Inside this edition
- Hear what we’ve done this last year to improve care for our community
- Share your input to shape the future of health care in western York Region
- Learn about our work with Vaughan’s new medical school and other town hall highlights
- Where to go for care over the holiday season
- Helpful advice to deal with stress and loneliness
- A dietitian’s expert tips for healthy eating this season
- ICYMI: How we’re bringing the gift of health and hope to our community this holiday season
Celebrating the accomplishments of 2024
As the year winds down, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements and milestones that made 2024 unforgettable for Mackenzie Health and the patients we proudly serve. As Vaughan, Richmond Hill, King and surrounding communities continue to grow, our focus remains firmly on finding innovative ways to enhance compassionate, safe care and deliver exceptional patient experiences.
Click here to see our top 5 highlights, from partnering on a new med school to launching innovative technology
We need your input to shape the future of health care in western York Region
Mackenzie Health is the heart of health care for western York Region. With two hospitals – Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital – working in tandem, supported by a network of community-based services, we are dedicated to setting the standard for compassionate care and exceptional patient experiences for all our communities.
As our communities continue to grow and flourish, we must anticipate and adapt to the evolving needs of the patients we are privileged to serve, now and in the future. But we can’t do it without you.
Your voice is essential in helping us plan for the future and seize new opportunities in one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions.
It’s your health. It’s your home. It’s time to have your say. Please take a five-minute survey at mackenziehealthcares.ca/survey to share your thoughts. Stay informed by signing up to receive regular updates from the campaign.
Ring, Ring! Highlights from Mackenzie Health’s Telephone Town Hall
Earlier this month, Mackenzie Health hosted a Telephone Town Hall to give residents of Richmond Hill, Vaughan and King an opportunity to hear directly from our leadership and ask questions about our plans to advance health care in western York Region.
The event included important updates about Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and our network of community-based locations, and featured a special guest – Dr. David Peters, Interim Provost, Vice President Academic and Dean of Record for the York University School of Medicine – to discuss the new School of Medicine to be built next to Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital.
Missed it? Be sure to listen to a recording on our website.
Where to get care over the holiday season
If you need emergency medical care during the holiday season, our Emergency Departments at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital are open 24/7. Immediate care and support is also available for domestic abuse and sexual assault in the Emergency Department.
For non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, visit our Urgent Care Centre at 9401 Jane St. It’s open Monday to Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The centre provides care for minor fractures, sprains, infections, cuts and other issues that don’t require hospitalization or immediate surgery.
Respiratory illness season is expected to peak in January. It’s vitally important that we all work together to reduce the spread of the common cold, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Stay up to date with your vaccines, including flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, available at your family doctor’s office, local pharmacy or through York Region Public Health. Immunization against RSV for infants born this year or high-risk children up to 24 months of age is also available through York Region Public Health or your family doctor. (Watch this 2022 video featuring Dr. Filippe Scerbo, Chief of Pediatrics, discussing our care for sick children.)
Follow these tips to stay healthy:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol.
- Stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
Together, let’s keep our community safe!
How to manage stress and loneliness during the holiday season
The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also come with added pressures and heightened anxiety. For some, this season also evokes feelings of deep loneliness. We asked Holly, a social worker in our Mental Health Program, for tips on what to do if you are struggling.
In the news: Mackenzie Health dietitian shares tips for healthy holiday eating
Mackenzie Health Registered Dietitian Tasha Cortese appeared on CP24 Breakfast to share her expert tips for making healthy eating a part of your holiday celebrations – without missing out on all the fun!
Watch this video to see what she recommends should fill half your plate.
ICYMI: How we are bringing to gift of health and hope to our community this holiday season
Finally, as we head into the holiday season, we’re delighted to share this video capturing our immense gratitude and pride for our extraordinary Mackenzie Health and Mackenzie Health Foundation team, partners, donors and community supporters. We look forward to the privilege of serving our community in 2025.
Watch our holiday video.
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