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On December 10, Toronto Public Heath declared a Norovirus outbreak on the Complex Continuing Care unit. Other units and programs are operating as usual. Click for more info.

Please note our ambulatory care services will be closed on Dec. 25-26, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. The day program will be closed Dec. 22-26, 2025.

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Expanding horizons: Perspectives of a research-family engagement specialist

Article contributed by Lori Beesley, Family-Centred Care Specialist

On July 24th, Holland Bloorview's family-engagement specialists travelled to New York City for the 7th International Conference on Patient and Family-Centered Care. Joined by professionals from across North America, the three-day conference featured innovations in processes and inter-professional education fueled by the shared goal of rich partnerships between health professionals and families in organizations large and small.

I, along with family-centred care specialist Amir Karmali and family leader Gideon Sheps, were honoured to be invited to present Holland Bloorview's Research Family Engagement Committee (RFEC) framework. Gideon was the first co-chair of the RFEC. Together, we presented how family engagement in research beyond the role of a participant occurs at Holland Bloorview, and the impact it has. We were also fortunate to learn from others across North America on what works for them out of a desire to build a network of family engagement in research and grow its reach.

Learn more about the Research Family Engagement Committee