The G&M Hospital operates a Dialysis Unit, located on the main floor, just past the lobby entrance and gift shop, on the right hand side. This clinic provides dialysis services for patients with ongoing kidney disease.

The G&M Dialysis Unit is a satellite of the Regional Dialysis Program located at Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Orillia. The G&M's Dialysis Unit has six stations operating six days per week. Three shifts of patients are dialysed daily. The unit's maximum capacity is thirty-two patients. From time to time there is space available to accommodate transient patients.

The unit handles stable dialysis patients only. Patients who are newly diagnosed with renal failure must receive their dialysis in Orillia until such time as they are fully stabilized and an opening becomes available in Collingwood.

Registered Nurses (trained and experienced in dialysis) staff the Dialysis Unit. Nephrology services are provided through Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. The unit is linked, via computer, to nephrologist, Dr. Lam, in Orillia. Through this computer link, Dr. Lam can monitor each patient's vital signs and treatment progress.

Contact(s):
Barb Gotuaco, Nurse Manager Medical

The G&M provides surgical service to inpatients and outpatients in orthopaedics, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology. Surgical Services are an important part of the G&M Hospital's ability to provide high quality Emergency Services.

The Surgical Unit is comprised of 28 medical and surgical beds and a 9 bed Surgical Daycare Unit. The G&M uses three full operating rooms and two "scope rooms" for endoscopic procedures when a general anaesthetic is not required.

Approximately 85% of all surgeries at the G&M are done through the Surgical Day Care (SDC) Unit. Patients check into SDC in the morning. They undergo their surgery, are monitored during recovery and return home on the same day.

Family involvement in care, health care teaching, and discharge planning is encouraged in all areas of the G&M. Families are encouraged to spend time with the patient and the Hospital tries to make family members as comfortable as possible.

Planning for discharge from the Hospital begins as soon as possible following admission and is facilitated by the Discharge Planner and the Community Care Access Centre Case Manager.

Staffing:
General Surgeons:
Dr. Akinyele, Dr. Lisi
Orthopaedic Surgeons:
Dr. McCall and Dr. Koo
Obstetrician/Gynecologists:
Dr. O'Toole, Dr. Yeates
3 Ears/Nose/Throat (ENT) Surgeons (visiting on a rotating basis):
Drs. Ballagh, Hekkenberg and Thornley
6 Anaesthetists:
Drs. Houston, MacDougall, Marshall, Savage, Ohrling, Guscott


Contact(s):
Dr. J McCall, Chief of Surgery
Maureen Bell, Nurse Manager OB/Surgical

The G&M provides orthopaedic surgical service to both inpatients and outpatients. Surgeries are done by Dr. John McCall and Dr. Henry Koo. Orthopaedic surgical services are an important part of the G&M Hospital's ability to provide high quality Emergency Services.

The G&M provides hip and knee replacements under the Provincial and Local Health Integration Network's regional joint replacement program. We are well served in orthopaedic surgery by Dr. John McCall and Dr. Henry Koo, and we are working in a newly renovated and equipped operating room. Patients simply visit their family doctor for a referral to the joint replacement clinic in the G&M's Ambulatory Care Centre. Patients are then assessed and scheduled for surgery.

The G&M's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is well equipped to handle emergency events.

Over 80% of admissions to the ICU are cardiac in nature. Highly skilled critical care nurses assist the family physicians in the care and treatment of the patients.

Dr. Grant Macfarlane and Dr. Eric Goode (Internists) provide support in the area of internal medicine, seeing patients in consultation with family physicians when necessary. Like all of our physicians, our internists have strong links in with other care providers and hospitals to access other specialty care. For example, our doctors are partnered with Southlake Regional Healthcare Hospital in Newmarket as well as Grey Bruce Regional Health Centre in Owen Sound for further specialty cardiac care.

Contact(s):
Dr. T Rowlinson, Chief of Medicine
Lisa Nichol, Manager ED, ICU, Ambulatory Care, Cardio Respiratory

The G&M's Emergency Department (ED) operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week and is staffed by five full-time emergency physicians and fourteen general practitioners on a rotating basis. Nursing care is provided by Registered Nurses.

As the major trauma centre for the Georgian Triangle Area, the ED has modern, well-equipped facilities for triage, resuscitation, trauma, surgical and medical care. Emergency visits to the G&M average over 30,000 annually.

