NYGH is carefully starting to resume some of the services that were reduced due to COVID-19. Your health and safety is our top priority and we appreciate your patience as we begin the first phase of our recovery plan. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions below for in-patient surgery, day surgery and paediatric in-patient and day surgery.
Click here to pre-register online up to 7 days before your surgery.
Download a printable copy of the Patient Information and Checklist for In-Patient Surgery.
How will my surgery appointment be confirmed?
Your surgeon’s office will confirm the time of surgery. You will receive a phone call the day before surgery from Patient Registration/Admitting to pre-register and confirm your personal information. You can also pre-register online.
Is there a chance my surgery could be cancelled?
Unfortunately, the hospital may have to cancel surgeries on short notice, depending on how the current pandemic is impacting the health care system.
Do I need to bring my health card?
Yes, you must bring your health card.
Do I need a COVID test?
You will need a COVID test prior to surgery. The test must be completed 72 hours before your surgery date. COVID test results received more than four days before your surgery will not be valid.
North York General Hospital Covid-19 Assessment Centre
Branson Assessment Centre
555 Finch Ave West, North York, Ontario M2R 1N5
Open 7 days/week (8 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
COVID tests can be booked online at nygh.on.ca or call 416-635-2509 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to book your appointment over the phone. The team at the Branson COVID Assessment Centre will provide you with information on how to access your test results. The results will also automatically be available to the surgical team, in your NYGH chart.
How early should I arrive for my appointment?
Please arrive at least one hour before your surgery time (or as directed by your surgeon’s office). In order to maintain physical distancing in our waiting areas, you may be asked to wait outside, but nearby the hospital if you arrive too early for your surgery. A staff member will contact you on your cell phone when it is time to return.
Is there a designated entrance and exit?
Please note the South Entrance is for drop off only and the West Exit is for pick up only.
What safety measures should I follow when inside the hospital?
While inside the hospital please follow the safety measures in place to protect you:
- Keep a mask on at all times. All patients, support persons and visitors entering our facilities, will be issued a hospital approved 3-layer mask. Masks/face coverings from outside, are no longer permitted for use at any NYGH site.
- Follow physical distancing of 2 meters (6 feet), this includes seating in waiting areas, elevators and line-ups.
Am I permitted a caregiver when I arrive for surgery?
If you require special assistance for your surgery, please contact your surgeon’s office and request to have one support person accompany you. This request will only be granted for patients who require assistance. You and your support person will need to show photo identification (i.e. driver’s license).
Can I have visitors after my surgery?
In order to protect patients and staff, one designated visitor may visit a patient for a two-hour time slot. Please book your visit before arriving at the hospital.
Your visitor will need to show photo identification (i.e. driver’s license) at the entrance. The visitor must remain the same if return visits are necessary/permitted. The hospital also offers virtual family visits to our patients. A family member or loved-one can schedule a virtual visit online at www.nygh.on.ca
What time will I be discharged home from the hospital?
Please plan for discharge at 10 a.m.
What COVID-19 precautions do I need to follow before my surgery?
- If your health changes or you develop a cough, cold or fever within a week before your surgery, call your surgeon as soon as possible.
- You will need a COVID test prior to surgery and to be done 72 hours before your surgery date. COVID test results received more than four days before your surgery will not be valid. Please visit the North York General Hospital Covid-19 Assessment Centre page for more information.
- In addition to the COVID test, your surgeon’s office will call you the day before surgery to pre-screen you. (Please see the screening tool document for reference.)
What instructions do I need to follow before my surgery?
- Do not eat after midnight the night before your surgery (including gum, candy or lozenges). You can have 1-2 cups (500ml max) of one of the following clear liquids only: apple juice, ginger ale, water, black tea or black coffee up to 4 HOURS before your surgery (no milk or cream). You may brush your teeth.
*If these guidelines are not followed, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons.
