Our Stavro Emergency Department (ED) is among the busiest in Ontario. This year, our team received 107,137 visits, nearly twice as many patients as the ED was originally designed to accommodate. In the face of high demand, new equipment and innovative approaches help our team deliver expert care. New X-ray machine funded by donorsA third of patients in our ED need X-rays to help diagnose lung infections, broken bones, heart disease and other conditions. This keeps the ED’s two X-ray machines in nearly constant use. When our oldest machine reached the end of its serviceable life, replacing it was a top priority. In response to this urgency, donors including Peter and Diana Thomson funded a new machine to ensure ED patients can continue to get the scans they need quickly. Providing specialized mental health care Our new Psychiatric Emergency Zone (PEZ) opened in November to enhance care for the growing number of patients experiencing mental health crises.
Building on the foundation of our former Mental Health Emergency Assessment Zone, the PEZ has an even stronger focus on specialized mental health care. The team is trained to deliver evidence-based care for patients with complex mental health needs. Within four and a half months of the PEZ opening, they supported 960 patient visits and provided mental health care for patients being treated for other health concerns in the main ED.
Designed to help patients of all ages feel calm and supported, the PEZ offers a secure and safe environment for patients and staff alike. Patients who don’t need to be admitted as inpatients can stay in the PEZ for up to 72 hours as their conditions stabilize. Enhancing care for older patients More than 100 nurses, physicians and clinicians have participated in hands-on education sessions funded by RBC. With junior ED team members learning alongside their more seasoned colleagues, the sessions are boosting confidence and teamwork as well as technical skills.
The seven half-day sessions focused on elderly patients. One-fifth of our ED patients are over age 65, with dementia and mobility issues often adding complexity to their care. Using medical props, a mannequin and weighted clothing to simulate common medical scenarios, the participants gained a deeper understanding of how to help their older patients.Advancing innovation in patient care Honouring the ED’s former chief, the Dr. Paul Hannam Memorial Fund reflects his commitment to investing in his team’s excellence. Since 2024, it has provided annual grants to advance clinician-led innovations that support exceptional emergency care:
- Dr. Inderjeet Sahota trained ED staff in the use of point-of-care ultrasound, which facilitates fast and accurate diagnosis of critically ill patients.
- Dr. Nadia Primiani developed simulation training where clinicians can practice emergency medicine scenarios, fostering better communication and collaboration.
- Dr. Alvin Yang, the 2026 recipient, is developing a multilingual online tool that helps patients know what to expect during their ED visit. The first of its kind in Canada, it aims to reduce patients’ anxiety by answering their questions in advance.
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