'Better care for generations': Newmarket's Southlake hospital and York University sign 'historic' agreement

MOU leverages joint expertise in cancer research, neuroscience, diabetes, addiction, cardiovascular disease and more

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 12, 2023
Lisa Queen

Southlake Regional Health Centre and York University signed a “historic” agreement Dec. 11 that will see the two organizations combine their collective strengths in health care and research to tackle pressing health care issues.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, will enable Southlake and York U to explore mutual areas of interest and goals, opening conversations and furthering health knowledge, practice, policy and care, the hospital said in a statement.

While York U has agreements with other hospitals, what makes this deal stand out is its wide-ranging nature covering all health care disciplines, rather than focused on just one specific area such as nursing or certain clinical areas.

While the two organizations have a history of working together, Southlake president Arden Krystal is calling the formal agreement “historic” in improving patient care, saying the collaboration spans the full spectrum of care -- from infant, child and adolescent health to healthy aging and seniors’ care.

“The agreement will usher in better care for generations by leveraging expertise in cancer research, neuroscience and disease modelling, including for diabetes, addiction, cardiovascular disease and more,” Krystal said.

“It also provides Southlake employees with learning opportunities at the university as well as a chance to jointly host community events to help raise awareness of local health concerns ... This type of partnership between organizations is truly the future of health care.”

As part of the agreement, York and Southlake will be able to partner on improving health informatics and analytics, as well as health technology to develop digital health solutions, artificial intelligence and diagnostic imaging collaborations.

“Southlake is proud to foster an environment of innovation, growth and learning, while providing leading edge care to our communities,” Krystal said,

“This partnership with York University will allow us to enrich care for the patients we serve, support professional development and enhance collaboration with the mutual goal of improving care delivery.”

The MOU comes at a crucial time, York U president, Rhonda Lenton, said.

“Collaboration between universities and healthcare organizations is more critical than ever to feed the talent pipeline including the ongoing needs for lifelong learning, facilitate ground-breaking research and innovation, and provide the best possible health care for our population,” she said.

“York University shares many goals with Southlake, from improving the quality and accessibility of health care in York Region and Simcoe County, sparking technological innovation, providing research, learning, employment and professional development opportunities to forming dynamic partnerships that foster greater prosperity, equity and sustainability. This MOU will build on the success of all of the past collaborations between York and Southlake and it will foster equitable and innovative health care solutions for our mutual communities.”

The signing of the MOU also included Southlake’s Elizabeth Ferguson, chief nursing executive and vice-president for people, interprofessional practice and patient experience, and Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy.

Gallagher Murphy called the MOU a “momentous occasion” that paves the way for collaboration that holds “boundless potential in order the shape the future of health care in our northern York Region and southern Simcoe County communities.”

“This partnership represents a fusion of knowledge, expertise and the shared dedication to advancing health care services by bringing together the resources of our esteemed hospital and the academic expertise of York University,” she said.

“We stand at the forefront of innovation in the medical field," she added. "Together, we will embark on a transformative journey, one that combines cutting edge research, groundbreaking technology and the compassionate care our community deserves.”