Protecting
Patients
and Staff

your impact our stories Protecting Patients and Staff

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. For a group of Sunnybrook scientists that has meant thinking way outside the box.

With personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, in limited supply worldwide, Sunnybrook scientists are modifying full-face snorkel masks to serve as an alternative form of PPE, should the need arise. And it’s all thanks to donor support for specialized equipment required to make the masks.

“This is an unprecedented time that is highlighting the need for innovative solutions to the challenges health-care workers are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Dr. Brian Courtney, a cardiologist, engineer and scientist at Sunnybrook.

Dr. Courtney and Sunnybrook interventional cardiologist fellow Dr. Brian Li are leading teams of engineers, entrepreneurs and physicians in developing and testing the snorkel mask alternative, as well as tie-back surgical masks that can be made in-house.

Keeping Sunnybrookers safe

To help nurses, doctors and other front-line health professionals combat COVID-19, Sunnybrook issued a plea to the community at the start of the pandemic to donate unused and unopened masks, gowns and eye protection to those who need it most.

Our community’s giving spirit was immediately apparent.

Already, over 650,000 pieces of protective gear have been donated to Sunnybrook, where it’s most needed. With a shortage of PPE across Ontario, Canada and the world, donations like these are both critically important and deeply appreciated.

Feeding Our Front Lines

Sunnybrook has received an overwhelming number of offers from the community to help deliver meals to our front-line staff while at work. A committee quickly came together with representatives from across the hospital to ensure your generosity was put to use in the safest and most efficient way possible.

Thanks to generous support, we have now delivered a remarkable 6,000 meals to Sunnybrook staff across 140 teams on all three campuses and two sites. Here’s what a few of our staff had to say:

“On behalf of the staff at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Neurovascular Unit, I want to thank you for the kindness and thoughtfulness to donate the delicious meals to our unit. We all enjoyed them so much and felt the love and support.”

— Florence, Patient Care Manager, Neurovascular Unit

“Everyone was extremely touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity. The meals were delicious and much enjoyed!”

— Lucy, Project Manager, Holland Centre

“Thank you for providing us with a lovely meal to recognize our hard work. We truly appreciate the gesture. The food was great!”

— Seema, Nurse, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit

“The warm pasta lunch was excellent and was certainly appreciated by our team. This act really reflects the wonderful generosity and support of our communities for front line health-care workers and everyone who is navigating this challenging time. We appreciate your support and all that you are doing to help brighten the day of the many teams working together to get through this difficult time.”

— Carolyn, Manager, Working Condition Program, Holland Centre

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