Simcoe County Hospitals Team Up to Reduce Surgical Wait Times
When Pam Oertel learned in June 2024 that she would need vascular surgery, she was scheduled at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) that fall. However, when time came for her procedure, it was postponed due to more 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.
It was experiences such as this – the growing need for timely surgical care across Simcoe County – that prompted RVH and Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) to partner up.
Through this coordinated effort supported by Ontario Health, RVH surgeons can now practice at GBGH, making better use of available operating rooms and easing the pressure off an already stretched regional system.
This shared surgical program has contributed to a reduction in long wait times and helping more patients access the procedures they need, sooner. This approach matches patient needs with system capacity – without compromising continuity of care.
I was so relieved when I received a call last 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. [Andrea] Devrome. I was so grateful to have that option.
vascular surgery patient who benefited from the surgical collaboration between Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and Georgian Bay General Hospital
Alleviating Pressures on Hospitals
In this program, patients remain under the care of their original RVH surgeon, while benefiting from earlier surgery dates at GBGH. For both hospitals, the model supports system-wide efficiency, collaboration and patient-centred care.
“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 operating room time and RVH needing increased surgical capacity, we knew collaborating would have a positive impact on patient care.”
Measuring the Positive Impact on Patients
Since the two hospitals came together, hundreds of RVH surgical cases have been completed at GBGH.
Between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, 415 RVH surgical cases were redirected to GBGH. Momentum continued, with an additional 403 RVH surgical cases already completed at GBGH between April 1, 2025 and January 8, 2026.
At GBGH, we understand the critical role partnerships play in meeting the health care needs of our community. We are maximizing our surgical capacity and ensuring our operating rooms 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.
Chief of Surgery at Georgian Bay General Hospital
This regional strategy has supported a range of high-demand procedures, including vascular, plastics, orthopedics and general surgery. As common surgeries that patients undergo, these efforts have already made an impact on reducing the surgical backlog and enhancing care delivery in the region.
“The arrangement between the two hospitals is a clear example of the strength and potential of our regional health care network,” says 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.”
Looking Ahead to Continue Providing Quality Care
Building on the success of this partnership, both hospitals remain committed to strengthening regional collaboration and exploring new ways to meet growing surgical demand, while better serving residents of Simcoe County like Oertel.
“Not only was my experience at GBGH outstanding,” says Oertel. “Because of this joint effort, I was able to receive my care sooner while staying close to home.”
In addition to projects like this, RVH is planning an expansion at its Barrie site and the development of a new hospital in Innisfil that will add much-needed operating rooms.
Together, these initiatives mark a significant step forward to enhancing the capacity and resilience of the region’s hospitals.
Last Updated: June 04, 2026
