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Frequently Asked Questions

Read below some frequently asked questions about Sunnybrook's Bring Your Own Device program.

» What's changing and when?

As of August 2020, Sunnybrook’s contract with the designated cable and television equipment service provider expired. The arrangement, which provided the hospital with free television units and cable television at reduced rates, is no longer being offered. As a result, bedside cable television will no longer be offered at Sunnybrook.

» Who will be impacted?

All patient-bedside television units carrying Health Hub cable signal will be removed. Some hallway and waiting room areas that currently use Health Hub signal may also be impacted.

Patient bedside televisions in numbers:

  • Bayview: 419
  • Holland Centre: 80
  • St. John’s Rehab: 178

Hallway/waiting area televisions with Health Hub signal can currently be found at our Holland Centre, St. John’s Rehab and Bayview campuses. Pine Villa and CNIB have direct rogers signal and will not be impacted by this change.

» Is this the case at all Sunnybrook campuses?

With the exception of Pine Villa, CNIB, the Veterans Centre and palliative care unit, all Sunnybrook campuses will cease to offer bedside cable television services through Health Hub in August 2020.

» What are patients supposed to do for entertainment?

The majority of our patients and guests are already bringing their own mobile devices to connect with loved ones and to use streaming services like Netflix for entertainment. This is a trend seen at many hospitals and hotels in Canada. Sunnybrook, like some of our peer hospitals in the GTA, is moving to a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) model.

» What exactly is BYOD?

B-Y-O-D stands for “Bring Your Own Device.” This model allows patients and guests to use the free Wi-Fi signal at Sunnybrook to connect with family and friends outside of the hospital. It also allows for streaming of entertainment services like Netflix.

» Not everyone has a device. How is this fair?

It’s important to remember that even when there was a contract in place with Health Hub, Sunnybrook did not offer cable television for free for patients. There was always a charge, as entertainment is not covered by OHIP and is a very expensive service. Hospitals are publicly funded, and must prioritize patient care, equipment, research and other life-saving work.

» Why are there still televisions in some patient rooms?

Health Hub is in the process of removing equipment from patient rooms, but it is anticipated that all Health Hub equipment will be removed by mid-September.

» Can I pay for my own cable?

Unfortunately, the equipment for televisions and for cable signal require a substantial initial and on-going investment; this is a financial burden that Sunnybrook could not take on.

» Why can I watch TV at other hospitals?

While some hospitals in the GTA are still under contract with Health Hub, others have also moved to a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) model.

» How does this track with Sunnybrook’s vision of ‘inventing the future of health-care’?

Viewership of cable television has been in rapid decline over the past decade. Instead of investing in aging equipment and technology, Sunnybrook is working towards an entertainment strategy that considers current and future trends in technology.

» I’d like to provide feedback on these changes

You are always welcome to connect with the Office of the Patient Experience

» How do I connect to Sunnybrook's Wi-Fi network?

» How do I watch Netflix or movies/shows from other streaming services on my personal device?

» What happens if my device goes missing?

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is not responsible for any lost or stolen items patients and families bring into the hospital. If your device, or any other belongings go missing while in hospital, please notify the care unit manager immeditately.

To keep belongings safe:

  • Labelling: Include name and phone number
  • Storing: Keep belongings in a safe place, do not leave them unprotected
  • Tracking: Ensure belongings are not left in bed, linens, food trays or any concealed place where they may be lost or accidentally thrown out