2. Please stop all anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Advil, aspirin, naproxen) three (3) days before surgery unless told otherwise by your surgeon or anaesthesiologist. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is OK prior to surgery.
3. Please stop all vitamins, supplements, and herbal and green teas seven (7) days before surgery.
4. Bring hand sanitizer for your bedside.
5. Do not apply body lotion, make-up, nail polish, or perfumes on the day of surgery.
6. No hair removal from the operative site seven (7) days before surgery. Doing so can increase your risk of infection.
7. Please leave valuables at home. The hospital is not responsible for personal items i.e. jewelry, money, mobility aids, hearing aids, dentures, or glasses. If you wear contact lenses, please bring your lens holder with you or wear your glasses. If you use a mobility aid, please label it with your name and bring it with you.
8. Please bring toiletries (i.e. soap, toothbrush, toothpaste) and tissues. These items are not supplied by the hospital. Please bring slippers, a robe and pajamas.
For orthopaedic joint surgery patients only:
- If you are having joint surgery, do not have any dental work one (1) month before surgery and wait until three (3) months after your surgery.
- Do not have any injections into your joint between 3-6 months before your surgery (check with your surgeon.)
After surgery
Track your progress with the 'Tracking my Progress' sheet.
Download a printable copy of the Patient Information and Checklist for Day Surgery.
How will my surgery appointment be confirmed?
Your surgeon’s office will confirm the time of surgery. You will receive a phone call the day before surgery from Patient Registration/Admitting to pre-register and confirm your personal information. Pre-registration is also available online.
Is there a chance my surgery could be cancelled?
Unfortunately, the hospital may have to cancel surgeries on short notice, depending on how the current pandemic is impacting the health care system.
Do I need a COVID test?
You don't need a COVID test prior to surgery unless your surgeon tells you. If you require a test, your surgeon will inform you to book a COVID test four days before surgery.
When you pre-register, there will be a link on the pre-registration form for COVID testing, if required, at the Branson COVID Assessment Centre (555 Finch Ave. W). This link will automatically provide a test date that is four days before your surgery. The team at the Branson COVID Assessment Centre will provide you with information on how to access your test results. The results will also automatically be available to the surgical team, in your NYGH chart.
If your surgeon does not require you to get a COVID test it is highly recommended that you self-isolate for 10 days before surgery to decrease the chance of infection
Do I need my health card?
Yes, you must bring your health card to your surgery appointment.
How early should I arrive for my surgery appointment?
Please arrive at least one hour before your surgery time (or as directed by your surgeon’s office). In order to maintain physical distancing in our waiting areas, you may be asked to wait outside, but nearby the hospital if you arrive too early for your surgery. A staff member will contact you on your cell phone when it is time to return.
Is there a designated entrance and exit?
Please note the South Entrance is for drop off only and the West Entrance is for pick up only.
What safety measures should I follow when inside the hospital?
While inside the hospital please follow the safety measures in place to protect you:
- Keep a mask on at all times. All patients, support persons and visitors entering our facilities, will be issued a hospital approved 3-layer mask. Masks/face coverings from outside, are no longer permitted for use at any NYGH site.
- Follow physical distancing of 2 meters (6 feet), this includes seating in waiting areas, elevators and line-ups.
Am I permitted to bring a family member to accompany me to my surgery appointment?
In order to protect patients and staff, visitors are not permitted in the hospital at this time. If you require special assistance, please contact your surgeon’s office and request to have one support person accompany you. This request will only be granted for patients who require assistance. You and your support person will need to show photo identification (i.e driver’s license).
What COVID-19 precautions do I need to follow before my surgery to?
Please note If these guidelines are not followed, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons.
- If your health changes or you develop a cough, cold or fever within a week before your surgery, call your surgeon as soon as possible.
- Your surgeon will advise you to have a COVID swab test 2-4 days before surgery. Please visit the North York General Hospital Covid-19 Assessment Centre page for more information.
