Degenerative disc disease (DDD) treatment in 12 Orthopedic surgery and Spine surgery clinics in Bermuda, Canada, and United States

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!!!!❤

We unfortunately had a five night stay at the NICU over the Thanksgiving holiday. The staff provided excellent care to our kid and were extremely compassionate to us as parents. We were grateful for the private sleep rooms and shower, and they even had a free Thanksgiving dinner for everyone. The parent / family lounges have places to grab coffee and store food, and everything is very clean and organized. The doctors and nurses were very communicative and kept us in the loop the entire time.

Absolute terrible service , my child who has a seizure disorder and potential c- diff was made to wait in the ER for 3 and half hours plus without even being properly triaged . She didn’t receive a wrist band , at any point & we can run the cameras back , no one was alerted to her allergies , there was no band received for that as it typically is .. and she begin to have diarrhea thru the long wait due to the virus she’s had the past week and in turn she begin to get worked up and her fever returned . I asked how much longer the wait would be abd for an approximate timeline .. as I’ve observed plenty of patents come in after one in which I knew personally with less servere circumstances… literally come and go and my child was still suffering in the ER … the Nurse on duty was unaccomidating and almost seemingly unwilling to engage .. as I waited for some kind of answer on when my severely sick child would be seen . I asked if it would be more then another 30 mins and he said he couldn’t promise but shouldn’t be . Well it was . After 45 mins of them calling more then 3 patients who arrived after us .. I reluctantly decided it best to take my fevering , baby who now was covered in feces home.. as she was in her 3rd bowel movement and we had difficulty changing her in the nasty public restroom . I ultimately watched them call two more patients who had come after us exhibiting no signs of eminite health scares then I ordered our ride so I could take my child home to change her and give her medicine to help reduce fever and prevent seizure . I am pissed and very upset that my child and I spent. 3 plus hours we can’t get back in the ER after already being across the street at the Berger building for 3 hours prior this was wayy less then pleasant This is the second poor experience in this particular Emergency Dept but this is the first time it was so horribly handled that I had to leave with not only an even sicker baby then I arrived with . She still now will have to go to another ER to be seen .. because she did infact have a seizure once we got home from her fever that arose& I informed them but that did nothing to medicate the situation or get her seen. Now my kid is home fevering still sick potentially has c-diff and I am skeptical to return her to this terrible hospital because they haven’t even returned my call. I called to speak with charge nurse after filing formal complaint and was told by Jennifer in WR I could not speak to any charge nurse and then she took my information and said a nurse on duty would call back and it’s been an hour with out a returned call. This is negligence and unprofessionalism tht promoted us to leave in the first place and CHOP is looking at a pretty decent lawsuit if we do go to another practice and something is severely wrong with my child with so much documented instances of me trying to get her helper seen and have a team leader consult about next steps. This place wasted my time , cash as it’s costed money I didn’t have to travel to and from and I felt like the poor treatment was racially motivated , as as kid who came in after us was pulled to the back cuz her mother told them she was seizing but I was looking at the child. Who literally just had woke out her sleep. This place is incompetent , and of all the amazing experiences we’ve had here . Today ultimately casted a shadow on them all and I will be contacting the PA board of insurance aswell to file a formal complaint because they need to do better on managing and transparency in the ER wait times. We got there at 12:15 and didn’t receive a text saying my child’s room was ready until 4:15 pm that’s 4 freaking hours for a child who had 2 seizures in past week, has a virus, and cold and caught fever while there … when she has a history of febrile seizures … 0/10 would not recommend. Shame on u all

Very friendly staff and amazing doctors. The information desk is very helpful. The front lobby is well designed and honestly fun to be in due to it's design: there is a meandering ramp that goes up several stories with interesting interactive stops on the way. The lobbies on each floor are also all well laid out: they have great views outside and inside were designed with children and comfort in mind. The plaza out front and the cafeteria/Cafe are both relaxing places to recharge.

