WEARING A MASK IS STILL REQUIRED IN PATIENT AREAS AT SUNNYBROOK. READ OUR VISITOR GUIDELINES »

COVID-19 Updates for the Holland Bone and Joint Program

The Holland Bone and Joint Program spans two campuses at Sunnybrook: the Bayview Campus and the Holland Centre.

Here you can find information about COVID-19 that is specific to Holland Bone and Joint Program patients. For all general information about COVID-19 from Sunnybrook, please visit sunnybrook.ca/COVID19

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and updates to this information might occur daily. Please check back often.

- Last updated February 24, 2022


Important note about visitors at the Holland Centre

In order to ensure the safety of our patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunnybrook is limiting the number of visitors in the hospital.

Surgical short-term stay patients

Inpatients may have a daily visit with two designated essential care partners (ECPs). Essential care partners must be fully vaccinated. After passing screening at the front door, ECPs may visit between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

When you are a designated essential care partner, you must:

  • ​​Be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada-approved vaccine (your final dose must be at least 14 days ago). You will be asked to show your government-issued vaccine receipt (for your final dose) along with proof of identity. You may show a paper or digital copy of your vaccine receipt.
  • Pass screening prior to entering the hospital.
  • Practice hand hygiene.
  • Wear a mask at ALL times that fully covers your nose and mouth.
  • Not eat or drink when in a patient room or use patient washrooms.

Patients designated Alternate Level of Care

Patients staying at the Holland Centre while they await alternate care may welcome two designated visitors per day.

  • Patients may designate two essential care partners (aged 16+) who can visit them for an entire week. Please note that proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for essential care partners. Outdoor visits are now permitted.
  • Visits should be scheduled with the Patient Care Manager
  • Visiting hours at the Holland Centre are 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Please note: The visitation policy for patients awaiting alternate care is aligned with provincial directives for Long Term Care facilities.

Guidelines for approved visitors (essential care partners)

  1. In addition to showing proof of full vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine, visitors are required to pass a screening questionnaire at the front door before each visit.
  2. Visitors are required to comply with infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols, including proper use of face coverings or surgical/procedural masks.

Visitor information for patients at the Bayview Campus

» View visitor guidelines for the Bayview Campus (2075 Bayview Avenue)

Frequently asked questions

Why was my surgery postponed?

Throughout the pandemic, the hospital may need to implement service reductions at times in order to be able to care for patients that require urgent and emergency care. If your surgery is impacted by service changes, a member of your health-care team will contact you. Your surgeon’s office will contact you as soon as your surgery can be rescheduled. If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please contact your surgeon’s office.

We understand this is not an ideal situation, and we appreciate your understanding during this time.

How will I know if/when my surgery is being re-scheduled? Should I call someone to inquire?

If your surgery is impacted, your surgeon's office will be in contact with you to provide an update as soon as it is available. Please do not call in unless you have an urgent medical concern.

I have a confirmed procedure, treatment or surgery. What do I need to know?

For your health, and for the safety of staff, we want to ensure you minimize your chance of getting COVID-19 in the time leading up to your surgery, procedure or treatment at the hospital. Please visit the resources below for instructions and information to help minimize your risk:

» Information for patients scheduled for surgery or a procedure at Sunnybrook

Are clinics closed or cancelled at the Holland Centre?

As of April 1, 2021, there are no immediate impacts on other outpatient clinic activities.

I will be coming to the Holland Centre for a clinic visit. What do I need to know?

In-person clinic visits will be different.

  • You will be screened for any symptoms related to COVID-19 prior to the visit and at the entrance.
  • You will need to wear a mask. If you don’t have a mask, one will be given to you at the entrance.
  • There are no visitors or family companions allowed in the hospital, with the exception of pre-approved essential care partners. We know this is difficult for you; this is to keep our patients and staff safe.
  • If someone is bringing you to your appointment, plan to have them drop you off. If you need assistance, a staff member will help you get to your appointment.

We will do our very best to support you and deliver the best care possible under these new circumstances.

Is there anything I can do to help myself until my appointment is booked?

If your care team has given you exercises to do, please continue to do those.

For information about osteoarthritis and exercise, please consider reviewing our videos at sunnybrook.ca/osteo

I’m a patient at SCIL at the Bayview Campus. Is my appointment cancelled?

At this time, SCIL clinics are still open.

I was recently referred for a joint assessment. When can I expect this to be booked?

A member of the care team will call you to schedule your appointment or set up a virtual appointment using telephone or video.

I can’t get through on the phone. What do I do?

We are experiencing a high volume of phone calls. We understand that this is frustrating at this uncertain time. Thank you for your patience as our staff work to answer questions and re-book appointments.

I don’t feel well. Is it COVID-19? What do I do?

The Ontario Government recommends anybody with symptoms of COVID-19, or anybody who thinks they may have been exposed to the virus, visit an assessment centre to get tested.

» View more information, including a list of COVID-19 assessment centres in Ontario

If you have difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms and need immediate medical help, please call 9-1-1.

How can I send a gift to a loved one?

The Sunnybrook Gift Shop offers free delivery to patients at our Bayview Campus and Holland Centre. Order your chosen gift online and let your loved one know you are thinking of them.

View all information about COVID-19