Be Aware Health Care | August 22nd, 2023

Doctor and Former Patient Unite for Brain Research 🧠

A special story is happening at an Ontario hospital. A doctor named Dr. Rutka once helped a girl named Jessica by doing a surgery on her brain. Now, after many years, they are working together in a lab at the same hospital.

When Jessica was 10, she had a big problem in her brain. Dr. Rutka did a surgery to help her. They became friends during her recovery, and he answered her questions about her health.

Jessica grew up and decided to study about medicine. This summer, she came back to the hospital to work with Dr. Rutka. They are studying a type of brain tumor called Glioblastoma. Jessica wants to help kids like her.

Dr. Rutka is proud of Jessica and happy to work with her. They are a team now, trying to find new ways to help sick kids. It's a very inspiring story about friendship and helping others.

In This Week’s Email:

Ontario News

1. Changes Coming to Health Funding and Responsibilities in Ontario

2. Nurse Charged in Sexual Assault Case at Mental Health Hospital

3. Percentage Breakdown: How Ontario Patients are Receiving Care

Canada News 🇨🇦

1. Patient's Battle for Life-Saving Treatment Hindered by Insurance Complications

2. Tailored Breast Cancer Treatment: Skipping Radiation for Some Patients

3. Expected Ozempic Shortage in Canada

Ontario News

Changes Coming to Health Funding and Responsibilities in Ontario

The government in Ontario is making changes to how it supports health agencies. Health Minister Sylvia Jones will talk about this at a meeting. In the past, the government said they would give less money to health agencies. People were not happy about it. The government decided to give some extra money to help during this time of change. Now, the government will give more money again and keep doing it for three years. They will also work with health agencies to figure out their main jobs. Some jobs might be given to others, like the province or towns. Before, the plan was to share the costs equally. But now, they won't do that. Also, health agencies that want to join together will get extra money to help them.

Nurse Charged in Sexual Assault Case at Mental Health Hospital

A young nurse, 24 years old, is facing serious charges after a patient at a Whitby mental health hospital was sexually assaulted multiple times. The police have been investigating this since 2022.

The patient was staying at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences for about six months. During that time, the nurse reportedly assaulted the patient multiple times. The victim bravely came forward in June 2023 to report the assaults.

The nurse worked on the same unit as the victim. The nurse has now been charged with eight counts of sexual assault and sexual interference, as well as three counts of inviting the patient to engage in inappropriate touching.

The police are trying to find out if there are more victims in this case. If anyone knows more about this situation, they can contact the police or Crime Stoppers to share information anonymously.

Percentage Breakdown: How Ontario Patients are Receiving Care

A recent study by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) found that 87% of patient visits to doctors in Ontario are now happening in person, a significant rise from the 40% during the pandemic's peak. Family doctors are exceeding their target by seeing 85% of patients face-to-face, while specialists are at 88%. Virtual care remains at 13%, mainly through phone consultations. The OMA emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach, aiming to improve primary care, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance community-based care access.

Canada News 🇨🇦

Patient's Battle for Life-Saving Treatment Hindered by Insurance Complications

Stéphanie Alain, a 31-year-old cancer patient from Quebec, is facing a tough situation as she tries to access a groundbreaking treatment in Calgary that could save her life. Despite the treatment's costs being covered by the clinical trial, Quebec's health insurance board (RAMQ) won't pay for related expenses like tests and scans, claiming the treatment is still experimental. Alain's doctor, Dr. Ramy Saleh, says this trial offers her the best shot at getting better. Even though the trial's funding is sorted out, RAMQ's refusal creates a complicated situation. Alain's case illustrates the challenges and complications in the health care system, leaving her stuck in a frustrating bureaucratic maze.

Tailored Breast Cancer Treatment: Skipping Radiation for Some Patients

A new study suggests that certain older women with early and less risky breast cancer might not need radiation treatment, which could help them avoid negative side effects. This research focuses on specific conditions for each patient's treatment. While experts see this as a positive step, more research is required to fully understand the impact and advantages of not using radiation. This approach reflects the trend of precision medicine, where treatments are personalized for better results in each patient's case.

Expected Ozempic Shortage in Canada

There's a temporary shortage of the diabetes drug Ozempic in Canada, which is also used off-label for weight loss. The shortage is due to global supply constraints and increased demand. The 1 mg injection pen will be affected, but the 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses will still be available for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Health Canada and the drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, are working to address the issue and are closely monitoring the supply of the pill form of the drug, Rybelsus. People affected are advised to consult healthcare professionals for alternative options. Critics have raised concerns about the marketing of these drugs for cosmetic weight loss purposes.