Healthcare Teams
Health-care Teams
We are committed to working together to determine your health-care needs and provide you with safe, effective and customized care.
Here are some of the health professionals you may meet during your stay with us:
Audiologists
Audiologists assess, treat and manage hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and balance disorders. If you would benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants and other assistive listening devices, the audiologist will help to fit these devices and offer rehabilitation as required.
Creative Arts Therapists
Creative arts therapists use art, music and plants as part of therapy to help you express your emotions and manage worry, stress, depression and pain.
Dietitians & Nutrition Technicians
If you have difficulty eating or have lost weight due to illness, registered dietitians and nutrition technicians can assess your nutritional needs and help you meet them. Dietitians are also available for individual counselling or group education sessions on topics such as cancer, diabetes, heart health, and living with stroke.
Medical Radiation Technologists
If your health-care provider orders a diagnostic imaging test, you will see a medical radiation technologist (MRT) for the type of test required. They perform a range of diagnostic tests including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, interventional radiography (angiography), nuclear medicine, breast imaging and ultrasound. Your referring health-care professional will receive your results.
Nurses
Registered nurses (RNs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) care for patients 24 hours a day in the inpatient programs, and also see patients in many outpatient programs. They assess various aspects of your health, help to develop treatment priorities, provide care and monitor your progress. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are nurses who can also diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, perform medical procedures, prescribe medications and admit and discharge patients.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists (OT) and occupational therapist assistants (OTA) help you develop, adapt or relearn the physical, cognitive and emotional skills needed to do the activities of daily life that are most important and meaningful to you. They also help you get back to your community as safely and independently as possible.
Patient Care Managers
Patient care managers lead the teams of care providers on the units. If you have a question or concern that cannot be addressed by a health-care team member, you can contact the patient care manager.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians review and monitor all medications ordered for you in hospital. They will check for allergies, drug interactions and other potential safety concerns. They are also available to teach you about your medications and answer any questions you have about them.
Physicians
On admission, a physician will assess you, order any medications, tests or treatments needed and, if necessary, can refer you to specialists within the hospital. Physician assistants (PA) provide care under the supervision of a physician. They may ask you questions about your illness, perform a physical examination, order tests, provide a diagnosis or provide treatment. They may also assist a physician during surgery.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists (PT) and physiotherapist assistants (PTA) may help you enhance and maintain your physical abilities at the highest level possible. Physiotherapists provide assessment, education and treatment for a wide range of health issues. They may provide therapeutic exercises, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, strengthening exercises, and mobility training.
Psychologists
Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues, including dealing with illnesses, injuries, and personal crises in your life. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, pain management, sleep disorders, adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and feelings of grief and loss are often treated by psychologists.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists (RT) and clinical specialist radiation therapists (CSRT) provide care for cancer patients and their families throughout radiation treatment planning and delivery. They provide emotional support throughout the course of treatment and help you manage any side effects.
Recreation Therapists
Recreation therapists help you participate in the leisure activities that matter to you to help build your self-confidence, sense of belonging and improve your quality of life.
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists and anaesthesia assistants monitor, assess and treat you if you have difficulties breathing because of certain medical conditions like asthma, heart disease, or pneumonia. They may also care for you in the operating room if you need to undergo anaesthesia or if you are delivering a baby.
Social Workers
Social workers can assist you and your family in coping with the impact of illness, injury and hospitalization. They provide counselling that may focus on adjustment, self-esteem, dealing with loss, and managing relationships. They facilitate discharge planning, and can address practical needs such as finances and connecting you to the resources you need in the community.
Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists and communicative disorders assistants help you maximize your ability to communicate, which may include the ability to speak, share thoughts, problem solve, understand others, read and write. They also help ensure you can swallow food and drink safely.
Spiritual & Religious Care Providers
Spiritual and religious care providers offer emotional and spiritual support to patients, families, and caregivers in times of need. They may be able to help you face a difficult life decision, find inner strength, feel comfort at the end of life, and participate in prayer, sacraments or cultural rituals.
Volunteers
Volunteers plan and run special events to provide entertainment, fellowship and fundraising opportunities for the hospital. Volunteers work in our gift shops, visit patients, escort them to appointments and provide support to staff. They can be identified by their royal blue uniform and Sunnybrook ID badge.
Other team members
During your hospital stay, you may come in contact with other staff who will play a vital role in your care. Some may provide a diagnosis or treatment, while others may coordinate appointments, or plan for ongoing care after discharge from the hospital. These staff may work in areas such as specialty clinics, administration, environmental services, laboratories, or Community Care Access Centres (CCAC).
Sunnybrook is a teaching hospital for students from a variety of professions. These include medical students called clinical clerks, or undergraduate students and recent graduates called residents. Students are supervised and may be involved in your care.