Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) have formed a strategic partnership to address the growing need for timely surgical care across Simcoe County. By welcoming RVH surgeons to practice at GBGH, the collaboration is significantly reducing long wait times and helping more patients access the procedures they need, sooner.
The partnership between GBGH and RVH was started to address the surgical backlog at RVH while utilizing the available capacity at GBGH. By working together, both organizations are committed to benefiting all patients in Simcoe County by ensuring quicker access to surgeries.
“At GBGH, we understand the critical role partnerships play in meeting the healthcare needs of our community” said Dr. Bonnie Shum, Chief of Surgery at GBGH. “We are maximizing our surgical capacity and ensuring our operating rooms (OR) are utilized to their full potential. This approach not only improves access to care but also fosters a collaborative culture that benefits patients, and both hospitals."
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Between August 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025, RVH surgeons performed 145 surgeries at GBGH for patients who had been waiting extended periods for care - including 45 paediatric cases. Procedures have included vascular, plastics, orthopedics, and general surgery, demonstrating the broad scope and reach of the partnership. These efforts have already made an impact on reducing the surgical backlog and enhancing care delivery in the region
“This partnership is a clear example of the strength and potential of our regional healthcare network,” said Matthew Lawson, President and CEO of GBGH. “By working together, we are ensuring patients receive the care they need more quickly, while alleviating pressure on individual hospitals.”
Pam Oertel, a vascular surgery patient, learned she would need surgery in June 2024 and was scheduled at RVH that fall. When the time came, her procedure had to be postponed due to urgent cases.
“When my surgery date was postponed, I didn’t know when I would be re-scheduled because the health centre’s surgical program is incredibly busy,” says Oertel. “I was so relieved when I received a call this past February from GBGH to schedule my procedure with my original RVH surgeon. Within a week, I was at GBGH having my day surgery with Dr. Devrome. I was so grateful to have that option. Not only was my experience at GBGH outstanding, because of this partnership, I was able to receive my care sooner while staying close to home.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the capacity and resilience of the region’s hospitals. Both GBGH and RVH remain committed to building on this success, continuing to explore innovative solutions and strengthening cooperation to better serve the residents of Simcoe County.
“As RVH’s surgical program is already operating at 100 per cent capacity, we have to come up with innovative solutions to help alleviate backlogs and reduce wait times,” says Dr. John Rissanen, Medical Director, Surgery program, RVH. “With GBGH having available OR time and RVH needing increased surgical capacity, we knew collaborating would have a positive impact on patient care. I would like to acknowledge the commitment of everyone involved at both RVH and GBGH, who have all worked diligently to make this possible for patients.”
In addition to partnerships, as part of its planned expansion at the existing Barrie site and the development of a new site in Innisfil, RVH will add operating rooms to meet the growing demand for surgical services.