- In addition to the COVID test, your surgeon’s office will call you the day before surgery to pre-screen you. (Please see the screening tool document for reference.)
What instructions do I need to follow before my surgery?
- Do not eat (including gum, candy or lozenges) after midnight the night before your surgery. You can have 1-2 cups (500ml max) of one of the following listed clear liquids only: apple juice, ginger ale, water, black tea or black coffee up to 4 HOURS before your surgery (no milk or cream). You may brush your teeth.
*If these guidelines are not followed, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons. - Please stop all anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Advil, aspirin, naproxen) three (3) days before surgery unless told otherwise by your surgeon or anaesthesiologist. You can have Tylenol (acetaminophen) prior to surgery.
- Please stop all vitamins, supplements, herbal and green teas seven (7) days before surgery.
- Do not apply body lotion, make-up, nail polish, or perfumes on the day of surgery.
- No hair removal from the operative site within seven (7) days of surgery. Doing so can increase your risk of infection.
- Please leave valuables at home. The hospital is not responsible personal items e.g. jewelry, money, mobility aids, hearing aids, dentures, glasses.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a bag to hold them. If you wear contact lenses, please bring your lens holder with you or wear your glasses. If you use a mobility aid, please label it with your name and bring it with you. You will be given a locker for your belongings.
- Arrange for an adult to accompany you home by car or taxi (no TTC) and stay overnight with you following surgery. A responsible adult must be with you at home, to assist with your activities and mobility (i.e. walking and using stairs), as needed, for the first 24 hours.
What instructions should I follow after surgery?
- Do not drive a car or perform any task that requires skill, coordination or judgment for at least 24 hours after your anaesthetic has worn off.
- Keep your activity light for the rest of the day after surgery. It is normal to feel a little dizzy or sleepy after your operation.
- Eat only a light meal (i.e. soup and a beverage) that evening. We will ensure you can tolerate fluids before being discharged home.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours after your anaesthetic has worn off.
- Resume your regular medications as directed by your surgeon. A prescription may be ordered by your surgeon and given to you in the Day Surgery Unit.
- You can fill your prescription at the NYGH Outpatient Pharmacy at the General site.
After surgery
Track your progress with the 'Tracking my Progress' sheet.
Download a printable copy of the Patient Information and Checklist for Paediatric In-Patient Surgery
How will my child’s surgery appointment be confirmed?
Your surgeon’s office will confirm the time of surgery. You will receive a phone call the day before surgery from Patient Registration/Admitting to pre-register and confirm your child’s personal information. The pre-registration process is also available online.
Could my child’s surgery be cancelled?
Unfortunately, the hospital may have to cancel surgeries on short notice, depending on how the current pandemic is impacting the health care system.
Do I need to bring my child’s health card?
Yes, you must bring your child’s health card to your surgery appointment.
How early should I arrive for my child’s surgery appointment?
Please arrive at least one hour before your surgery time (or as directed by your surgeon’s office). In order to maintain physical distancing in our waiting areas, you may be asked to wait outside, but nearby the hospital, if you arrive too early for your surgery. A staff member will contact you on your cell phone when it is time for you and your child to return. Upon entrance to the hospital, you and your child will be screened, asked to wash your hands and you will each be provided with a face mask to be worn over your mouth and nose.
Is there a designated entrance and exit?
Please note the South Entrance is for drop off and entrance only and the West Exit is for pick up only for patients/families after discharge.
What safety measures should we follow when inside the hospital?
While inside the hospital please follow the safety measures in place to protect you and your child:
- Keep a mask on at all times, covering your mouth and nose. All patients, support persons and visitors entering our facilities, will be issued a hospital approved 3-layer mask. Masks/face coverings from outside, are no longer permitted for use at any NYGH site.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after eating or touching your face.
- Follow physical distancing of 2 meters (6 feet), this includes seating in waiting areas, elevators and line-ups. Signage around the hospital is posted to provide reminders.
