Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in 9 Spine surgery clinics in Canada

I elected to have my hip replacement done in Calgary in September rather than wait and live in continued pain here in Winnipeg. It was nothing short of a great experience from the first contact through the surgery, fabulous care at the clinic and excellent followup. You never feel ‘abandoned’ even though you return home 1300 Km away. Kudos to the whole team, esp. Jennie and Dr., Johnston for being not only efficient and professional but caring. Thanks for giving me quality of life again!

I had my hip replaced on October 31, 2023 working with Gateway Surgery. I can’t say enough positive things about Dr. Hart, Dr. Guzzo and their entire medical support team. They are amazing and I’m very pleased with the outcome. I was on my feet and walking within a few hours of having the surgery. I got back home on November 2, 2023 and must say that I’m glad that I used the travel agent Gateway recommended to book flights and hotel accommodations. Since returning home, I’ve had several calls from the nurses at Gateway to make sure everything is OK and that I’m not having any issues. In summary, I’ve had a number of operations over the years and this surgery by far has been the best surgical experience I’ve ever had. The best analogy I can come up with to describe the difference between using public versus private healthcare could be characterized as the difference between flying economy as compared to flying business class. By going private, the waiting time is substantially reduced which gives me additional time to do the things I want to do during retirement in lieu of suffering at home. Gateway Surgery is my number one recommendation for private surgical services.

I was seen at Gateway for a consult by Dr. Kelly Johnston for an arthritic hip. Decision for surgery was made in a timely manner and I DIDNOT have to WAIT! I could not have my surgery done in Alberta so I was referred to a surgical Center in Toronto. Being connected to an Orthopedic Surgeon ( Dr. Kelly Johnston) post op was a high priority for me in the event I needed medical attention close by following my surgery in Toronto once I was discharged. ( I am a retired nurse that worked healthcare for a number of years). I did have some post op issues but I am happy to report the care I received from Dr. Johnston and his Gateway staff was top notch. Dr. Johnston has an incredible bedside manner and I was well taken care of by him. I also have to mention Twyla! She is a great nurse that I had access to during my post op period and helped me through the post op period. Having access to a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day post op is so comforting and reassuring. This is a huge asset! Help is literally a phone call away! The staff at Gateway is excellent and very efficient. I am forever grateful for all the great care I received!

From the minute I got there till I left the next day (which I definitely would have stayed another night), I felt so taken care of. I had a total knee replacement. Dr Batuyong Dr Macay his assistant, the anesthesiologist George, my nurses, Jackie, Sadat, Jonah, Silver, and Denver always had a smile on their face. Everyone there seemed to love their jobs! The rooms were huge, beautifully decorated and had a huge TV. I would go here every day of the week for any treatments. I wish the nurses In the hospitals would love their jobs, but we first have to have a better system of not so much pressure, mandating over time…. Then those amazing nurses could walk in smiling to!!!! Thank you everyone for an amazing experience!!! Oh wait the food… I had a great sandwich salad and full plate of fruit. Breakfast well let’s say that was pretty much nonexistent!!! But they know you’re leaving so you can get breakfast wherever you wanted. They also didn’t offer lunch but if I wanted something I could have had a sandwich cuz that’s all they seemed to offer. Overall. Still the best hospital visit!

I had knee replacement surgery on Sept 26,2023 in Calgary. ⁃ On entrance to facility , the receptionist was welcoming and friendly ⁃ My Surgeon, Dr Fruson , was exceptional ; showed me my X-rays in the OR and made sure that I was comfortable ⁃ Operating room assistants, Dr Schachar and Dr Torfason introduced themselves and promised that they would make sure the whole team was on their best behaviour ⁃ The anesthesiologist, Dr Krause; helped me make a decision about anesthesia and explained how it would be delivered Assured me that she would be right behind my shoulder watching out for me the whole time. ⁃ I Felt like I was in good hands and they cared about me ⁃ My room for the night was spacious and clean ⁃ Food was delicious and appropriate; half a sandwich and fresh berries and yoghurt , later that night. ⁃ Physiotherapists were encouraging and fun ⁃ Nursing staff were attentive making continual checks and always asking if you needed anything ⁃ Pain was very well controlled and the drugs did not make me dizzy or feel nauseous ⁃ If you pressed your buzzer for assistance, nurses arrived very quickly ⁃ Overall impression was that it is a very well run establishment with happy employees who work well together.