The ED uses a five level triage system. This means that patients are not seen on a "first come, first served" basis. Patients are usually assessed by a nurse within 15 minutes of their arrival in the ED (this will depend on how busy the ED is at the time) and seen by the physician according to the emergent nature of their injury or illness.

As a community hospital, the G&M's role is to provide primary medical care. Critically ill patients who are beyond the scope of primary medical care are stabilized in the ED and then transferred to other health care facilities depending on their care needs.

Contact(s):
Lisa Nicol, Manager, ED
Dr. David Ohrling, Chief of Emergency

The G&M Hospital runs a variety of outpatient mental health programs for people over the age of 16 from its offices in an out building on the hospital grounds, off Moberly Street. In addition, a satellite office operates in Wasaga Beach, located at 1621 Mosley Street. Treatment and consultation are offered by a multi-disciplinary team of nurse-clinicians, allied professionals, social workers, psychiatrists and outreach program staff that provide direct treatment as well as follow-up with acute and chronically ill patients.

The program includes provisions for Adult Mental Health, Psycho-geriatrics, Intense Case Management and Homelessness (for those with mental illness). The clinic also operates Quick Response (crisis coverage) to the G&M Hospital Emergency Department. In addition to direct treatment and consultation, Mental Health Services sponsors Psycho-geriatric Resource Consultants for Simcoe County.

Best practice standards are in effect and we encourage referrals from physicians, however self-referrals are accepted and welcome. For appointments call: (705) 444-6600.

Contact(s):
Dr. A Josiukas, Co-Leader
Dale Graham, Co-Leader

As a Level I unit, the G&M's Obstetrics Department is able to look after most routine deliveries. High-risk pregnancies are generally referred to Level II (Orillia) or Level III (Toronto) centres for delivery.

The G&M has two full-time Obstetrician/Gynaecologists - Dr. Gillian Yeates and Dr. Susan O'Toole, however, many normal pregnancies and deliveries are handled by family physicians or the midwives who have privileges at the G&M.

The G&M provides same room maternity care - mother labours and delivers and baby and mother are cared for all in the same large, comfortable room. These five private rooms are equipped to handle routine labours and births, except caesarean births. This is a family centred environment where baby remains with mother in her room.

The G&M supports a "family-centred" birthing process. The Hospital supports the woman's choice of labour companion(s). Equipment and facilities in the Obstetrics Department have been designed to enhance this "family-centred" atmosphere.

Nurses are always available to help care for the baby. Family members are encouraged to stay with the mother during labour and after delivery to participate in the care of the infant. Sleep chairs are provided for their comfort and convenience.

Epidurals can be administered during labour at the G&M depending on the availability of the GP/Anaesthetists qualified to provide this service.

Contact(s):
Dr. G Yeates, Chief of OBS/GYN
Maureen Bell, Nurse Manager OB/Surgical

The G&M's Laboratory provides a full range of testing for patients admitted to the G&M Hospital. Outpatient testing is limited to pre-operative and pre-natal patients. Testing may also be provided on an outpatient basis for patients receiving chemotherapy.

The Laboratory is open for limited outpatient testing Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Inpatient tests in Haematology, Biochemistry, Immunohaematology and Microbiology are performed onsite at the G&M. Other tests are referred to other facilities.

Contact(s):
Barb Gotuaco, Lab Manager
Paula Pattenden, Chief Technologist

The G&M Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging Department provides diagnostic imaging services to inpatients, outpatients and emergency patients. Our professional team is equipped to perform all routine tests which include:

• Routine x-rays
• Fluoroscopic exams, which allow physicians and technologists to view the movement of barium through the stomach and bowel.
• Percutaneous biopsies, which are non surgical tissue samplings.
• Nuclear medicine exams, which involve injection of radioisotopes, allowing physicians and technologists to examine (for example) bones for fractures, possible secondary sites for cancers, heart images, and any internal organs for diagnostic purposes.
• Mammography, which is the examination of breasts to screen both males and females for healthy breasts.
• Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to view all internal organs. Some examples include liver, bladder, neck arteries, leg veins, abdominal cavities, pregnancy imaging (determining baby size and to establish baby due dates) and diagnosis of abdominal aeortic aneurysms.
• Bone densitometry, which helps assess osteoporosis risk.
• CT (Computerized Axial Tomography) examinations, which look for strokes in the brain, head trauma (bleeds), ruptured spleens, disk rupture of the spine and neck, cancers. CT is also commonly used as a guidance tool to perform lung biopsies.

