A message from Gary Newton

As we close out what has been a very busy week of preparation regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak, I want to thank you. Our people are working tirelessly on so many fronts, from planning to mask-fit testing, to making sure we are safe as we continue our core mission of care. 

The situation around 2019-nCoV continues to evolve and will likely do so for days and weeks to come.  This will be challenging but Sinai Health is a community and, like any good community we will rely and support each other in times of need. 

Our efforts are being driven by our experts: Dr. Jennie Johnstone, our Infection Control Physician Lead and Kate Wilkinson, Vice President, Quality and Clinical Programs. They are leading a large, multidisciplinary committee that meets daily. Our leaders are well connected with their colleagues in peer hospitals and all of the agencies that are involved in guiding the approach to this outbreak. This is important, as there is so much information coming at all of us so quickly. Watching our group work, I have full confidence that our approach is indeed expert and is taking in and making sense of essential information in real time. Please know that our leaders, myself included, get that your safety and well-being is paramount.

Here is what I ask of all our people.  Please be sensitive to the impact this situation may be having on any of us.  At an individual level, we must care and watch out for each other. This moment is stressful and our behaviour must be based on compassion for each other. On a broader community level there have been disappointing media reports of uncivil and disrespectful behaviour towards those who have travelled from China.  I can’t say strongly enough that we must focus on the virus, not the person, and never add to this type of behaviour or fail to call it out when we see it.

Please also use the resource tools available to you on our intranet sites to stay informed.  And if, at any time you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed, or witness behaviour that is not in keeping with our values, please reach out to your manager or our Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness program. We will keep you updated as we receive further information and, as always, thank you for providing care and compassion to each other and our patients.

Regards,

Gary