Are parents/caregivers/visitors permitted?
In order to protect patients and staff, only one designated parent/caregiver/visitor is permitted to accompany each child having surgery and staying in the hospital. This designated person must:
- Be well and pass the screening at the main entrance of the hospital
- Wear a mask for the duration of the hospital stay
- Remain the same throughout the hospital stay
- Must not exit and re-enter the hospital
- Agree to follow hospital infection prevention and control practices (wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene and physical distancing)
Unwell parents/caregivers/support people will not be permitted to enter the hospital and your child’s surgery will need to be re-scheduled if another parent/caregiver/support person is unavailable.
What time will my child be discharged from hospital?
Please plan for discharge at 10 a.m.
Where can I fill my child’s prescription?
A prescription for your child may be ordered by your surgeon and given to you while in the hospital. We have a retail pharmacy on the ground floor of the General site where you can fill the prescription, if you choose.
Will my child require a COVID test?
Yes, your child requires a COVID test prior to surgery. The test must be completed 72 hours before your surgery date. COVID test results received more than four days before your surgery will not be valid.
North York General Hospital Covid-19 Assessment Centre
Branson Assessment Centre
555 Finch Ave West, North York, Ontario M2R 1N5
Open 7 days/week (8 a.m. - 7 p.m.)
COVID tests can be booked online at nygh.on.ca or call 416-635-2509 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to book your appointment over the phone. The team at the Branson COVID Assessment Centre will provide you with information on how to access your child's test results. The results will also automatically be available to the surgical team, in your NYGH chart.
Please let the surgeon know if you or your child are unable to wear a mask due to medical reasons (proof required). For these particular cases, they may be booked as the last case of the day, to minimize contact with other patients/visitors.
What COVID-19 precautions do I need to follow before my surgery?
- If your child’s health changes or they develop a cough, cold or fever within seven (7) days before the scheduled surgery, please call your child’s surgeon as soon as possible.
- You can pre-register online seven days before, but no later than 4 days prior to your child’s surgery date. Please visit the site at www.nygh.on.ca.
- In addition to the COVID test, your surgeon’s office will call you the day before surgery to pre-screen your child. (Please see the screening tool document for reference.)
-
Please do not allow your child to eat (including gum, candy or lozenges) after midnight the night before your surgery. Your child can have 1-2 cups (500ml max) of one of the following listed clear liquids only: apple juice, ginger ale, water, up to 2 HOURS before your surgery (no milk or cream). For infants and young children, they may be breastfed or be given expressed breastmilk by bottle, up 4 HOURS before surgery or may be fed formula up to 6 HOURS before surgery. You may also have your child brush their teeth on the morning of their surgery.
*If these guidelines are not followed, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons. -
Please stop all anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Advil, aspirin, naproxen) three (3) days before surgery unless told otherwise by your surgeon or anaesthesiologist. Your child can have Tylenol (acetaminophen) prior to surgery.
-
Please stop all vitamins, supplements, herbal and green teas seven (7) days before surgery.
-
Do not allow your child to apply body lotion, make-up, nail polish, or perfumes on the day of surgery.
-
Please do not allow your child to remove hair from the operative site within seven (7) days of surgery. Doing so can increase their risk of infection.
-
Please leave valuables at home. The hospital is not responsible personal items left unattended, e.g. jewelry, money, mobility aids, hearing aids, glasses.
-
Please have your child dressed in loose, comfortable clothing and bring a bag to hold them in during their surgery. If your child wears contact lenses, please have them bring their lens holder or wear their glasses the day of surgery. If your child requires the use of a mobility aid, please label it with their name and bring it with them. We will provide a locker for you to store your child’s belongings.
-
Please bring toiletries (i.e. soap, toothbrush, toothpaste) and tissues for yourself and your child. These items are not supplied by the hospital.
