Sunnybrook marks 40th anniversary of Tory Regional Trauma Centre

By Laura Bristow  •  May 19, 2016

Today, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Tory Regional Trauma Centre hosts a ‘Trauma Expo’ to mark 40 years of world-renowned trauma care, as well as 30 years of its acclaimed P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) Program.

“We have so much to be proud of as we celebrate our 40th year,” says Dr. Homer Tien, Medical Director, Tory Regional Trauma Centre. “Since opening in 1976, we have distinguished ourselves, ranking within the top 10 per cent of trauma centres in North America, with a survival rate of 94 per cent. We are honoured to be there for the people of Ontario when they need us at the most critical moments in their lives.”

The Expo will feature a live simulation of a Sunnybrook trauma case that occurred as a result of texting and driving. The trauma team will reenact the steps taken to save the patient’s life, from paramedics’ arrival to the patient’s departure to the O.R.

“Showing what can result from risk-related behaviour, like texting and driving, is what the P.A.R.T.Y. Program has been doing for the past 30 years,” says Joanne Banfield, Manager, Trauma Injury Prevention, RBC First Office for Injury Prevention, Sunnybrook. “We know that when young people see the reality and impact of a traumatic injury, it inspires change in behaviour and attitude.”

Speaking at the Expo and available for interview will be Constable Mike Klarenbeek, a former trauma patient who was treated at Sunnybrook for a gunshot wound incurred at the Brampton courthouse in March 2014.

The spectrum of trauma care can be experienced at the Expo through over 15 interactive exhibits including Sunnybrook’s Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Critical Care Unit, Toronto Fire Services, and 9-1-1 dispatch.

“The May long weekend is considered the beginning of what is referred to as ‘trauma season’,” says Banfield. “The anniversary is an opportunity to highlight our expertise, but also emphasize that the most important thing is to keep yourself and loved ones out of the trauma room this summer altogether.”

Full media release

Sunnybrook marks 40th anniversary of Tory Regional Trauma Centre
Expo features live simulation of texting and driving trauma case

May 19, 2016 (TORONTO)- Today, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Tory Regional Trauma Centre hosts a ‘Trauma Expo’ to mark 40 years of world-renowned trauma care, as well as 30 years of its acclaimed P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) Program.

“We have so much to be proud of as we celebrate our 40th year,” says Dr. Homer Tien, Medical Director, Tory Regional Trauma Centre. “Since opening in 1976, we have distinguished ourselves, ranking within the top 10 per cent of trauma centres in North America, with a survival rate of 94 per cent. We are honoured to be there for the people of Ontario when they need us at the most critical moments in their lives.”

The Expo will feature a live simulation of a Sunnybrook trauma case that occurred as a result of texting and driving. The trauma team will reenact the steps taken to save the patient’s life, from paramedics’ arrival to the patient’s departure to the O.R.

“Showing what can result from risk-related behaviour, like texting and driving, is what the P.A.R.T.Y. Program has been doing for the past 30 years,” says Joanne Banfield, Manager, Trauma Injury Prevention, RBC First Office for Injury Prevention, Sunnybrook. “We know that when young people see the reality and impact of a traumatic injury, it inspires change in behaviour and attitude.”

Speaking at the Expo and available for interview will be Constable Mike Klarenbeek, a former trauma patient who was treated at Sunnybrook for a gunshot wound incurred at the Brampton courthouse in March 2014.

The spectrum of trauma care can be experienced at the Expo through over 15 interactive exhibits including Sunnybrook’s Ross Tilley Burn Centre, Critical Care Unit, Toronto Fire Services, and 9-1-1 dispatch.

“The May long weekend is considered the beginning of what is referred to as ‘trauma season’,” says Banfield. “The anniversary is an opportunity to highlight our expertise, but also emphasize that the most important thing is to keep yourself and loved ones out of the trauma room this summer altogether.”

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Media contact:
Laura Bristow, Communications Advisor
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
416-480-4040 / laura.bristow@sunnybrook.ca

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