A Royal Visit - by Susan Mide Kiss, Communications Lead, W21C
While I knew about the Tour for three months, I was under strict orders to keep the Royal Tour a top secret – we even had a code name 'Operation Bluebird'! After several auditions and rehearsals (all conducted under our code name), security inspections (with the RCMP and Scotland Yard) and countless hours of protocol and event planning, the W21C Team was finally ready to welcome the Royal Couple.
The Tour was publically announced on June 21st and the media flurry began! W21C Leads including Drs. Barry Baylis, William Ghali and Jane Lemaire conducted numerous provincial and national media interviews in the two weeks before the Tour. Our communication objective was clear – inform the public about the excitement of the Royal Tour without revealing the details of the technology demonstrations. The Royal Couple needed to be the first ones to experience the technology. Additionally, the Royal Tour was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise public awareness on a global stage about the W21C and our efforts to improve patient safety and quality of care.
Six technology demonstrations were selected to help demonstrate the health research and innovation developed by the W21C's diverse and multidisciplinary team and key industry partners. These included: Applied Science Laboratory's (ASL) Mobile Eye - XG (a tetherless eye tracking system), i-Stan (human patient simulator), WiTAT (a wireless noninvasive 'bandage' that takes core body temperature) XSENSOR (a pressure monitoring system to reduce pressure ulcers and bed sores), and Cleankeys (a wireless waterproof keyboard that has a flat touch sensor surface and is easy to clean and disinfect). Presenters included a number of graduate students, research associates, research leads and industry representatives.
The day of the Royal Tour brought sunshine, high temperatures and approximately two thousand spectators in front of the Teaching, Research and Wellness (TRW) Building at the Faculty of Medicine. The day was also filled with tremendous energy, anticipation and excitement. Months of planning had come down to the final hour and the anxious wait for the Royal Couple to arrive. Dozens of our Team Members, Leaders and other collaborators were in place – either inside the W21C Research and Innovation Centre or in the lobby of the TRW Building waiting to greet the Duke and Duchess. Media had surrounded the building and the security detail was on high alert.
Soon we heard the helicopters flying overhead and the motorcade of black limousines arrived. The Duke and Duchess stepped out of the car and greeted the crowds with waves and their infectious spirit. Young flower girls from the University's swim club and senior leaders from the University greeted the Royal Couple and the Premier escorted them inside. President Cannon provided opening remarks and then led the Royal Couple and Premier and Mrs. Stelmach (and an entourage of assistants and ladies-in-waiting) into the W21C Research and Innovation Centre.
The next 30 minutes seemed to fly by...all the presentations went smoothly and it was so rewarding to see how engaged and excited the Royal Couple were. They spent additional time at each demonstration and asked many questions. The W21C Team planned each demonstration to be participatory and the Duke and Duchess did not disappoint – they interacted with both the technology and the presenters.
The entire W21C Team was waiting in the TRW lobby to say goodbye. Chancellor Jim Dinning and Board Chair Doug Black presented gifts to the Duke and Duchess on behalf of the University and the Premier presented a commemorative plaque to honour the Royal Couple's visit to the W21C Research and Innovation Centre. Unfortunately due to time constraints, the Royal Couple could not spend additional time with the public spectators – but they departed with great cheers from the crowd. As the motorcade whisked them away, the W21C Team also gave a big cheer. The Tour had gone beautifully and we all enjoyed one of the most unique experiences of our lifetime.
Reflecting on the entire experience...I must say that it was truly one of the most exciting experiences of my life. So many people had dedicated their time, talent and passion to create the W21C over the years and we had been rewarded with the most incredible opportunity to showcase our work. New research opportunities have emerged since the Royal Tour and the W21C Team has strengthened its position on a provincial, national and international stage.
For more information on the W21C and the technology demonstrations conducted for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, please visit www.w21c.org.