-
Please bring all necessary clothing for you and your child for the duration of your stay.
-
As there are no ‘in and out’ privileges and no food deliveries permitted during the in-patient stay, please prepare accordingly. Parents will be provided with standard guest meal trays during their stay.
Food, Eating or Drinking:a. To avoid the need to exit/re-enter the hospital, food may be brought from home or purchased at hospital food stations.
b. You can bring in some non-perishable food with you. Food from home or personal food ordered in cannot be stored in common unit fridges and cannot be heated in microwaves. There will not be any food permitted in our common pantry area at this time. Any food or snacks brought in, must be kept at the bedside with you.
c. Food deliveries (by family member or food delivery service) must be received by the family member/parent/support person at the hospital door. Please perform hand hygiene upon entry to hospital after any food deliveries.
d. Reusable containers, if used, must be cleaned/managed by the family member/parent/support person.
e. No food may be left with NYGH staff to be delivered to patients/visitors.
f. All food must be eaten in patient rooms (no cafeteria seating). Common seating areas are for staff only.
g. Please always practice good hand hygiene, including when entering/leaving the patient’s room/hospital and before eating food.
Due to COVID-19 there are only limited retail food options on site:
1st floor: Tim Hortons: 24/7
Ground Floor south lobby: Starbucks: 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon to Fri and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat and Sun
The Market: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon to Fri -
Off unit privileges:
a. Visitors/support persons in the Paediatric unit are not permitted to leave the hospital once they have entered
b. Visitors/support persons can leave the Paediatric unit to purchase food or items from our retail pharmacy
c. Visitors/support persons are encouraged to stay within the unit as much as possible -
Isolation
a. Visitors/support persons accompanying patients in isolation, must stay in the room at all times.
b. The patient and the visitor/support person should also adhere to the required infection prevention and control practices as outlined by the nursing staff.
c. Please speak with the nursing staff on the unit about meal planning for visitors/support persons accompanying patients in isolation. -
We recommend frequent hand washing and frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces (ex. cell phones). If you require sanitization wipes to facilitate this while in the unit please ask one of the nurses.
-
We encourage everyone to stay in their rooms as much as possible during their stay.
Your cooperation is appreciated and will contribute to keeping our Surgical and Paediatric Program areas remain safe for all patients, staff and parents/support persons.
After surgery
Track your progress with the 'Tracking my Progress' sheet.
Download a printable copy of the Patient Information and Checklist for Paediatric Day Surgery
How will my child’s surgery appointment be confirmed?
Your surgeon’s office will confirm the time of surgery. You will receive a phone call the day before surgery from Patient Registration/Admitting to pre-register and confirm your child’s personal information. The pre-registration process is also available online.
Is there a chance my child’s surgery could be cancelled?
Unfortunately, the hospital may have to cancel surgeries on short notice, depending on how the current pandemic is impacting the health care system.
Do I need to bring my child’s health card?
Yes, you must bring your child’s health card to your surgery appointment.
How early should I arrive for my child’s surgery appointment?
Please arrive at least one hour before your surgery time (or as directed by your surgeon’s office). In order to maintain physical distancing in our waiting areas, you may be asked to wait outside, but nearby the hospital, if you arrive too early for your surgery. A staff member will contact you on your cell phone when it is time for you and your child to return. Upon entrance to the hospital, you and your child will be screened, asked to wash your hands and you will each be provided with a face mask to be worn over your mouth and nose.
Is there a designated entrance and exit?
Please note the South Entrance is for drop-off and entrance only and the West Exit is for pick-up only.
What safety measures should we follow when inside the hospital?
While inside the hospital please follow the safety measures in place to protect you and your child:
- Keep a mask on at all times, covering your mouth and nose. All patients, support persons and visitors entering our facilities, will be issued a hospital approved 3-layer mask. Masks/face coverings from outside, are no longer permitted for use at any NYGH site.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after eating or touching your face.