Hours of operation:
All imaging requires booked appointments except X-ray which is open for "walk-in" patients Monday-Friday 10am-3pm.

Please bring the patient's completed and signed requisition form and a valid health card with you to the Diagnostic Imaging Department, which is located on the main floor of the Hospital, just past the main lobby entrance.

If you cannot make your appointment, please give as much notice as possible so that we can arrange for someone else to take the appointment. A $25 cancellation fee will apply for all missed appointments and a $60 cancellation fee will be charged for all missed Nuclear/Cardio tests. Please call 444- 8670 if you need to cancel your appointment, providing us with a minimum of 24 hours notice to avoid being charged a cancellation fee.

Examinations (other than general X-ray) will be arranged through your family physician. If you cannot make your appointment, please give as much notice as possible so that we can arrange for someone else to take the appointment. Please call 444-8670 if you need to cancel your appointment. Emergency Department and in-patients may be given priority over outpatients. Most exams results are reported on a same day basis to the referring Physician. Written reports are usually at the referring Physician offices within 1 week after the exam appointment. If you feel it is necessary to have a personal copy of your exam results, please note that our x-ray film library requires 48 hours notice to make a CD copy and a $25.00 fee is charged. Please call 444-8670 ext. 8132 to arrange for a copy of your report, or for any other non-booking inquiries.

Bone Density Testing
Ultrasound Testing
Nuclear Medicine Testing
Mammogram Testing
Radiology Testing
CT Testing

A wide variety of health care services are available on an outpatient (non-admitted patients) basis, which means you can go home after your test or treatment. All clinics require referral through your family physician. Please ask for directions at the Visitor Information Desk in the front lobby at the entrance to the hospital. These clinics and services include:

Asthma Clinic - run by our Cardio-Respiratory Department.

Arthro Intake Clinic - sees patients who are being considered for hip or knee replacements and patients who are candidates for arthroscopic procedures. The clinic runs once/month on a Friday.

Ears, Nose, Throat Clinic (ENT) Clinic- Specialists from other areas visit our hospital for a clinic held on Wednesdays each week. These Physicians consult on a wide variety of health situations including chronic ear infections, tonsillitis, hoarseness, and fractured noses (for example). Any required surgeries are usually performed at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie.

Diabetes Management Program/Clinic - Counseling and professional nursing and dietary care is available to outpatients.

Dialysis Clinics - Two specialists hold clinics on the last Thursday of each month for dialysis patients.

General Surgery Clinics - The G&M Hospital has two General Surgeons, Dr. Akinyele and Dr. Lisi, available to consult with patients on an outpatient basis on Mondays for a variety of services such as:

• Colonoscopies - prior to this day surgery procedure to examine the bowel with a lighted scope, patients are seen for consultation with one of our General Surgeons.
• Minor Procedures, which includes removal of moles, warts, lumps and skin cancers.
• Sigmoidoscopies; this procedure is an examination of the bowel with a lighted scope for cancer or polyps.

Medical Daycare

• Blood Transfusions are also available to patients with blood disorders, leukemia or cancer and may benefit from a blood boost.

Obstetrics/Gynaecology Clinics – Dr. Yeates and Dr. O’Toole see patients at their pre-partum (pregnancy) clinic on Mondays. Dr. O’Toole sees patients for colposcopies (microscopic scope to diagnose and assess risk of cervical cancer and remove lesions) on Tuesdays and sees gynaecology patients on Wednesdays. Dr. Yeates sees gynaecology patients on Thursdays and both Dr. Yeates and Dr. O’Toole see gynaecology patients on Fridays.

Orthopaedics - The G&M offers full orthopaedic services. Patients with fractures are referred to our Orthopaedic Surgeons by either Family Physicians or our Emergency Department. Patients may also receive splints, casts and pain medications from these outpatient clinics. Dr. McCall runs a clinic on Tuesdays and Dr. Koo runs a clinic on Thursdays. Surgeons are also available in the event of emergency surgery.