I had a full hip replacement last week here. Outstanding staff and facility. They made me feel like I was spending a day or so at a luxury spa!! Just a quick update ... after a month, walking and biking regularly. Lots of mobility I didn't have before surgery! I am coming across some news stories lately about private vs public med services in Canada. Would be nice to have our political leaders look for solutions that better integrate private and public services together!

I have had the best service from all of the staff at Trillium Spine Centre. I needed acdf (anterior cervical disectomy and fusion) and was referred to Dr. ALSHARANi. The surgical procedure was described to me and she made sure I understood and had no questions. Although my surgery presented with challenges Dr. Alsharani did an incredibke job. I haven't felt this well in years. Would highly recommend. Thank you.

Dr. Duncan was thorough and pleasant. He willingly answered questions, offered his advice and was a pleasure to meet. I felt no rush and no pressure and was satisfied with his professional opinion. Thank you, Dr. Duncan.

Saw Dr. Bhatia and he was excellent. Unfortunately, the support staff is horrible. They don't know what service means let alone service in a healthcare environment for humans. I am sure animals are treated better than they treat their patients. Avoid them at all cost.

I went in for my first surgery a few days ago and everyone at the surgical centre was great. I felt well taken care of from the moment I walked in. I was extremely anxious and they did everything they could to make me comfortable, and followed up the next day. Thank you to the whole team that worked with me! And an extra thanks to the nurse who held my hand when I was scared 💜

Great staff, everyone was so nice! After a terrible experience 10 years previous at a surgical centre downtown on Burrard, I was expecting the same terrible treatment. Instead, I was so pleasantly surprised! The anesthesiologist, Demitri, gave me a local anesthetic before putting the intravenous needle into the back of my hand which I very much appreciated! All the nurses were kind to me. From start to finish, everyone was so great and treated me well.

Only ten days from diagnosis to surgery to repair my Inguinal Hernia. Dr. Scudamore and his team were amazing. The entire process with False Creek was a pleasant experience largely due to Dr. Scudamore’s ability to listen and understand my concerns, recovery objectives and how I wanted the surgery performed. Open surgery, no mesh, used my own fascia to repair the tear and he also took the time to tie off vessels rather then cauterization. Minimal tissue damage! Can’t say enough good things!

I had a surgery done here recently under the talented hands of Dr David Williamson. I was impressed by everyone I came into contact with. I was a little nervous, and very excited upon arrival. All of the nurses and doctors I talked to made me feel safe and welcome from the moment I walked in. I received amazing care from each and every one. ❤️

Had surgery today at OHSC can't say enough good was looked after extremely well from the moment I walked in and through the surgical process from staff-nurses-Anthesiologist Bruno and Doctor O'Brien. Thank you to all for the best surgical experience I could hope for. Highly recomment OHSC

I went here to ask for Lazer skin care surgery for moderate to medium severe unknown facial scarring… I paid $6,000 for 1500 Needles to be punctured into my skin with some sort of medicine that must have just been sterile water… it actually looks ten times worse than it did before I started; had I not mentioned I had an inheritance; I might not have been sent to a random room…. They might have actually given me the first possible treatment too work for my skin, instead they figured I’d go back for the rest of the 14 other rooms of mechanical devices they had to offer for skin care. WHEN I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR LAZER TREATMENT… when I arrived she just grabbed this huge machine with a needle device (PUHHHWOOOPHTSHHHHHUUUUHHHGHAHGHAGHA) it was a retarded puncture device with a huge needle going in and out of your cheeks and such, completely missing my nose which was half of my worry to begin with. I’m thinking of sueing concidering that treatment isn’t even listed on their website!!! I’m very upset. It looks way worse and with more puncture marks than before :,( HANDS DOWN THE STUPIDEST PLACE TO GO FOR ACNE TREATMENT IN THE WORLD… have fun guys. Get ripped off then!!!

Doctors and nurses were extremely helpful and had a lot of patience with me . Only thing that was an issue was on papers they said arrive at 6am but they didn’t let us in until 6:30 am

I would NOT recommend this place for anyone to go to. Be AWARE if you have a sleep machine, they WILL not take you. This is not a place I will EVER recommend. They are not even worth the 1 star they just received.