- Follow physical distancing of 2 meters (6 feet), this includes seating in waiting areas, elevators and line-ups. Signage around the hospital is posted to provide reminders.
Are parents/caregivers/visitors permitted?
In order to protect patients and staff, only one designated parent/support person/caregiver is permitted to accompany each child on the day of surgery. This designated person must:
- Be well and pass the screening at the main entrance of the hospital
- Wear a mask for the duration of the hospital stay
- Remain the same throughout the hospital stay
- Must not exit and re-enter the hospital
- Agree to follow hospital infection prevention and control practices (wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene, practicing physical distancing)
Unwell parents/caregivers/support people will not be permitted to enter the hospital and your child’s surgery will need to be re-scheduled if another parent/caregiver/support person is unavailable.
Will my child require a COVID test?
Your child does not need a COVID test prior to surgery unless your surgeon tells you. If your child requires a test, your surgeon will inform you to book a COVID test four days before surgery.
As of October 8, 2020, you can pre-register online seven days before, but no later than 4 days prior to your child’s surgery date. Please visit the site at www.nygh.on.ca.
There is a link on the pre-registration form for COVID testing, if ordered. This will bring you automatically to a date (4 days before surgery) for an appointment. The team at the Branson COVID Assessment Centre (555 Finch Ave. W) will provide you with information on how to access your test results. The results will also automatically be available to the surgical team, in your NYGH chart.
If your child does not require a COVID-19 test, the surgeon will suggest self-isolation for 10 days before surgery to decrease chance of infection. It is important that you let your surgeon know if you or your child develop any symptoms before surgery.
Please let your surgeon know if you or your child are unable to wear a mask due to medical reasons (proof required). For these particular cases, they may be booked as the last case of the day, to minimize contact with other patients/visitors.
What COVID-19 precautions do I need to follow before my surgery?
- If your child’s health changes or they develop a cough, cold or fever within seven (7) days before the scheduled surgery, please call your child’s surgeon as soon as possible.
- You can pre-register online seven days before, but no later than 4 days prior to your child’s surgery date. Please visit the site at www.nygh.on.ca.
- In addition to the pre-screening and COVID testing process if required, your surgeon’s office will call you the day before surgery to again pre-screen your child. (Please see the screening tool document for reference.)
- Please do not allow your child to eat (including gum, candy or lozenges) after midnight the night before your surgery. Your child can have 1-2 cups (500ml max) of one of the following listed clear liquids only: apple juice, ginger ale, water, up to 2 HOURS before your surgery (no milk or cream). For infants and young children, they may be breastfed or be given expressed breastmilk by bottle, up 4 HOURS before surgery or may be fed formula up to 6 HOURS before surgery. You may also have your child brush their teeth on the morning of their surgery.
*If these guidelines are not followed, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons. - Please stop all anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Advil, aspirin, naproxen) three (3) days before surgery unless told otherwise by your surgeon or anaesthesiologist. Your child can have Tylenol (acetaminophen) prior to surgery.
- Please stop all vitamins, supplements, herbal and green teas seven (7) days before surgery.
- Do not allow your child to apply body lotion, make-up, nail polish, or perfumes on the day of surgery.
- Please do not allow your child to remove hair from the operative site within seven (7) days of surgery. Doing so can increase their risk of infection.
- Please leave valuables at home. The hospital is not responsible personal items e.g. jewelry, money, mobility aids, hearing aids, glasses.
- Please have your child dressed in loose, comfortable clothing and bring a bag to hold them in during their surgery. If your child wears contact lenses, please have them bring their lens holder or wear their glasses the day of surgery. If your child requires the use of a mobility aid, please label it with their name and bring it with them. We will provide a locker for you to store your child’s belongings.
What instructions should my child follow after surgery
- Do not allow your child to drive a car or perform any task that requires skill, coordination or judgment for at least 24 hours after their anaesthetic has worn off.
