Emergency departments are the safety net of our health care system and the front door of our hospitals. They are available every day and at every hour.
As our population ages, our health care teams are facing the challenges of illnesses experienced by older adults that are more complex in comparison to younger populations. When visiting the emergency department, older adults are more likely to be admitted and re-admitted after being discharged.
Thanks to the groundbreaking support from David, Mark, Robert, Zev and Peter Daniels and Families, the Myrna Daniels Seniors Emergency Medicine Centre at UHN is integrating a one-of-a-kind solution that can tackle these challenges to better serve our aging populations.
Canada’s first comprehensive program for older adults
The Myrna Daniels Seniors Emergency Medicine (SEM) Centre will focus on seniors 65 years and older who
• Are at risk of social admission and can be discharged from the ED with enhanced home supports
• May have prolonged boarding in the ED and are at risk of delirium or deconditioning or other health care-related harm
• Have had recurring visits to the ED
• Are receiving palliative care
Spanning 9,000+ square feet, the new SEM Centre at the Toronto Western Hospital has been designed to be an innovative, purpose-built space that promotes a safe, healing, supportive environment designed to serve the unique care needs of seniors and caregivers.
Building a strong leadership team
One of the most significant drivers of success is the people who bring their dedication, expertise and passion for improving care for seniors. The SEM Centre has a team rich with diverse expertise across the domains of clinical care, education, research, digital, data, quality improvement and more.
In addition to building a broader team, we have established the inaugural Medical Directorship for the Myrna Daniels SEM Centre. Dr. Tessa Ringer is an Emergency Physician with a dedicated focus on improving care for seniors locally and internationally. She brings clinical and research expertise in applying and investigating innovative approaches to improve care. Dr. Ringer has been appointed in this important role and began her first term in 2023.
Transforming emergency care for older adults
With the generous support of the David, Mark, Robert, Zev and Peter Daniels and Families, the Myrna Daniels SEM Centre is going to become a trusted leader in care for older emergency department patients. We are setting the stage for a higher standard of clinical care, transformational physical space, research and education at UHN.
No one ever changed the world on their own but when the bright minds at UHN work together with donors we can redefine the world of health care together.
