Our stories
Clinical excellence
From breastfeeding to breast cancer, how our teams supported Kim
Read about Kim’s patient journey with the Breast Health Centre and Chemotherapy Unit
Kim is no stranger to Oak Valley Health. She has been a Stouffville resident for over 30 years, and both of her children (now in their early 20s) were born at Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH). As a first-time mom, she had support from the breastfeeding clinic, and the hospital has been there to support her family over the years. She has always felt that the care they have received at MSH is truly extraordinary.
Fifteen years after her children were born, Kim found herself back at MSH under less than ideal circumstances. In May 2017, after going in for a routine mammogram, she was referred to the Breast Health Centre and was seen by Dr. Crystal Pallister. During her initial consultation Kim received a biopsy and then at her follow up visit, she was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, an early form of breast cancer. Dr. Pallister performed a lumpectomy, which was followed by a course of radiation and endocrine therapy under the care of medical oncologist Dr. Leena Hajra.
Unfortunately, five years later, in January 2022, Kim felt a lump on the other breast. She made an appointment with Dr. Pallister, who recommended an ultrasound and biopsy. At her follow up appointment Kim was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and was informed she would require a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy.
After her mastectomy, she was told she would need further surgery to remove some more of the lymph nodes once chemotherapy was completed. But the rest of her treatment would conflict with a vacation she had planned with family to visit the United Kingdom. This was a trip she was really looking forward to. Kim explained the situation to Dr. Pallister, and with her blessing, Kim and her partner Ron were able to take their trip and visit with Kim’s mom and sister. She says that the quality time she was able to spend with her loved ones was vital to her mental health and recovery.
General surgeon Dr. Crystal Pallister.
Medical oncologist Dr. Leena Hajra speaks with Kim.
Upon her return, she underwent a complete axillary dissection, followed by radiation. Kim has since completed all of her treatments and is well on the road to recovery. She continues to be followed by Dr. Pallister and Dr. Hajra. She is grateful for the physicians, nurses and staff who cared for her at the new Breast Health Centre and the Chemotherapy Unit as she navigated her health journey. The beautiful new rooms, wall murals, and little touches like the fireplace, helped make each appointment a little bit easier.
Coincidentally, the new Breast Health Centre is located in the same spot that the breastfeeding clinic used to be, where Kim took her daughter all those years ago!
More of our stories
Interventional Radiology
As part of our commitment to provide an exceptional patient experience, Oak Valley Health completed construction on a new, innovative, 2,465 sq. ft. interventional radiology (IR) suite with the first in Canada GE Allia™ IGS 7, system giving patients even more access to leading-edge treatments and procedures.
Using highly advanced imaging guidance, the GE Allia™ IGS 7 will allow interventional radiologists to diagnose and treat complex and intricate cases using minimally invasive procedures.
The Gale & Graham Wright Breast Health Centre celebrates official opening
Oak Valley Health celebrated the official opening of its newly renovated, The Gale & Graham Wright Breast Health Centre (BHC), aligning with Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
The Centre was designed to be a unique healing space promoting calmness. It boasts beautiful wall wraps depicting nature and water around the centre and in the exam rooms, modern and natural lighting throughout, and a fireplace in the waiting room.
The new Breast Health Centre was made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, especially the Wright Family, and the important work of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.
COVID-19, Cold, and Flu Care Clinic and paediatric care
The Clinical Assessment Centre relocated and reopened as the COVID-19, Cold, and Flu Care Clinic (CCFCC). Located next to the Emergency Department (ED) of Markham Stouffville Hospital, the new location allowed patients easier access to the clinic without having to walk a long distance. The CCFCC provided the same services available at the assessment centre and expanded services further to assess and treat those with respiratory symptoms like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with a focus on paediatric patients and their families. The proximity of the clinic to the ED allowed patients of all ages, including paediatric patients that presented to the ED who had respiratory symptoms and lower acuity to be seen in the clinic.
Time to Shine Conference
The Time to Shine Conference was conceptualized out of a desire to share how we and others successfully managed to meet the various challenges through innovation and collaboration. With a focus on pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care, this conference was created to inspire health care providers, hospital leadership, and more.
SSA launch
The Environmental Services department embarked on a newly developed partnership initiative with the clinical team on 2E (Medicine/Stroke Inpatient Unit) to begin a pilot program developing a new role titled Support Service Attendant (SSA). The goal was to determine if adding a newly developed non-clinical support position would return care time to clinical and clinical support positions allowing for more time at the bedside.
With the proven success of the SSA pilot, the Environmental Services department officially launched the SSA role on 2E (Medicine/Stroke Inpatient Unit). The collaborative efforts of both the clinical teams as well as support services were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome of providing seamless care for the patients. This resulted in additional bedside time for the nurses and clinical support staff, and an overall increase in staff and patient satisfaction.
Novari ATC
Implementation of Novari ATC referral management technology allows for improved surgical wait list management. The system provides surgeons and their office staff access to a standardized electronic wait list management system and the ability to electronically coordinate the scheduling of surgeries and procedures with the hospital.
Cardiovascular (CV) Rehab and Wellness Program
Our Cardiovascular (CV) Rehab and Wellness Program (formally known as LEEP) has returned from a three-year hiatus and went live on March 15, 2023. This program was revamped and is now a 12-week hybrid program including weekly aerobic and resistance exercise at Cornell Community Centre and weekly virtual education sessions delivered by an interprofessional team. The aim of this program is to optimize our stroke patient’s recovery.
Registration kiosks
We launched four automated registration kiosks that handled over 6,906 appointment registrations. The registration area was also relocated within the main entrance to allow for better patient flow and future infrastructure upgrades.