The Ottawa Hospital

I grew up in the GTA where I graduated from York University with an Honors Bachelor in Accounting. I moved to Ottawa shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown began in March. I haven’t had the chance to meet people or explore this beautiful city and currently work as a Financial Analyst at The Ottawa Hospital. While the celebration of Black history expands beyond a month, #BlackHistoryMonth is a time that I dedicate towards not only paying tribute to the sacrifices m...ade forth by my predecessors but also celebrating the current successes of the present-day Black community. While much work still lies ahead to achieve equality in all aspects, this month serves as a reminder to reflect on how far we have come and bask in the promise of greatness still to be achieved. - Hakeem Abioye, Financial Analyst at The Ottawa Hospital

Each year, as we celebrate Black History Month, we focus on examples of Black excellence: Black firsts, Black triumphs, and Black innovation. We honour Black joy and resilience and celebrate the Black people who overcame racism to succeed. However, we do not often discuss the day to day struggles Black people face, and the toll this can take on mental health and well-being. In this edition of our Healthy Conversations series, we will discuss the challenges and barriers that Black people face, and the need to guard and maintain good mental health. Join us on Facebook live Friday, February 26 at 12:15 pm as the panelists discuss the importance of being intentional about self-care and discuss the importance of wellness in anti-racism work.

The vaccine is here, and being rolled out in Ottawa and across the world. But we are not done yet! In the latest episode of On Call: The Ottawa Hospital Podcast, Cameron Love talks about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout here in Ottawa, what it was like to witness the first vaccine administered at The Ottawa Hospital, and how the hospital is managing capacity during the most recent increase in cases. Listen Here:... Apple: http://apple.co/2XWA4tz Google: http://bit.ly/39KlHhn Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2LDcyzn SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/3qtFx7k Direct Download: https://bit.ly/3bUSH9h See more

"I would never have thought that I could get lung cancer. What started out as a persistent cough turned out to be stage 4 lung cancer. Having no risk factors, Andrea Redway was shocked beyond belief by her diagnosis. But personalized cancer treatment at our hospital helped her get back home to her family. This is Andrea's story: https://bit.ly/37m5VZP

Make space for uncomfortable or painful emotions. If you're experiencing grief, loss, anger, frustration, or other it is important to give yourself time to acknowledge these feelings. Read on, for more tips on how to manage a COVID-heavy holiday season: https://bit.ly/3p1GkMh

My journey at The Ottawa Hospital started over eight years ago when I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I currently work as Nurse Navigator in Oncology, an area of care that allows me to use my various skills to attend to my patient's specific care needs. I returned to the University of Ottawa in 2014 to complete my master’s degree in nursing, allowing me to further pursue my interest in research and education. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the a...ctions of past and current Black activists who fought for equality. The Ottawa Hospital is continuously striving to find ways to promote diversity and inclusion amongst staff and patients. Representation matters, because systemic racism still exists and biases in the health care sector present a barrier towards achieving excellence in care. Recognizing #BlackHistoryMonth is one of the ways The Ottawa Hospital helps to support our city’s multicultural landscape. - Melissa Michel, Registered Nurse at The Ottawa Hospital

"My body wasn't doing what I asked it to do and nothing was responding." In this episode of Pulse Podcast, we hear from Fran Cosper, who at 56 years old had to learn how to walk again after being diagnosed with Guillain Barré Syndrome. http://bit.ly/3pyjcFe

Meet David Cook, a star researcher at our hospital who is pioneering a game-changing study to better understand cancer, so that we can stop it from spreading. Find out more in episode 23 of Pulse Podcast. https://bit.ly/379nigU

What's it like to deliver twins during the COVID-19 pandemic? For Meagan Gordon it meant having her husband by her side over FaceTime. Read about Meagan's journey navigating pregnancy and delivery during COVID-19: https://bit.ly/3aATonI

Following new testing guidance from the Ministry of Health, Ottawa’s assessment centres will no longer accommodate testing for the purpose of pre-travel clearance as of December 11. COVID-19 testing services are available by other private laboratory providers for a fee, and travellers in need of a test are encouraged to search for convenient local options.

"Feeling honoured to have been named a Guardian Angel by a patient after performing a lung biopsy at The Ottawa Hospital - L'Hôpital d'Ottawa." It means so much to doctors like Dr. Elena Peña to be recognized by a patient. Say thank you to a healthcare worker that made a difference in your care by making a donation in their honour.

"It really quickly became evident that the community wanted to play a role." In ep. 26 of Pulse Podcast, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation's President and CEO, Tim Kluke, shares his thoughts on the year that has been anything but ordinary and how we've come together as a community in an extraordinary way. Pulse Podcast: https://bit.ly/34Tbyx8... iTunes: apple.co/2KChBj6 Spotify: spoti.fi/3aYeMUh Google: bit.ly/2JrvBLI See more

My family and I were very worried about what type of life I would have." Following a leg amputation, Bushra Saeed-Khan worried about her future. After all, she had never met someone with a prosthetic leg. But our experts did more than get her back on her feet they filled her with hope for a bright future. And today, those feelings of hope have become reality. Read Bushra's full story: https://bit.ly/2W35my3

