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The University of Toronto’s Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing is working with , on the design of a new, hospital-based Centre for Nursing Excellence that will empower nurses to lead in research initiatives that advance the science of care, and improve patient experiences and outcomes.

A first in Canada, the creation of the centre – jointly housed at Mount Sinai and Hennick Bridgepoint hospitals – is possible thanks to a gift of more than $10 million from a group of female philanthropists led by Maxine Granovsky-Gluskin, co-chair of the board of directors at Sinai Health Foundation and president of Maxine Gran investments.

“For our students and researchers, working collaboratively with our partners at Sinai Health will provide greater opportunities to be involved in shaping the health-care system through education, research and leadership,” says Linda Johnston, dean of the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing. “We are excited about this future partnership and its potential impact on patient care.”

Jane Merkley, executive vice-president, chief nurse executive and chief operating officer at Sinai Health as well as adjunct professor in U of T's Faculty of Nursing, says the centre has the potential to spur innovation in health care at a crucial time. 

“This gift serves as a powerful tribute to the nurses and all health disciplines who have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic,” says Merkley. “With this centre, we are taking research to the places and spaces where care happens with patients and their care partners. Our nurses are advancing care to better meet fundamental health needs such as nutrition, sleep and comfort that are essential to improving health outcomes for all patients.”

In addition to research opportunities, the centre will provide a launchpad for nurses to generate ideas and innovation by finding new ways of providing care.

“Nurses are uniquely positioned to see where the health system falls short and they have ideas we desperately need to improve care,” says Granovsky-Gluskin. “This gift … will allow our nursing leaders to look towards the future and reach for new heights in patient care through research and innovation.”