Unity Health Toronto and Oak Valley Health are creating a streamlined care pathway to provide patients with timely access to advanced cardiac procedures and interventions at St. Michael's Hospital. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Oak Valley Health – which includes Markham Stouffville Hospital, Uxbridge Hospital and the Reactivation Care Centre – as it works towards a Level 4 Regional Cardiac Program status, expanding clinical care for its patients.
The partnership will support cutting-edge research and clinical trials by advancing education and training between clinical experts. Teams will also share best practices and maintain quality assurance, ensuring a high level of care from start to finish.
“As one of the leading community hospitals in Ontario, our partnership with St. Michael's Hospital is vital for advancing cardiac care at Oak Valley Health. Clinicians will work together to improve patient outcomes, strengthen immediate access to acute care, and lay the foundation for ongoing advancements, benefiting our communities and ensuring the highest standard of care. Together, we remain dedicated to delivering an extraordinary patient experience," said Terri Stuart-McEwan, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Chief Nurse Executive, Oak Valley Health.
As a globally-recognized acute care hospital in downtown Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital, a site of Unity Health Toronto, will provide a comprehensive range of advanced cardiac services, including coronary procedures, advanced electrophysiology, structural heart procedures, and cardiac surgery. Oak Valley Health will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring continuity of care for inpatients. Together, this partnership will enhance cardiac care capacity, support patients, and foster seamless hospital integration.
“St. Michael's Hospital is proud to partner with the dedicated teams at Oak Valley Health to provide advanced cardiac care to the communities they serve. We are a committed partner in Ontario's health care system and this new care pathway expands our ability to provide world-class cardiac care to all in need," said Sonya Canzian, Executive Vice-President of Clinical Programs, Unity Health Toronto.
The partnership is aligned with the framework set by Ontario Health's CorHealth Regional Cardiac Program, which provides strategic leadership to improve cardiac, stroke and vascular care in the province.
“Over the years, the Heart, Lung and Vascular program at St. Michael's has grown into a national and global leader in heart and vascular care. As a Level 8 Regional Cardiac Program, we are proud of our wide-ranging expertise, including in minimally-invasive and catheter-based procedures, structural heart interventions, surgical valve repair, and complex arrhythmia management. We look forward to working with Oak Valley Health to build healthier communities," said Dr. Howard Leong-Poi, St. Michael's Hospital Heart, Lung and Vascular Medical Director.
Plans for additional cardiac care at Oak Valley Health include launching a pacemaker clinic in early 2025, enhancing its Level 2 coronary care unit, and developing comprehensive device implantation services and a diagnostic cardiac catheterization lab. This partnership aims to improve the efficiency and accessibility of cardiac services across Ontario, offering more patients the same access to care.
“Cardiac patient visits are on the rise, and by 2030 our hospital could serve a population close to 500,000. To provide the care our rapidly growing and aging community deserves, we are committed to expanding our patient-centred cardiac services. Our valued CODE-STEMI program, in partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre, continues to provide life-saving treatment for acute myocardial infarction. Additionally, our new collaboration with St. Michael's Hospital will further strengthen our efforts to deliver comprehensive, first-class cardiology care closer to home," said Dr. Paul Hacker, Lead Cardiologist, Oak Valley Health.