Do you remember Christian Papineau? Every day at the same time, Christian serenades the patients and staff on the unit, with some holiday carols through the overhead paging system! Today, Christian delighted us with a carol to celebrate Hanukkah. ... Happy Hanukkah to all those celebrating! #StrongerTogether

We experience positive emotions through art, music, dance, baking, sports, etc. Making space for creative things that you are passionate about may lift your mood. Read on, for more tips on how to manage a COVID-heavy holiday season: https://bit.ly/3p1GkMh

Awake brain surgery may sound like science fiction, but neurosurgeons at The Ottawa Hospital use it to transform the lives of patients with life-threatening brain tumours or lesions. Dr. Safraz Mohammed, staff neurosurgeon at The Ottawa Hospital answers your questions about awake brain surgery. Learn More: https://bit.ly/3pMsmPh

Today is Grade 9 Job Shadow Day (or Take Your Kid to Work Day) at TOH! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are inviting all grade 9 students to join us for our first-ever virtual event where students will obtain a realistic view of our workplace and begin to understand the challenges and opportunities within health care! Did you forget to register? Don’t worry, you can watch the live event starting at 9:00 am here: https://bit.ly/2JvCfQN

This #WorldPancreaticCancerDay, Sindy Hooper is lucky to be alive. When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, her chances of survival were slim. But treatment at one of the best cancer centres in the country helped her get back home to her husband. This is Sindy's story: https://bit.ly/35I2hsG

Join us in providing each patient with the world-class care and compassion we could all want for a loved one! The Ottawa region’s many health care facilities have opportunities for more than a thousand healthcare professionals. Find the career and the life you want in Ottawa and, its surrounding rural areas. Learn more: ottawahealthcareers.ca

Congratulations Isabelle Sarazin on being recognized as a hospital hero for the very first time! Thank you for your dedication to our patients and our hospital. Learn more about Isabelle's unique role as an EEG technician and how caring for patients in the ICU, Emergency Department, and the COVID-19 ward earned her a Guardian Angel Pin: https://bit.ly/3m4xs6G

Making a difference has never felt so great! Purchase tickets for the Creating Tomorrow Community Lottery for your chance to win big. And, you'll help our patients win the lottery too, by supporting their treatment and care to get them back to what matters most to them. Help make a difference. Purchase your 50/50 tickets today. https://bit.ly/2I4uIaP

Cancer survivor Gina Mertikas is selling calendars featuring her mother's artwork to raise funds in support of cancer research and care right here at our hospital. Purchase a 2021 Mertikas Calendar of Hope before they sell out!

This month we are conducting a research study to screen all pregnant women at The Ottawa Hospital for COVID-19, to test for the virus and immunity against the virus. By conducting this study, we hope to better understand the burden of active COVID-19 infection among pregnant women in our community. All pregnant women presenting to an obstetrical triage unit at The Ottawa Hospital are eligible to participate. If you are interested, please let the nurse attending for your care... know. Learn more: https://omni.ohri.ca/universe-ob/

In this edition of Front-line Diaries with CTV News Ottawa and Dr. Marc Carrier, discover how some COVID-19 patients have a greater risk of blood clots, and how our experts are working to prevent them.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the team at Pine View Golf Course, who kindly donated a golf cart for use at our Coventry Assessment Centre, for the last 3 months. Staff were able to travel between the registration and testing site with ease, due to their generous contribution! #StrongerTogether

Congratulations to Sindy Hooper and Janet McKeage for completing their 50km run on Saturday - so inspiring! A big thank you for the $16,627 raised for our hospital!

Due to poor weather conditions, the Drive-thru Assessment Centre at Coventry Rd is closed for the day. Anyone who had an appointment booked can head to the Assessment Centre at Brewer Arena for a test today. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

A complex brain tumour diagnosis nearly shattered Natasha Lewis' world. The Ottawa Hospital was one of the few hospitals in Canada that could help her. In episode 19 of Pulse Podcast, Natasha shares her incredible story, alongside the world-class skull-based surgeon, Dr. Fahad Alkherayf, that helped reunite her with her family. iTunes: apple.co/3cMZdxq... Spotify: spoti.fi/3n51kRY See more

Our staff have been working tirelessly to help keep the city safe. Take the pledge to #StopTheSpread It’s the greatest thank you; we could ever receive! ... www.ontariocovidpledge.ca

A shout out to The Beer Store who have raised $28,930.90 in support of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund! We are so grateful to be a part of such a generous community. Thank you for your support! Interested in creating your own fundraiser in support of our hospital? Visit: https://bit.ly/2JqfH42

TOH staff and their little superheroes are helping to #StopTheSpread this Halloween! I want to go to work with my mommy and take babies out of other mommy’s tummies and make them feel better. I also want to jump in those leaves. Olivia

TOH staff and their little superheroes are helping to #StopTheSpread this Halloween! I’m dressed as a superhero just like my parents! My mom brings babies into the world, and I’m proud of my dad for fighting COVID-19. Laura

Let’s all be superheroes like Antoine and Maxime, by doing our part: Wear a mask in public Maintain physical distance whenever possible Avoid unnecessary gatherings Wash your hands often ... Help keep yourself and others safe! Happy Halloween!