Holiday gift idea: An olive branch
Tips to guide you on the path to reconciliation

Reconnecting after a long period can be a sensitive process.
Whether it is the result of an abrupt event or the slow drip of resentment, cutting off or being cut off by a family member can take a significant toll.

If it is within the realm of possibility, why not try to mend fences this holiday season?  Debra Levine, a Social Worker in our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, has seen her fair share of family estrangements and offers valuable tips.

Passion and compassion in Critical Care 

The Critical Care Unit was one of the first units at North York General to implement patient- and family-centred care.
Marina Bitton, Clinical Team Manager in the Critical Care Unit, possesses a calm energy that is not only welcoming but also an asset in what is often a high-stress environment.     

The Critical Care Unit was one of the first units at North York General Hospital to implement patient- and family-centred care almost six years ago. Marina says she works with a phenomenal team. In addition to providing exceptional care, these professionals look for ways to support a family's unique needs.

Breathing life into palliative care
Dr. Daryl Roitman, Physician Lead for the Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care, meets with Catherine Watt-Roberts, a patient with breast cancer, to discuss how palliative care goes hand-in-hand with active treatment.
A common myth surrounding palliative care is that it is only for patients who are at the end of their life. In reality, palliative care can begin at the time of diagnosis of a life-limiting illness and can coexist in parallel with active treatment.
Palliative care is best described as "supportive care," says  Dr. Daryl Roitman, Physician Lead for the
Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care. It offers an added layer of support and assists patients and families in managing their physical, spiritual and psychosocial needs. 

Beads help parents track their baby's progress 

Matthew and Kelsey Annan with baby Jacob and his milestone beads.
Parents whose babies are admitted to our Tippet Foundation Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are overwhelmed with questions about the progress of their baby's health.

The Milestone Beads initiative is helping parents look forward to positive developments in their baby's journey and bringing them joy during their stay.


Festive feasting at the hospital

More than 1,000 meals are prepped and delivered each day to serve 420 inpatients their breakfast, lunch and dinner.
"Spending time at the hospital during the holidays is not ideal, but our staff want to make it as special as possible for patients," says Elizabeth Wallis, Director of Food Services. 

With feedback from North York General Hospital's multicultural Food Services staff, menus are created for special occasions whether that be Christmas, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Passover or Ramadan, to name a few.

Mindful of the moment

Even something as simple as washing dishes is an opportunity to practice mindfulness techniques.
While the practice appears to be simple, practicing mindfulness is anything but easy.

Psychiatrist  Dr. Kathy Margittai has been incorporating a mindfulness-based stress reduction program into her practice for years and has seen substantial benefits. "Many patients claim the practice is life changing," she says. 

Even something as simple as washing dishes is an opportunity to practice mindfulness techniques.

Events

North York General Hospital's annual Toy Drive   Give until Friday, Dec. 15.   Learn more


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The Pulse is a publication of the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department at North York General Hospital.  Learn more  or subscribe .