At 15, Evelyn is used to pushing herself. Whether scaling a rock wall or racing across snowy trails as a competitive cross-country skier, she thrives on challenge. Today, that determination is helping her through a very different kind of climb - one that reflects not only her resilience, but Holland Bloorview’s commitment to innovation in complex, high-quality care.

Evelyn is one of the first few clients to come to the hospital’s complex continuing care (CCC) unit to spend six weeks in what’s known as halo gravity traction (HGT) – a procedure that uses weights attached to a metal halo ring – to gradually reduce a severe curvature in the spine prior to undergoing surgery to treat scoliosis.

A new pathway for pre-surgical care

It’s part of an innovative new care pathway and partnership between Holland Bloorview and The Hospital for Sick Children that is creating capacity in the acute care system while providing an opportunity for HGT clients to spend up to six weeks prior to surgery in a pediatric rehabilitation hospital. The benefits are numerous – including the ability to attend the hospital’s onsite school, participate in daily physiotherapy sessions and take part in arts, music and therapeutic recreation.

As Canada’s hospital for children with disabilities and developmental differences, Holland Bloorview continues to partner with hospitals around the province and the country to respond to the needs of some of the most medically-complex children and youth in our system. 

Many of these patients, who arrive at Holland Bloorview after one, or numerous, acute care stays, present with extensive medical and psychosocial needs. A team of highly-specialized professionals work in lock-step to support the child’s rehabilitation journey providing a level of multidisciplinary, wraparound care that is unparalleled in the pediatric health care system.

It’s a journey that often looks different for every child – from extended nursing supports and round-the-clock breathing support from registered respiratory therapists to sleep studies and social work consultations. Our new pathways are integrating precision, because every client and family’s needs are unique.

Innovating for increasing complexity

“Since the pandemic, client needs have evolved even further, putting increased pressure on the pediatric system,” says Silva Nercessian, senior director inpatient rehabilitation and complex continuing care. “It’s fueled the need for innovative new care pathways and system partnerships to increase capacity, address backlogs and provide the kind compassionate client- and family-centered care that Holland Bloorview’s CCC team are known, and renowned, for across the province.” 

Learning, leading and growing together

A continuous commitment to learning, innovation and excellence—with an added dose of compassionate care from the Holland Bloorview CCC team—was on full display during the five weeks that Evelyn spent in HGT, says her mom Michelle Rose. As a high school teacher, Rose appreciates that the new partnership between SickKids and Holland Bloorview is a learning opportunity for clinical staff who can build their clinical expertise. “It’s reassuring to know how prepared the team is, but to also see them still learning,” Michelle adds. “You can see how much thought and care has gone into this program.” 

“Being here has changed everything,” adds Rose. “It doesn’t feel like we’re just waiting for surgery – they’re helping Evelyn live her life while she prepares for it.”

Evelyn, who celebrated her birthday during her five-week stay at Holland Bloorview, says after her scoliosis surgery she is looking forward to getting back to the East Gwillimbury, Ont., home that she shares with her parents, twin brother and beloved golden doodle dog.

“I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed!” she says. “But I like that I helped the team [at Holland Bloorview] learn and pave the way for future clients like me,” she adds. 

“This program reflects how our teams continue to learn and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the children and families we serve,” says Irene Andress, vice president, programs & services and chief nursing executive. “By partnering across the system and investing in staff training, we’re able to provide highly specialized care in a rehabilitation setting that focuses not just on medical outcomes, but on the overall well-being of each child.”

The result is a model of care that bridges acute and rehabilitation environments - reducing pressure on acute care hospitals while offering families a more supportive, holistic experience.

By Erin Pooley