- Keep their activity light for the rest of the day after surgery. It is normal for a child to feel a little dizzy, cranky or sleepy after operation.
- Feed them only a light meal (i.e. soup and a beverage) that evening. Our team will ensure that your child can tolerate fluids before being discharged home.
- Your child can resume your regular medications, as directed by your surgeon. A prescription may be ordered by your surgeon and given to you/your child in the Day Surgery Unit. We have a retail pharmacy at our General site, where you can fill your prescription, if you choose.
After surgery
Track your progress with the 'Tracking my Progress' sheet.
For a printable copy of the Patient Information and Checklist for eye surgery, please click here.
- How will my surgery appointment be confirmed?
Your ophthalmologist’s office will confirm the time and date of your cataract surgery. - Can I pre-register before my surgery?
Yes, NYGH has created an online process to pre-register and confirm your personal information. Pre-register 48-72 hours before your surgery online. - Is there a chance my surgery could be cancelled?
Unfortunately, the NYGH may have to cancel surgeries on short notice, depending on how the current pandemic is impacting the health care system. - Do I need my health card?
Yes, you must bring your health card to your eye surgery appointment. - Where is the Eye Surgery Centre Located?
The Eye Surgery Centre is located at the NYGH Minor Surgical Procedures and Elder Care Centre at 243 Consumers Rd. 3rd floor. - Do I need to wear a mask?
Yes, all patients and caregivers need to wear a mask while inside the NYGH Minor Surgical Procedures and Elder Care Centre. - Should someone accompany me to my eye surgery appointment?
Yes, you must arrange for someone to accompany you home, as you will not be able to drive, take public transportation or Wheel-Trans. - How early should I arrive for my eye surgery appointment?
Please arrive at the reception of the Eye Surgery Centre one hour before your surgery time (or as directed by your surgeon’s office). In order to maintain physical distancing in our waiting areas, you may be asked to wait outside, but nearby if you arrive too early for your surgery. A staff member will contact you on your cell phone when it is time to return. The office opens at 7 a.m. - Will I be screened for COVID-19 before my surgery?
Yes, you will be screened for COVID-19 related symptoms. - Where should my caregiver wait during surgery?
Due to limited space and the need to physically distance from others, family members can wait in either the retail area of on the second floor of the the building (Parkway Place Food Court) or nearby. A staff member will contact them on their cell phone when it is time to return. - Can I purchase “premium lens”?
Yes, please bring a valid form of payment, such as Visa, MasterCard, or Debit card. Cost of premium lens is subject to change. - Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns prior to my surgery?
If you have questions or concerns about your cataract surgery, please speak with your ophthalmologist. - Is there parking available?
Yes, parking is available opposite the Centre on William Sylvester Drive for $10/daily maximum. The entrance to the parking garage is beside Satay Sate Indonesian Street Food. - How do I contact the Eye Centre?
You can reach the Eye Surgery Centre at 416-756-6851. - What COVID-19 precautions do I need to follow before my surgery?
- If your health changes or you develop a cough, cold or fever within a week before your surgery, call your surgeon as soon as possible.
- Self-isolation from other people for 2-3 days before surgery.
- Clean your hands frequently.
- Your ophthalmologist’s office will call you the day before surgery to pre-screen you for any COVID-19 symptoms.
- What instructions do I need to follow before my surgery?
- Do not eat (including gum, candy or lozenges) after midnight the night before your surgery. You may brush your teeth.
If these guidelines are not followed, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons. - Blood pressure and heart medications should be taken the morning of your surgery with a sip of water.
- Follow all the eye drop instructions provided by your ophthalmologist.
- Do not wear make-up on the day of your eye surgery.
- Wear comfortable clothing (preferably a shirt that buttons completely down the front).
- Please leave valuables at home. NYGH is not responsible personal items e.g. jewelry, money, mobility aids.
** Post-operative instructions will be provided upon discharge.