Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Over the past several weeks, we have seen an outpouring of support from our community and we are so grateful to everyone who has gone above and beyond during this difficult time. Your support means so much and sends a strong message to our front-line healthcare workers who are courageously fighting back against COVID-19 each and every day. They have inspired us all!

We’ve also seen former nurses come out of retirement to join the front-lines. Being at the forefront of this virus has meant sacrifice for each front-line worker. To read about a few of these inspiring and dedicated individuals, click here.

Some of our front-line workers will also be profiled in a new series called Front-line Diaries which will launch on CTV and 580 CFRA. In this new partnership with Bell Media, journalists using two-way video technology will interview front-line staff at The Ottawa Hospital. Keep checking back on our website for more to come on Front-line Diaries.

I’m happy to report that last week, the Nanji family committed to a $100,000 matching gift in addition to the previous $250,000 matching gift from the Mierins family. If you are still considering giving to our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund or would like to encourage your friends or family to contribute, donations can now be matched up to $350,000! Thank you to everyone who has already given, and to the Mierins and Nanji families for their incredible generosity.

Thank you for all you are doing to stay safe and to keep others safe. We are stronger together!

Sincerely,

Tim Kluke
President and CEO
The Ottawa Hospital

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Last week I shared some exciting research, supported by donors like you, that is taking place at The Ottawa Hospital to combat COVID-19. This week, I am pleased to share that our researchers are planning a new clinical trial to contribute to the global efforts against COVID-19, in collaboration with Canadian Blood Services and other hospitals across the country. When someone contracts a virus, their body develops antibodies to fight against it. These antibodies remain in their plasma to help fight future infection. The upcoming trial will test if plasma from patients who have fully recovered from COVID-19 could be used as an effective treatment option for those who are ill. Stay tuned for more on this trial once it gets underway.

In addition to this promising research, our very own Dr. Doug Manuel, in partnership with Ottawa Public Health, is leading a team of researchers developing projections to show how effective physical distancing can be in Ottawa. The model, which can be found on a new interactive website, www.613covid.ca, predicts a significant impact on the spread of COVID-19 with full implementation of physical distancing. The website will be updated regularly as new information becomes available and will be an important tool to help prepare our hospital and other healthcare facilities to plan resources and equipment.

In recent weeks, our community has come together to help make a real difference in the global fight against COVID-19. We have been humbled by the outpouring of support we’ve received from over 1,000 community members like you. Thank you to all those who have made donations.

For those who may still be considering a gift to our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, your gift will now be doubled up to $250,000 thanks to a match gift from the Mierins Family Foundation. Click here to take advantage of this match!

Thank you for your confidence in our work and for your support during this time.

Tim Kluke
President and CEO
The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

Monday, April 6, 2020

It’s inspiring to see our community come together to stop the spread of COVID-19. While we’re all doing our part by physical distancing, our front-line healthcare workers are bravely caring for patients every day, while our researchers are harnessing their expertise and resources to help combat the virus in innovative ways.

We are uniquely positioned to make a real contribution in the global fight against COVID-19. Currently, more than a dozen COVID-19 research projects are being explored right here in Ottawa — and our researchers are starting to break ground.

• Working towards a vaccine
  Our researchers with expertise in making cancer-fighting viruses are working to develop a potential vaccine for COVID-19. Once a promising vaccine is created, we will be able to make large quantities in The Ottawa Hospital’s Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre. This facility is the only hospital-based lab in Canada capable of producing virus-based vaccines and therapies for clinical trials.

• Learning from our COVID-19 patients and testing therapies
  By collaborating with researchers from around the world, our team is working to determine the best way treat patients with COVID-19.

• Calming the immune system of critically ill patients
  Our researchers are looking at how to dampen an overactive immune response to help severely ill COVID-19 patients.

• Repurposing existing drugs and finding news ones
  Our experts have developed an innovative approach to find new drugs that may prevent COVID-19 infection.

All of these research projects will make use of shared research equipment, resources and facilities that have been developed over many years, thanks to the generous support from community members like you. Please consider making a donation to The Ottawa Hospital today, so we will be ready for tomorrow’s health challenges, whatever they may be. We would also welcome donations to our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund in support of urgent priorities to help our patients and staff directly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Together, we can help make a difference in our community and around the world.

During these uncertain times, we’re all looking for ways to help make a difference. That couldn’t be more true for a group of retired nurses who have stepped out of retirement and are back on the frontlines. I encourage you to listen to the latest episode of Pulse: The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Podcast , where you’ll meet Robin Morash, Joselyn Banks, and Jennifer Smylie, who like many others, didn’t think twice about stepping back into work to help during the COVID-19 crisis.

Thank you for your confidence and support.

Tim Kluke
President and CEO,
The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

Monday, March 30, 2020

I hope that you are keeping well and staying connected with family and friends as best as possible through phone and the internet while staying at home during this time.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the many kind and caring words and gestures of support we’ve received for our front-line staff who are working to keep our patients healthy and safe. From in-kind support, encouraging emails, and donations from community members like you, it’s inspiring to see so many coming together during this time of need.

This pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to health-care workers and hospitals across the country. Our experts are ramping up research efforts to better understand COVID-19 and contribute to the global fight against this infectious disease. It’s times like these that show the importance of having a world-class hospital, supported by donors like you, right here in Ottawa.

We are committed to doing our part to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, their families, our staff. Our community is already helping by practicing physical distancing, but many of us are asking what more we can do. We ask that you make a donation to our Emergency Response Fund in support of urgent priorities to help patients and staff directly affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

As the situation is evolving rapidly, so will our response. And your donation will help us:

• ramp up research to contribute to the global fight against COVID-19
• develop innovative treatments and processes
• support our frontline medical teams
• purchase equipment and supplies
• contribute to the care and comfort of patients

In these uncertain times, donor support is more critical than ever. Together, we’ll take care of each other.

Thank you once again for your support. Please be assured that our experts are working hard to find solutions today for a better tomorrow for us all.

Tim Kluke
President and CEO,
The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

Monday, March 23, 2020

Update: The Ottawa Hospital’s response to COVID-19

As new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Ottawa, we wanted to provide you with an update on The Ottawa Hospital’s response.

The health and safety of our patients, our staff, and our community are of utmost importance to us. As such, The Ottawa Hospital has implemented its secured facilities and centralized screening plan. Given the increasing concerns about community transmission, our visitor policy is being updated frequently based on the latest information from Ottawa Public Health.

To reduce the risk of community spread, we support Ottawa Public Health’s request that members of our community practice greater social distancing and limit all non-essential trips out of your home. Visit OPH’s website for more information on social distancing and how to keep you and your loved ones safe.

These are challenging times for everyone, but the measures our hospital is taking allows us to focus on the care and well-being of our patients and community members. Our frontline health-care staff are committed to providing exceptional care to you and your loved ones should you need it. Rest assured, The Ottawa Hospital is here for you.

A message from The Ottawa Hospital Foundation

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation has made the necessary decision to temporarily close its offices and storefront locations at both the General and Civic campuses and Foundation staff will be working remotely. In response to the public health advisories regarding social distancing and limiting large gatherings, all Foundation appointments, meetings, and events, including the President’s Breakfast for the Public Service will be postponed.

The Foundation remains committed to maintaining open communication with our donors and partners. Should you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected].

A strong hospital requires the support of our community. Please consider a special gift in tribute to our tireless frontline staff working to protect our community. If you would like to make a contribution for urgent equipment or research priorities, click here.

Thank you for your confidence and support during these uncertain times.

Tim Kluke
President and CEO,
The Ottawa Hospital Foundation