Montfort begins gradual ramp up of non-urgent surgeries and procedures

Ottawa, February 15, 2022 - Hôpital Montfort is pleased to learn that the government of Ontario has revoked “Directive 2”, allowing hospitals to begin the gradual ramp up of non-urgent surgeries and procedures, based on criteria set out by the province. This is good news for our patients who have been waiting for their intervention to be rescheduled.

We are in the process of implementing a plan to reschedule surgeries and procedures as safely and quickly as possible. Care teams are reviewing each patient’s case and will prioritize and reschedule interventions based on the medical need.

We will work closely with other hospitals in the region to address the backlog of surgeries. This means working together as a region to maximize beds, staffing and surgical suites.

We know this has been a frustrating time for patients whose surgeries and procedures were rescheduled. Rest assured, we will continue working with the Ministry of Health, and our regional partners, to add capacity and address the backlog. We appreciate the community’s patience and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I find out when my procedure is moved to?

Your care team will review your case and determine the best time to reschedule your surgery. All impacted patients will receive a phone call from their care team with further information regarding their surgery. If your health situation changes at all during this time, please contact your doctor right away.

How is the hospital catching up on the backlog of surgeries?

Hospitals from across the region are working together to resume these non-urgent surgeries, reduce wait times and address the backlog of surgeries as quickly and safely as possible.

We will immediately begin rescheduling surgeries, based on bed and staff availability. Each patient’s situation will be assessed, and their surgeries will be rescheduled according to their medical needs.

How long will it take to catch up?

We do not have specific timelines right now, but it will take many months to catch up. As we proceed through the spring and summer, we will continue working with the Ministry of Health to determine other opportunities by which further capacity can be added to address the ongoing backlog of surgical activity.

Is my surgery still on the list?

Yes. All surgeries will remain on our list unless instructed otherwise by the patient. If your condition has changed, you have found alternate solutions, or you have chosen not to proceed with surgery, we ask that you please contact your surgeon’s office.

It is important for us that we have this information for each of our patients, so that your surgeon has the most up-to-date information, and knowledge of your health plan.

Who should I call if my condition is worse?

If you have questions about your condition while you are waiting for your appointment to be rescheduled, or your condition changes, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider.

If you need emergency care, please go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Can I go to another hospital for my appointment?

The provincial government has advised hospitals to take a gradual approach to resuming services, giving priority to patients with urgent needs. Hospitals in eastern Ontario are working together on a regional approach to resuming scheduled surgeries and procedures.

Sometimes there may be circumstances that make surgery at one hospital possible, but not another. We are working together to make sure that all patients across the region are treated equitably.

Is it safe to be coming to the hospital for care right now?

As we have throughout the entirety of the pandemic, we are taking every measure to ensure your safety, including proper PPE for staff, COVID-19 screening and masking requirements for all entering our campuses, physical distancing, frequent handwashing and sanitization, increased testing for onsite health care workers, mandatory vaccination for all staff and visitor restrictions.

The hospital also has visitor restrictions in place to limit the number of people coming into the hospital and protect patients, visitors and staff. These restrictions are subject to change based on the provincial and regional direction. See our COVID-19 page for more information.

What can I expect when I come to hospital?

You will be screened when you come into the hospital. Please plan to arrive early and be prepared to answer screening questions about symptoms of COVID-19 and your contact and travel history. Please wear a mask and physically distance from others wherever possible. TOH follows provincial and regional guidelines, which can change over time.

Can patients with COVID-19 still come to hospital for their procedure?

We will be screening for COVID-19, and we are able to test patients who have active symptoms to help us plan the safest course of action. If you test positive for COVID-19, your care team will carefully consider the risks and benefits of moving forward with the procedure to determine the safest course of action for you.