My brother was in this hospital because he had appendicitis and had to get surgery and He said the nurse was nice! I think this place is really nice because it's clean and Its nice looking, I know that because I was there to visit him in the hospital. I also want to thank you for saving my Brother before more consequences happened to him and that he could've died.. but thank God this hospital was there! Once again, thank you for saving him🙏🤍 Also I definitely Recommend this place if you want nice doctors and want to feel less anxious and comfortable here.👍

This hospital isn't what it used to be! It seems to be loosing patient focus and fast. We've been a CHLA family for 11 years and I think it's time to switch. My autistic son was SCHEDULED for Dental Surgery. Originally it was supposed to be at 1pm and us be here at 11am. When we got the call from the nurse last night that we needed to be here at 530 AM we were like no one told us! But we got here right on time. We'll let me tell you that they took him upstairs to Surgery PreOp it took over 4 hours to get him into the the surgery room, because he needed to be admitted after surgery and no beds were available. This hospital needs to have better planning for these types of things OBVIOUSLY there will be emergencies that come in over night THAT SHOULD'VE ALREADY BEEN ACCOUNTED FOR!!! Maybe you need more staff and more beds!!! Because to have a child basically starving because you couldn't plan Accordingly is just plainly ridiculous! Then when I spoke to the Charge Nurse in the Surgery Dept she tells me that if my autistic son has an outburst that the anesthesiologist and nurse are there to help give him something to calm down. So basically if my son has an autistic outburst they will just drug him up. I'm like realistically drugging my son just to calm him down because your hospital didn't plan accordingly is uncalled for and unnecessary! Again I am seriously contemplating switching hospitals even though my son is on the Heart Transplant List!!! -A Frustrated Autistic Heart Mom

Ok so I had open heart surgery 20 years ago. I was well cared for and was in icu for three days and then went to a step down room where I was later discharged home after only three days at the hospital. My team was so amazing and so supportive and loving. And a picture of me twenty years later.

Got first-rate care, had a great experience and a positive outcome! Kudos to the Nurses, Doctors/Surgeons/Anasthesioligists, Physical Therapists, Dieticians/ Food Service, Fellows, Interns and Students.Special shout-out to my postoperative caregiver- Karina Valentine. She kept me going through the most challenging part of my surgical journey- enduring procedures to facilitate the OUT in outpatient. Lest we forget the unsung heroes that keep the hospital so hygienically safe and superior- I must now sing my praises to the custodial technicians: 🎶We could eat off of the floors But we don’t have to They give plates and forks Don’t spill dessert (I got strawberry shortcake 🍰)

Duke has reached a new low in Health Care. I'd give them stars in the minus categories if I could. My son had eye surgery and every time we went for an appointment we waited over 2 hours to be seen. I can tell you I read 150 pages of a book on one visit. We actually saw people leave without being seen because they had waited so long. My son objected to the long wait one day and was told by the surgeon that he was ruining her day. Because of the wait he asked to talk to the manager or an administrator. While waiting the police came made him leave because they said he raised his voice. He was not allowed to talk to the administrator and was escorted out. This is not the first problem we have had with Duke. My son was in the emergency room waiting for the specialist on call when the Emergency Doctor came in and told him that the specialist on call was already home and refused to come in to see him. We were told he should go to the specialist's off the next day. We did that and he was seen for less than 10 minutes and told to go back to another doctor. Seems the specialist could have cut through the chase and just told us that to begin with. My impression is that almost every one in the hospital system is very impressed with themselves and seems to think it below them to interface and deal with patient who have some real problems. I can, in no way, recommend any Duke Service. I could continue with examples but it would sound repetitive. I practiced Nursing for 45 years and never came up against any care that is this poor in quality. Giving them -5.

There is good and bad. I recently gave birth at Duke University Hospital and I want to say that my experience with Doctor Clifford, and nurses Lexi, Brenna, Tabitha, Josephine among others was phenomenal. I was blown away by the care and compassion I received so I will say it was a four star experience. However, I have one major complaint about the experience and feel it's important enough to try to voice it. The postnatal recovery rooms are terrible. They are the size of walk in closets and if you have a support person such as your husband staying with you, they have to sleep on what is essentially an airplane chair. My husband could not do it, and it made the end of my experience at Duke hard because I needed him there with me. I felt like me and my baby were locked in a cell and I was going crazy by the time I was discharged. Thank god I was discharged early. There were many people coming in and out of my closet those last few days and nights, and it was definitely too many people. After receiving an emergency C section, I felt I was improperly educated on the repercussions. I had no idea I would have trouble producing milk after my blood loss in surgery and I was not informed about any of the medication I was prescribed. Again, it would have helped if my husband could have been there because maybe I actually was given information but was too out of it for it to sink in.