SickKids increasing scheduled clinical care activity

The restart of scheduled clinical care services is progressing well and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is pleased to advance to the next phase, Phase 5, starting Nov. 30.

Since the restart of scheduled clinical care began in June following the interruption in March due to the pandemic, we have closely monitored our ability to work safely while maintaining our stocks of personal protective equipment, testing protocols and appropriate physical distancing where possible. Our steady increase in care balances the needs of patients, families and staff given the current circumstances, and we are confident we can treat more children while keeping everyone safe.

“We recognize how difficult the pandemic has been on patients and families, and the lengthening waitlist for surgical care is also deeply concerning to all of us at SickKids,” says Dr. Simon Kelley, SickKids’ Associate Chief of Perioperative Services, Clinical and Ambulatory. “Our ability to provide more care to the children who need it would not be possible without the close partnership between families and staff during these trying times. We thank everyone for their continued understanding and cooperation as we work to restore scheduled surgeries and procedures to pre-pandemic levels.”

Phase 5 increases the number of operating rooms in service to 14 (out of 16) for a combination of emergency, urgent and scheduled care. As other procedure areas and imaging services, such as MRI scans, endoscopy and colonoscopy are operating at levels prior to the pandemic, SickKids’ overall capacity is increasing to about 90 per cent.

We will contact patients and families when we are able to reschedule a previously cancelled surgery, procedure or appointment. It is not necessary to contact the hospital at this time. Please see these frequently asked questions for additional information.

SickKids will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases, be guided by Ontario Health in the community, and adjust the restart plan accordingly.

Please visit our COVID-19 Information Hub for the most up-to-date information.

Summary of restart plan by phase:

Phase 1 - 35% - Urgent care only
Phase 2 - 50% - Expanded urgent care
Phase 3 - 65% - Restart limited scheduled care
Phase 4 - 75% - Gradually increase scheduled care
Phase 5 - 90% - Most scheduled care available – As of Nov. 30  
Phase 6 - 100% - Full ambulatory and operative care