WAHA and UHN Recognized for Cardiac Care Innovation

The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) and the University Health Network (UHN) have been recognized with the Ontario Health System Quality and Innovation Award for their collaborative work on the Medly program. This program is a digital health platform aimed at assisting patients with heart failure by enabling them to monitor their health and symptoms through digital tools such as smartphones and smartwatches. The platform provides personalized advice and alerts healthcare providers to significant changes in a patient's condition, allowing for timely intervention.

The award was presented on September 26 during a ceremony hosted by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. The Medly program was acknowledged in the category of Improved Indigenous Health. Currently, nearly 100 patients in the Weeneebayko region, which includes the western James Bay and Hudson Bay areas, are enrolled in the program.

The awards ceremony featured several categories, including Improved Patient Experience, Improved Population Health, and Increased Equity, among others. Over 200 nominations were submitted from across Ontario, with finalists selected through a multi-round evaluation process. Winners received a custom-designed award by Ontario sculptor Edward Falkenberg, symbolizing healthcare workers' commitment to care.