Remote Constant Observation Pilot on 14CG and 9CC units at St. Michael’s Hospital
The HALO Remote Constant Observation program on 14CG (General Internal Medicine) and 9CC (Trauma and Neurosurgery) at St. Michael’s Hospital, a site of Unity Health Toronto, started on February 17, 2026 for a total of three to six months.
Remote Constant Observation is a safe and innovative way to prevent falls and other adverse events. This is accomplished by using an IV-pole-sized portable camera and audio unit at the patient’s bedside instead of a dedicated constant care attendant. Patients can be monitored 24 hours per day, seven days a week by a trained HALO Remote Constant Observation Technician.
What is HALO Remote Constant Observation?
Remote Constant Observation is a safe, innovative, and cost-effective way to remotely monitor patients to prevent falls and other adverse events.
HALO has a group of trained remote constant observers who work closely and communicate with the hospital’s care team to help support your safety. They watch over patients from a central observation centre in real time to help prevent falls, accidents, and other safety risks.
How does it work?
A camera on the HALO device securely streams video to our observation centre. From there, a remote constant observer can see you. They do not listen to conversations in the room.
If they notice something that could lead to a safety concern, the observer will appear on the screen and can speak to you directly through the device to offer help or alert the care team.
Is everyone on this unit automatically enrolled in this service?
No, we will ask for consent from patients or substitute decision makers. Only patients who are at risk of certain events (please see ‘Why am I/is my family member being included in this project?’ question and answer below) will be approached, and then consent will be acquired from patient/family. Only patients who may benefit from remote constant observation will be approached.
Can I deny or revoke my consent?
Yes, you can deny or revoke your consent at any time.
Why am I/is my family member being included in this project?
Some patients need a bit of extra support, especially when recovering from illness, surgery, or medication changes. HALO helps your care team respond quickly if you need assistance, often before a situation becomes an emergency.
At Unity Health, remote monitoring is being used on two units at St. Michael’s (the General Internal Medicine and Trauma Neurosurgery Inpatient units). It supports patients who are at risk of:
- Falls,
- Harming themselves or others,
- Persistently wander,
- Require high oxygen flow or oxygen saturation monitoring
- Being unable to alert staff for assistance, due to physical deconditioning, cognitive changes, or environmental factors
What are the benefits of remote observation?
Remote observation helps us to:
- Quickly identify changes in condition
- Redirect inappropriate or harmful behaviour
- Help prevent falls and other safety events
With this information, our clinical teams are able to intervene safely and quickly to support the patient.
How is the data being used by HALO?
No audio or video is recorded, and observers are not actively listening to conversations.
If you need privacy, during personal care, visits with family, or at any other time, the device has a built in privacy shield that will physically cover the camera.
HALO follows strict Canadian healthcare privacy laws. Only trained, HALO staff can access the video feed, and your privacy and dignity are always our top priorities. Your data always remains in Canada.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please speak to your assigned nurse for more information.
Last updated February 18, 2026