Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

You can find information about connecting to our Guest Wi-Fi network at sunnybrook.ca/wifi

» Learn how you can download movies and shows from Netflix and other streaming services directly to your device

» Learn how you can download movies and shows from Netflix and other streaming services directly to your device

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