Lakeridge Health and UOIT team up for heart research

OSHAWA, ONTARIO — Lakeridge Health and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) are moving forward with plans for a research project on resuscitation from a heart attack after receiving a highly competitive grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

The joint submission beat out more than 170 applicants from across Canada for one of two project awards in the area of Circulatory and Respiratory Health. The planning grant will be used to establish the Durham Region Resuscitation Research Collaborative. Led by Dr. Randy Wax, Section Chief of Critical Care at Lakeridge Health, Dr. Kirsten Burgomaster, Research Manager at Lakeridge Health, and Dr. Brenda Gamble, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at UOIT, the goal of the collaborative will be to improve the outcome of those who suffer from a heart attack in the community. It will also look at risk factors for heart attack, prevention and treatment during every step of care.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is a common, but potentially reversible cause of death,” said Dr. Gamble. “This project will explore the creation of a community-based resuscitation research to establish research priorities and leverage health care and academic strengths across Durham Region. Input from patients and family members will be a key component of the collaborative.”

Although the collaborative is based in Durham Region, the intent is to engage experts nationally and internationally and to build on existing knowledge about cardiac resuscitation.

"By saving more lives in Durham Region, we will save more lives in other communities throughout Canada by sharing the lessons we learn here,” says Dr. Wax, also the Medical Director of Academic Affairs at Lakeridge Health. “This project will also bring together organizations, researchers, clinicians, patients and families to demonstrate the current strength and future potential of Durham Region as an important site for health research in Canada."

About Lakeridge Health

Lakeridge Health is one of Ontario’s largest community hospitals, serving people across Durham Region and beyond. We are part of our community and it shows in the care we provide—because the people coming through our doors are our neighbours, family and friends. With four hospital sites and three Emergency Rooms, we serve a diverse population. Our dedicated team of health care professionals give their all every day to keep improving the quality of care delivered, drive down wait times, and improve results. We are on a mission to become Ontario’s safest hospital and to always deliver on our vision of Excellence—every moment, every day.

About UOIT

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) advances the discovery and application of knowledge through a technology-enriched learning environment and innovative programs responsive to the needs of students, and the evolving 21^st-century workplace. With more than 9,200 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 70 programs delivered by exceptional faculty, UOIT promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking and integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. UOIT's commitment to accelerating economic growth and social innovation is realized through research collaborations with leading organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the Durham Regional Police Service. UOIT will mark its 10^th anniversary on September 4, 2013. To find out more, visit uoit.ca.

For more information contact:

Lakeridge Health – Communications
905.576.8711 ext. 4317
communications@lakeridgehealth.on.ca

Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca