published 11/28/2024
TDS stands firmly behind Health Sciences Centre’s ambitious virtual care program
The world we live in changes at what can sometimes feel like a frantic pace.
New technology is introduced on a seemingly regular basis that can lead to new processes or behaviours within our economy, society and communities.
This presents exciting opportunities in many fields, one of the more exciting of which is health care.
The Health Sciences Centre Foundation (HSC) and the University of Manitoba’s (UM) College of Rehabilitation Sciences have been working together over the last several years to develop a program that brings health care support to more Manitobans than ever.
It’s called Technology for Assisted Living (TAL).
Its goal is to use systems and software to help the elderly or people who are recovering from illness, injury and surgery or who live in more remote areas to receive medical and therapeutic support.
“Basically, it uses computer technology, artificial intelligence and other digital tools to increase quality of life for people at all stages of life,” says Jonathon Lyon, President and CEO of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation.
“This program will help allow people to live independently—or as independently as possible—and longer in a home environment.”
New, advanced communications, diagnostic and telemonitoring technologies are essential and beneficial components of the new normal in health care. Many of these technologies became commonplace for Manitobans during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, when much of our daily lives went online, including medical appointments.
This new familiarity with digital or virtual tools helped spur the decision to dive headfirst into the creation of this program, which was already in development by the Health Sciences Centre Foundation and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences at UM.
Instituting and overseeing a program of this complexity and size is no small task. The goal is to raise three million dollars for this initiative. It’s a sum that requires collaboration with and support from community partners.
TDS is honoured to be one of those partners and proud to offer a donation of $50,000 to HSC and the UM in support of this initiative.
“By supporting the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, we are helping to pave the way for advancements in health care that will benefit everyone in our province,” says Keith LaBossiere, CEO and Managing Partner of TDS.
The philosophies behind and goals of the Technology for Assisted Living program align directly with two of TDS’ core values.
The first is Good Corporate Citizenship, which states that TDS will be mindful of its responsibility to make a positive contribution to Manitoba and Canada.
Second is Community Minded. This value speaks to TDS’ commitment to being engaged in the local communities where they live and work, which include multiple locations in Manitoba as well as a presence in Saskatchewan.
“We believe that collaboration is key to achieving great things,” says Keith.
It’s a philosophy that’s deeply engrained within TDS and that has been shown time and time again within various communities. It can take many different forms, including the encouragement of TDS employees to use their unique skillsets to advise and support local charities, organizations and foundations. In fact, each year TDS lawyers contribute hundreds of hours of their time volunteering with causes they believe in, as well as providing pro bono legal services.
It’s also an approach that Jonathon Lyon can certainly agree with.
“That’s how you get innovation and excellence in health care: through collaboration,” says Jonathon, “TDS is a very important law firm in Manitoba, and they have a strong track record of being involved in the community.”
In addition to offering virtual care, the Technology for Assisted Living program can equip homes to monitor the safety of their residents, provide easy video access for loved ones and even install smart technology so people with cognitive challenges can use home appliances safely and with no confusion.
All of these offerings by the TAL program are designed intentionally to improve overall patient wellbeing, give families peace of mind and create additional efficiencies in our province and country’s busy health care system.
TDS firmly believes that Technology for Assisted Living is a real solution for a changing health care and demographic landscape, helping all Manitobans live with dignity, safety and independence.
“This is a profoundly important initiative that will benefit all Manitobans,” says Jonathon, “In order for our province to grow and thrive, we need contributions from all sorts. TDS’s willingness to step up and support the Health Sciences Centre Foundation is meaningful, impactful and greatly appreciated.”
Learn more about TDS’ core values and unique approach here. More information on TDS’ community involvement is available here.
DISCLAIMER: This article is presented for informational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice or solicitation and does not create a solicitor client relationship. The views expressed are solely the authors’ and should not be attributed to any other party, including Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP (TDS), its affiliate companies or its clients. The authors make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or adequacy of the information contained herein or linked to via this article. The authors are not able to provide free legal advice. If you are seeking advice on specific matters, please contact Keith LaBossiere, CEO & Managing Partner at kdl@tdslaw.com, or 204.934.2587. Please be aware that any unsolicited information sent to the author(s) cannot be considered to be solicitor-client privileged.
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