Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) experienced a data security incident in October 2023 that led to the exposure of personal information belonging to some of our donors. For further information, see the statement and FAQ page on the MGH website.
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With our Stavro Emergency Department (ED) now serving a record-breaking 100,000 patients annually, several factors are contributing to demand, says Dr. Kyle Vojdani, Chief of our ED.
Dr. Vojdani notes East Toronto’s growing population; the many residents without timely access to primary care and medical imaging; and the large number of seniors living alone without adequate support, among other factors.
Yet our emergency team has found novel ways to continue delivering great care with faster-than-average wait times.
To accommodate more patients, we’ve significantly increased ED clinical space by repurposing offices and other non-clinical areas.
Online booking
Innovation has been a key piece of the puzzle. For instance, the ED launched its E-Booking Portal for Minor Injuries in 2022 to reduce wait times for people with possible sprains or minor broken bones.
Through a link on our ED webpage, people who don’t require immediate emergency care can arrange same-day or next- day appointments for X-rays and assessments. The service is used nearly 2,300 times annually, with its popularity steadily rising.
East Toronto resident Kelly Aizicowitz recalls her husband’s experience with the portal when he badly sprained his ankle. “It took just over an hour for him to be seen, X-rayed and discharged. We feel immensely lucky to have such an amazing resource in the east end,” she says.
Caring for younger patients
Our Child and Youth Emergency Zone has cut wait times for younger patients and enhanced their experience.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., it features separate, family-friendly facilities and clinicians especially skilled in helping children and families cope with medical challenges.
Outside of these hours, young patients are seen in the Stavro Emergency Department. This was the case when Audra Stitt, who works in our hospital's Department of Research and Innovation, brought in her 12-year-old daughter.
Audra noted that the ED team took time to listen to her daughter’s concerns and make her feel comfortable before they stitched a cut on her hand.
“From the moment we walked in, the staff were so kind to my daughter. I appreciated that they sat down with her and answered any questions she had. She left with a very positive feeling,” says Audra.
Audra says the team’s caring approach made her daughter’s ED visit much easier.
“I don't ever want anyone to have to go to an emergency department but if you have to do it, I’m glad that the experience was as good as it was,” she says.
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