The front desk staff was super friendly and the nurses and surgeon were all very kind the day of surgery. Excellent . Thank you

Staff are friendly, courteous and very helpful. I was discharged from other hospital and was advised to wait for call after 18 hours of excrutiating pain, I was sent home with nothing just that re-assuring words from not-so-friendly nurse that "doctor will just call me" and Leukocytes already almost doubling, CT and UTZ both showing abnormalities, as a healthcare provider myself, knowing something is already wrong, decided to go to Sunnybrook. The moment you enter ER, you will greeted by friendly old lady who will assist you on their process of registration. ER nurses are very friendly and doctors will let you feel you're human with feelings. They're all efficient and knowledgable. I was admitted shortly after and did not wait long. I will be forever be grateful.

September 6, 2023 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Today, I had an appointment with my MS doctor at Sunnybrook. Having been here for appointments in the past, I've always been impressed with the high-quality service they provide. Parking is conveniently located near the front entrance, and there are nearby pay stations for easy access. Inside, they have hand sanitizing stations and provide masks, and you'll find plenty of helpful staff to answer any questions and guide you through the hospital. Wheelchairs are also readily available at the entrance. I have the utmost satisfaction with Dr. Lee, who consistently takes the time to address all my questions and ensures I have a clear understanding of my medical plan. I feel incredibly fortunate to have access to such excellent healthcare services.

Visited Sunnybrook Hospital as a guest of a patient. Volunteer staff was very helpful and able to guide us to the correct wing of Hospital. There is an ATM on the 1st floor close to the information desk. There are hand sanitizing throughout the hospital and at the main entrance there is also a self dispensing mask station which was very convenient. Gift store had very friendly staff and there was such a wide variety of toys, puzzles, t-shirts, stationary, greeting cards and everything in between alongside some gadgets. The areas of the hospital visited were very well kept.

I have had both good and bad experiences at this hospital. More bad than good unfortunately. They are not prepared to treat neurodivergent patients and have no understand of their medical access needs. The hospital should do more research in this area. I am very grateful for the nurses though! They work so hard.

If I could rate this a zero I would. This has to be the worst hospital in this whole city. It should be shut down. The lack of care is disgusting! I know the nurses are overworked but to be rude and mean to the patients is unacceptable. I live in the neighborhood so sadly this is the hospital I'm stuck with whenever there is an issue. 30 years ago it was a good place but it has gone way downhill and is only getting worse. My mother has a broken hip and isn't ready to leave but yet they're kicking her out because they want the bed, and she has Covid but they don't care, she's been there a month and they feel she's ready to go home. It may be free healthcare but that doesn't mean it's good. If you can, beg and plead the ambulance drivers not to send you there ask to be sent to a different hospital because you'll get treated like garbage here if you get treated at all. It's a disgraceful place and I feel for anyone that has to be stuck in here. I love all these fake reviews saying they're great. What a joke!

A recent 3 day visit to this hospital for a surgery of a family member renewed my respect and appreciation in Canada Health system. A great team of doctors, nurses, support staff and volunteers provided an A1 service efficiently, professionally and with care using complex and up to date medical and IT equipment. The team included senior and younger staff from Canada and new comers to provide care for patients that have not visited the hospital by choice. The hospital offered a super clean place even during renovation. The Kitchen staff would not get a Michelin star rating but they got a 5 star from me for quality, reliability and service. Even the underground parking was safe, clean, well lit and with reasonable prices. Well done team MG. I know that such a performance takes a lot of work behind the surface. A refreshing experience that proves that dedicated, experienced and “real” people, not money and politicians, make all the difference. Sorry for the long winded review, but a big thank you. Keep up the good work.👍👏

I had a day surgery in this hospital. It was my first time to have a surgery with general anesthesia, so I was quite nervous. However, it didn't take much longer to figure out that there was no need to be anxious at all, as all the medical staff who treated me were so kind and friendly. They naturally eased my anxiety. Each time I interacted with each of them, I was quite impressed by their professionalism. After detailed explanation of what would happen, my surgery started on time and went well. I am so greatful for their dedication and hard work. Thank you so much.

My dad just had a quadruple bypass, the care and attention he receiving is incredible and putting us all at ease. The surgery went perfect and he's doing very well. We can't thank you enough, after a few not so great experiences earlier after his stroke at other hospitals in the east end (not all their fault staffing issues are brutal) this has been a night and day difference. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts 🙏🏽🙏🏽

We are having our first baby here. We've been going frequently(due to our high risk pregnancy). They are amazing, and accommodating!! They have helped so much....every need, and question has been addressed and taken care of. In my opinion, one of the best labor delivery floors, ever!!! Keep up the fantastic work! Oh...and see you in a few, on our way to have our daughter....today!!!!❤