Since this interview was published, Julian has stepped down from his role in the Board of Directors. We wish him all the best and hope you enjoy his interview!

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Julian Fantino and I officially joined Humber River Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors this June. I worked in law enforcement for 40 years, and I am proud to be able to continue serving our community.

“The Pharmacy Department has a remarkable process from start to finish,” says Julian. “Everything is tracked and everything is precise.”

What makes you passionate about Humber River Hospital?

Throughout my career, I spent a lot of time in North York and knew Humber River Hospital’s Legacy Sites well. I’ve been following the growth of the new Hospital. Several of my friends were involved in fundraising for the Wilson Site before it was built.

I’ve had the honour of touring the Hospital, I’ve learned about all of the technology that Humber is using to provide the best patient-centered care, and I’m so impressed with its future-facing model for healthcare.

What is the most interesting way technology is being used at the Hospital?

The Pharmacy Department has a remarkable process from start to finish. When an inpatient needs a medication, their physician or nurse practitioner enters an order, a pharmacist verifies that order, the PillPick or BoxPick robot dispenses and packages the medication labelled with the correct patient’s barcode, and the medication is taken to the unit by an Automated Guided Vehicle or Pneumatic Tube. Everything is tracked and everything is precise.

We can look up a patient 10 years after they were prescribed something at Humber and know which medications they were given.

Humber River Hospital is using technology to advance healthcare. That means using the best systems for record keeping, finding efficiencies where they exist, and having the ability to look back on records easily.

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

“Humber River Hospital is using technology to advance healthcare,” says Julian. “That means using the best systems for record keeping, finding efficiencies where they exist, and having the ability to look back on records easily.”

As a senior myself, I’m particularly interested in Seniors Care. I like the direction the Hospital has taken. We saw during COVID-19 how seniors in long-term care facilities were the most vulnerable. There’s a lot of work to be done in this area and I’m glad to see that Humber is embracing specialized approaches to geriatrics.

Not only is Humber leading the way in helping seniors leave the Hospital with more independence through programs like HEART, but I was also pleased to hear that the Government of Ontario has partnered with HRH to build a 320 bed long-term care home at the Finch Legacy Site.

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

I retired! I was scouting around for something meaningful that would keep me busy and the opportunity to serve on the Foundation’s Board arose. Being able to continue making a difference in my retirement gives me comfort.

What inspires you?

Public service has always been important to me, and I’m inspired to continue what I’ve dedicated my working life to.

I am also inspired by the Hospital’s frontline staff, especially during COVID-19 – talk about commitment and dedication! That commitment to serving people with greater need is very commendable and I’m proud to be associated with those people on the frontlines.