Paediatrics Clinics (children) - Two Paediatricians visit the G&M Hospital and conduct clinics on a regular basis for children who require care. Dr. Rogan holds a clinic on Wednesdays each week and Dr. Barker holds a clinic on the last Friday of each month.

Pre-Admission/Pre-Anaesthetic Clinics - Twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), clinics are held for patients who are booked to be admitted to hospital (i.e. surgery, childbirth). Patients may be asked to come to a clinic to consult with an Anaesthesiologist, especially if they have allergies or other respiratory issues. In addition, pre-admit patients may be asked to have blood or other tests done prior to surgery.

As a patient of the G&M Hospital you have the right to:

• be treated with respect and courtesy
• information regarding your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis presented in a way you understand
• give informed consent concerning your care and treatment
• refuse treatment, medication, diagnostic services, or participation in research
• privacy
• expect all information (verbal or written) be treated as confidential
• know the names, qualifications and title of direct care providers
• participate in your plan of care
• equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities without discrimination because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or handicap
• access information related to: filing a complaint , accessing your health information

As a patient of the G&M Hospital you are responsible for:

• providing accurate and complete information related to: past and present health status/needs, health insurance numbers and coverage
• developing your plan of care with your doctor and staff and following this agreed plan of care
• being sure you have the information needed to make informed decisions about your care or treatment including risks of refusing care or treatment
• asking questions if you do not understand your plan of care
• respecting the rights of others, including fellow patients, hospital staff, volunteers
• informing your doctor and/or staff of any concerns you have about your care
• respecting hospital policies regarding smoking, no scents and rules of behaviour
• respecting hospital property, equipment and supplies
• being responsible for payment of any billable services
• cancelling your appointment if unable to attend

Cardio Respiratory Services provides cardiac and respiratory consultation and testing on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. The following tests are available through the department:

electrocardiograms

24 hour heart monitoring

24 hour blood pressure monitoring

echocardiograms (basic & specialized ultrasounds of your heart)

breathing tests

home oxygen assessments

cardiac stress testing

asthma education by certified asthma educator

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) education

Staffing:
Respiratory Therapists are onsite 7 days a week.

Contact(s):
Pattie Redpath-Plater, RRT, Charge Therapist

The Physiotherapy Clinic, located on the lower level of the G&M Hospital, provides quality, comprehensive physiotherapy services to both inpatients (admitted) and outpatients (those individuals who can come into the Hospital for services) for the G&M Hospital community. The goal is to help people reach their highest potential following an injury, surgery or a decline in their health.

Inpatient physiotherapy is provided to those individuals admitted to the G&M Hospital and identified as a patient that would benefit from physiotherapy by their doctor. Examples of patients who could benefit from physiotherapy include patients with:

• mobility limitations
• generalized weakness
• strokes
• amputations
• post-operative orthopaedic conditions

There is presently a high demand for outpatient physiotherapy services. As a result, we have placed the following patient conditions as a priority for physiotherapy:

• cardiac surgery
• stable angina
• strokes
• fractures
• joint replacements (hip and knee)
• muscle and ligament injuries and repairs

The clinic provides service to people of all ages who meet the above condition criteria.

Contact(s):
Maureen Bell - Nurse Manager OB/Surgical
Jan Abbott - Senior Physiotherapist

The G&M Hospital is a Smoke Free Environment as of May 31, 2008. The smoke free environment includes all buildings and grounds.

In keeping with the goal to build strong community relationships and further our community of caring, the G&M Hospital has strengthened its commitment to the health of patients, visitors, staff, physicians, volunteers and caregivers. Beginning on World No-Tobacco Day, Saturday, May 31st, 2008, the Hospital no longer allows smoking on hospital property. Property boundaries are recognized as a sidewalk bordering the hospital property edge, or beyond a fence bordering hospital property, or beyond the entrance/exit gates to designated hospital parking areas. Visitors, physicians, staff, volunteers and patients who choose to smoke are required to go off hospital property in order to do so.

As a health care organization, the G&M Hospital is committed to promoting the health and well being of caregivers, volunteers and the people whom we serve, and it is important that we model healthy practices. The Smoke Free Policy is intended to provide protection from tobacco smoke and to set a positive example in the community.

If you would like to quit smoking, check out these smoking cessation resources:

www.simcoemuskokahealth.org
www.smokershelpline.ca 1-877-513-5333
www.stopstudy.ca