“Every day, hundreds of patients move through our Hospital, and the Command Centre is a highly advanced, data-driven “mission control” that allows us to best manage the flow of our patients at every stage of their care journey,” says Alan.

Since this interview was published, Alan has stepped down from his role as Board Chair, but continues to be a part of Humber River Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors. We hope you enjoy Alan’s interview! 

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Alan Spergel and I am the new Board Chair for Humber River Hospital Foundation. I have been involved with the Foundation since our firm first made a donation in 2006!

In one sentence, what is your role as Board Chair?

I hope to lead and inspire the other members of our Board of Directors to find new and exciting ways we can raise funds for the Hospital.

What makes you passionate about Humber River Hospital?

I’m particularly drawn to how Humber River Hospital is a leader among Canadian hospitals for how we practice medicine, especially by using leading-edge technology.

What are the most interesting ways technology is being used at the Hospital?

My first pick has to be the Command Centre. Every day, hundreds of patients move through our Hospital, and the Command Centre is a highly advanced, data-driven “mission control” that allows us to best manage the flow of our patients at every stage of their care journey.

Second, the PillPick robot in our Pharmacy Department is an excellent example for how automation can eliminate errors, improve patient safety, and drive efficiency. The robot picks and packages pills and the packages are tagged to ensure the right patient gets the right medication with barcode verification.

“I’m particularly drawn to how Humber River Hospital is a leader among Canadian hospitals for how we practice medicine, especially by using leading-edge technology,” says Alan.

Third, the Hana Table allows Orthopaedic Surgeons to perform hip replacement surgery through the front of a patient’s hip – the Direct Anterior Approach. This approach requires less surgical dissection, which means less trauma for the patient and a typically faster recovery time. My brother had this surgery and his quick recovery time was amazing.

Is there a Program of Care that you have a personal connection to?

I work closely with two great individuals who have had kidney transplants, so I am very interested in what is happening in our Nephrology Program.

I’m also interested in the leading methods being used in our Urology Program.

Do you have a favourite fundraising project? 

I have been a big fan of The River Ball for many years. Also, while I’m not a rider, I am very proud of the Team Revolution cyclists who raise money through their challenging Granfondo rides in Italy.

What is something awesome you’ve done in the last year?

I accepted the Chair position on our Board! Also, years ago I founded a professional network (called the Global Restructuring and Insolvency Professional Network, or GRIP) that includes 21 countries as of this year.

What inspires you?

When asked how much someone should give to charity, my father would say, “You should give until it hurts”.