WellesleyHospital, oversight of the Ross Tilley BurnCentre, and oversight of Ontario's firstlithotripsy centre — a specialized kidneytreatment centre.

She has held Board and staff positions innational and provincial organizationsincluding COTA Health, the CanadianCouncil on Health Services Accreditation,the Ontario Hospital Association, and theCanadian College of Health ServicesExecutives.

The Board of Directors has also appointedfour new members: Mr. Dennis Darby,President and CEO of the OntarioPharmacists' Association; Ms. CarolinePinto, Founding Principal of Counsel PublicAffairs Inc.; Ms. Hilary Short, recentlyretired President and CEO of the OntarioHospital Association; and Mr. David Taylor,Principal of Asset Directions Inc.

St. John's Rehab Hospital thanks thefollowing retiring board members for theirmany years of dedicated service: FormerChair Elizabeth Martin, former FoundationBoard Chair Sarah Agnew, and formerOntario Attorney-General Charles Harnick.Their leadership and energy havecontributed invaluably in moving thehospital to the forefront of specializedrehabilitation care.

With research comes innovation, knowledge,and growth — paving the way for improvedrehab care.

Recently, former patient Douglas Martingenerously pledged $225,000 for TheDouglas Martin Trauma and MusculoskeletalResearch Fund. With this gift, we can delvedeeper into musculoskeletal research anddiscover new, more effective techniques tohelp people recover sooner and in betterhealth.

Barbara and Warren Goldring have generouslygranted the Goldring Bursary for Research inStroke and Neurological Rehabilitation – thefirst bursary of its kind in the field. Inaddition, The Carlo Fidani Foundation will besupporting another upcoming researchproject. In doubling their $1 million dollar gift,John Craig and Sally Horsfall Eaton haveadded a second $1 million pledge foreducation and research.

These gifts have allowed St. John’s RehabHospital to welcome Dr. Manuel Gomez to therole of Director of Research.

Dr. Gomez recently worked in partnershipwith St. John’s Rehab and Sunnybrook HealthSciences Centre to publish research on thelong-term effects of low-voltage electricalinjuries in the Journal of Burn Care andResearch. As a notable burn researcher and20-year veteran of the health care industry,Dr. Gomez will focus on furthering the growthof research at the hospital.

On October 18, nearly 300courageous patients, loyal donors,outstanding staff, and dedicatedvolunteers came together tocelebrate all those who have hada profound and lasting impact onSt. John’s Rehab and ourcommunity.

For the first time, our newlycombined Annual Patient Reunion& Donor Appreciation Event reveledin the thanksgiving season. Theday reflected the successes of St.John’s Rehab as we celebratedpatient recovery stories and futuregrowth in education, research,equipment, and our upcomingredevelopment.

Thank you to all who shared in ourcelebration and made this eventpossible. We look forward toreuniting next year!

Rebuilding Lives. Thanks to your support.

AA rraaccee ttoo tthhee ffiinniisshh lliinnee::$$11..44 mmiilllliioonn lleefftt ttoo ggoo

To date, the Rebuilding Lives campaign hasraised $13.6 million! This would never have beenpossible without the invaluable support of ourcommunity of volunteers and donors who areconstant reminders that together, we are “what ittakes” to rebuild people’s lives.

With less than 10 per cent to go, we are eagerlyanticipating the final stretch of our $15 milliongoal and breaking ground on the state-of-the-artJohn C. and Sally Horsfall Eaton Centre forAmbulatory Care.

o relax with family and friends. Too much stress canrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

you can keep up with the demands of the holiday.

with those you value most – holidays areds. Make use of a calendar to avoid over-

ercise routine to keep your energy, boost your keep your mood up!

erly and well.

ecial for you — and what you can do without. Block shop or run errands.

minute shopping frenzy, or consider purchasing gifts

ents. High expectations could cause stress if things

make decision-making easier.

Enjoy small things — like the first snowfall

n get involved in community activities or focus on ause.

trreessss--ffrreeee hhoolliiddaayyssCCeelleebbrraattiinngg oouurr ‘‘FFrriieennddss aatt tthhee FFoorreeffrroonntt’’

Giving the gift of research

BBiillll AArrvvaanniittiiss aappppooiinntteedd FFoouunnddaattiioonn BBooaarrdd CChhaaiirr

11th Annual Rehab Golf Classicraises more than $107,000

Title Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Summer

A Bulletin forOur CommunityA Bulletin forOur Community

3

On June 9, 2008, nearly 150 supporters of St. John'sRehab Hospital hit the tees for a beautiful day of golf atthe 2008 Rehab Golf Classic. This is the second straightyear that we've broken the $100,000 mark! Thanks to all ofthe sponsors, participants, supporters and volunteers fortheir contributions in making this day possible.

Get ready to tee off next year on June 8, 2009 at theSummit Golf & Country Club! For participation orsponsorship opportunities contact the Foundation at416-226-6780 ext. 7174.

Have you thought about contributing toresearch, education, equipment and other

growing needs at St. John’s Rehab?

Please visitwww.stjohnsrehab.com/foundation

to find out how to give.

Bill Arvanitis, a registered physiotherapistand president of Arvan Rehab Group, has alifetime association with St. John’s RehabHospital – from playing on our grounds as achild, to spending time at the hospital as aphysiotherapy student. Today, he maintainsthat connection as the new Chair of theFoundation’s Board of Directors.

For more than two years, Mr. Arvanitis hasbrought his expertise in fundraising andcommunity involvement to the FoundationBoard.

“Rehabilitation is a critical part of our healthcare system.” says Mr. Arvanitis. “St. John’sRehab provides leadership through its care

and commitment to research and teaching,and it’s an honour to be a part of the team.”

