We know this is a challenging time for everyone and especially more so, for people who have to navigate the healthcare system right now. We are doing our very best and our teams are working hard to make sure those who come to us for care are getting the support they need, safely. Thank you for your continued patience.  

Below is information to help you navigate when you come to our hospital sites. Our network’s response to the pandemic will continue to evolve and we encourage you will check back regularly to learn more about the systems we have in place at Unity Health.

If you are a visitor:

We have taken difficult but necessary steps to reduce the number of people in our buildings in order to focus all efforts on patient care and lessen the opportunity for COVID-19 spreading. This includes changes to our visitor policies, which will be necessary for us to keep reviewing over the coming weeks based on what is happening across our city and province. See the latest on our visitor policies.

If you have an appointment at one of our sites:

We have implemented Ontario Health’s Directive #2, requiring all hospitals to only provide urgent and emergent surgeries, ambulatory and diagnostic programs starting January 5 for 21 days. We know this is distressing to our patients, their loved ones and our teams and we are eager to get back to normal as soon as we can.

Please note:Anyone who will have a procedure postponed will receive a direct call from your physician or clinic with more information. If you have not received a call, please assume your procedure is still going forward as scheduled.

If you are looking for more information on vaccines:

Throughout the pandemic, Unity Health has played a key role in helping to vaccinate our communities. We know this is the best way to keep people safe and relieve pressure on the healthcare system, and here are many ways to get your vaccines for yourself and your loved ones, including children, if you haven’t already. Please read more of our vaccination information, including how to book an appointment.

If you are looking for more information on COVID-19 testing:

The Ontario government has changed its testing guidelines in response to our latest understanding of the Omicron variant and who is most at risk. This has impacted our testing centre at St. Joseph’s as well. Please read more about the eligibility requirements and what to do if you or a family member are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

If you need emergency care:

Our emergency departments at St. Joseph’s Health Centre and St. Michael’s Hospital are available 24 hours a day to serve patients who need urgent care. We also have a virtual service through our St. Michael’s Emergency Department and partnering hospitals, with daily bookings that can be made here.  Please do not hesitate to come to your closest emergency department if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

And finally, to everyone in our community:

For more than 20 months we’ve been working together to support each other and provide the best and safest care possible for patients and their families.

Every change that has been and will continue to be put in place is evaluated using our mission and values, and with direction from the province, our infection control experts, clinical leaders and with the health and safety of our patients, their families and our teams at the forefront.

Team Unity Health — which absolutely includes all the people we care for each and every day — has never been stronger and we will continue to get through this together with everyone’s support. Thank you.