St. John’s Rehab thanks Sarah Agnew,former Foundation Board Chair, for herpersonal and family contributions to thefoundation and hospital. Ms. Agnew’sassociation will continue as a honourarymember of the Board.

“Rehabilitation is a critical part of

our health care system. St. John’s

Rehab provides leadership through

its care and commitment to

research and learning.”

Ghazar Kazarian talks abouthow St. John’s Rehab clinicianshelped him walk again.

Nadine Carson shares herrecovery story.

Deloitte & Touche LLPDUCA Financial Services Credit Union Ltd.

Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.KPMG Canada

Woodbine Entertainment Group

As a patient, family member, donor or health carepartner, you may want information about how St.John’s Rehab Hospital performs in rebuilding people’slives. To help share this information, we recentlylaunched a section of our website that lists keyindicators of performance.

Visit www.stjohnsrehab.com to learn more about our patientsatisfaction rates, hospital-acquired infections, and financial and

clinical data related to our accountability agreement with theprovincial government’s Central Local Health Integration

Network (LHIN).

St. John's Rehab is the only hospital in Ontario solely dedicated tospecialized rehabilitation.

Located in North Toronto, we're the site of Ontario's only burnrehabilitation program and Canada's only organ transplant rehabilitationprogram. We provide specialized rehabilitation for people recoveringfrom the most complex conditions: amputations, cancer, cardiac surgery,strokes, neurological conditions, traumatic injuries and musculoskeletalconditions.

With a unique focus on the whole person — body, mind and spirit — St.John's Rehab Hospital is rebuilding people's lives.

Summer

A Bulletin forOur CommunityA Bulletin forOur Community

Complementary therapies:

Step Ahead Rehab Clinic treats:

For more information or to make an appointment:Phone: 416-224-3179 Online: www.stjohnsrehab.com

Visit us at: Beatty Wing (west entrance), St. John’s Rehab Hospital285 Cummer Avenue, (between Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue).

Helping people recover frominjury, illness or surgery

STEP AHEADREHAB CLINIC

4

Congratulations toSt. John’s Rehab Clinicians

S89-HRS-082B-FIN.indd 1 3/4/08 11:39:40 AM

Humber College: Physiotherapists and Occupational TherapistsThanks to excellent student feedback about the hospital, Humber College hasawarded St. John's Rehab Hospital the Award of Excellence for Education &Preceptorship for 2007-2008.

University of Toronto: Occupational Therapists St. John’s Rehab’s Occupational Therapists have received an award fornumerous contributions during 2007-2008 to the Department ofOccupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.The award recognizes contribution to several areas of occupational therapyeducation.

University of Toronto: Dr. Joel FishDr. Fish, St. John's Rehab's Chief Medical Officer, was recently awarded theprestigious Charles Tator Surgeon-Scientist Mentoring Award in recognitionof his passion for research and his exceptional mentoring of researchresidents in the University of Toronto's Surgeon Scientist Program.

University of Toronto: Dr. Morty EisenbergDr. Eisenberg, hospitalist at St. John's Rehab Hospital and a leader in ourmusculoskeletal and wound care programs, recently received the OutstandingTeaching in Family Medicine Community Elective Award. The awardrecognized his mentorship of students in the University of Toronto's Familyand Community Medicine Undergraduate Education Program.

Have you experienced joint, spine or other muscle orskeletal injuries?

St. John’s Rehab’s Step Ahead Rehab Clinic is a fee-for-service outpatient clinic specializing in assessment andtreatment of orthopedic conditions and injuries.

A provincial and national leader in specialized rehabilitation, Step Ahead Rehab Clinicclinicians have the full spectrum of skills to treat short and long-term orthopedichealth and disability concerns.

• Motor vehicle collision injuries• Work-related injuries and illnesses• Muscle, bone and joint injuries and conditions including whiplash,

lower back pain, repetitive strain and sport-related injuries

Helping wounds healfrom page 1A recent study confirms that St. John’s Rehab patients have benefitedimmensely from the program. In Canadian hospitals and long-term carefacilities, the average rate of patients with facility-acquired pressure ulcers isabout 25 per cent. Eighteen months after introducing best-practice woundcare, St. John’s Rehab’s prevalence rate dropped by one-third – from a betterthan average 14 per cent, to under 10 per cent.

St. John’s Rehab Hospital is very excited about the ways our wound careprogram will improve care and patients’ outcomes, both at St. John’s Rehab,and in the wider health care community.

• Massage Therapy• Aquatic Massage

• Acupuncture• Chiropractic• Chiropody

• Orthotics/Custom Footwear

LLeeaarrnn aabboouutt SStt.. JJoohhnn’’ss RReehhaabb’’ssppeerrffoorrmmaannccee oonnlliinnee

AAbboouutt SStt.. JJoohhnn’’ss RReehhaabb HHoossppiittaall

AAwwaarrddss rreeccooggnniizzee oouuttssttaannddiinngg tteeaacchhiinngg,, rreesseeaarrcchh aanndd mmeennttoorrsshhiipp

LLeeaarrnn mmoorree aanndd lleett uuss kknnooww wwhhaatt yyoouu tthhiinnkk oonnlliinneeCommunity Report is published (print, e-mail, and online) twice per year byStrategic Communications, St. John’s Rehab Hospital. For information about

any of the articles in this newsletter, please contact us at:

St. John’s Rehab Hospital PPhhoonnee:: 416-226-6780285 Cummer Ave FFaaxx:: 416-226-6265Toronto, ON M2M 2G1 EE--mmaaiill:: info@stjohnsrehab.com

EEddiittoorr:: Marcus Staviss

To sign-up for the e-mail newsletter, to give us your feedback,or to learn more about St. John’s Rehab Hospital,

vviissiitt wwwwww..ssttjjoohhnnssrreehhaabb..ccoomm..

@