Visitor Information
The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation. Please view the RVH Patients and Visitors page for up to date information. Visitors must use the RVH Main Entrance ONLY where they will be screened upon entry.
Outpatient Visitor Policy
We ask all patients to be mindful when inviting any visitor into RVH. Physical distancing is still a required safety practice.
Effective February 21, 2022
All visitors must show proof of double-vaccination and photo identification or provide a valid medical exemption. Please click here for full details.
1 visitor (who meets the vaccination requirements/exemptions above) can accompany a patient to an outpatient appointment only if:
1. Patient needs essential support as defined by:
- Mobility/Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) support
- Cognitive impairment
- Significant language barrier
- Intellectual/developmental disability
and/or
2. Patient is attending the following appointment types:
- New patient appointments
- Prognosis/treatment discussion
- First and last treatment (chemo or radiation) appointment
The following supports are available to help patients:
- Porters to assist patients who are in a wheelchair
- Phones in all exam rooms so family members can call to participate in medical appointments
- Phone-based interpretation services
We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and are taking immediate precautions to reduce non-essential visits to the health centre. Thanks for being partners in care while keeping us and each other safe.
Cancer & Palliative Inpatient Unit – Visitor Policy, Information and Directions
Visitor policy for the Cancer & Palliative Inpatient Unit
Information and directions to the Cancer & Palliative Inpatient Unit
Last updated: May 17, 2022
Are you a cancer patient* having COVID-19 symptoms?
Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to find out where to get help for your COVID-19 symptoms and whether you are eligible* to access COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
If you are eligible for COVID-19 antiviral treatment and have questions on how to access the treatment, call the COVID-19, Cold and Flu Care Clinic at Sperling Drive (Barrie) at 705-797-3120. You can also reach out to your family doctor.
If you need urgent medical help for your COVID-19 symptoms, call 911 or go to the Emergency department closest to you.
*Cancer patients who are immunocompromised may be eligible to access COVID-19 treatment. The COVID-19 self-assessment tool will help you find out if your are immunocompromised. You can also refer to the COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Cancer Patients section below on this webpage.
For more information about COVID-19 antiviral treatments:
RVH website: COVID-19 antiviral medical information
Government of Ontario: COVID-19 treatments webpage
Ontario Health: Paxlovid fact sheet
Ontario Health: Evusheld fact sheet
As the COVID-19 situation continually changes, please visit this page often for the most up-to-date information.
Last updated: April 26, 2022 (updated 4th dose recommendations for non immunocompromised cancer patients and how to book a vaccine appointment)
How should I schedule my COVID-19 vaccine doses if I am on cancer treatment?
There’s 3 things to consider when scheduling your COVID-19 vaccine:
Step 1: are you immunocompromised?
You are immunocompromised if you are:
- Receiving active treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for solid tumour or hematologic malignancies within the last 3 months.
- A recipient of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy.
- A recipient of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy).
- Receiving active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive. Click here for a list of immunosuppressive therapies.
You are not immunocompromised if you are:
- undergoing radiation treatment only
- receiving hormonal therapy only
Step 2: which COVID-19 vaccine dose do you need?
If you have received a transplant or (CAR)-T-cell therapy, please talk to your Cancer Care Team at your next appointment before getting any of the COVID-19 vaccine doses.
If you are immunocompromised, not a transplant/(CAR)-T-cell therapy patient and need your:
1st COVID-19 dose: there is no previous dose to consider. Go to step 3 below.
2nd COVID-19 dose: wait 4 weeks (28 days) after your 1st dose.
3rd COVID-19 dose: wait 8 weeks after your 2nd dose.
4th COVID-19 dose: wait 3 months (84 days) after your 3rd dose.
If you are not immunocompromised and need your:
1st COVID-19 dose: there is no previous dose to consider. Go to step 3 below.
2nd COVID-19 dose: wait 8 weeks after your 1st dose.
3rd COVID-19 dose: wait 3 months (84 days) after your 2nd dose.
4th COVID-19 dose:
If you are 60 years of age and older, or a First Nations, Inuit or Metis individual over 18 years of age: wait 5 months (140 days) after your 3rd dose.
The minimum interval is 3 months (84 days) after your 3rd dose. If you need your 4th dose earlier than 5 months (140 days), you will need an approval form signed by your Cancer Care Team. To request for a signed approval form, please call 705-728-9090 x79565 (Cancer Symptom Hotline) or ask your Care Team at your next visit.
If you do not fall into the above 2 categories: not recommended at this time.
Step 3: what type(s) of cancer treatment(s) are you receiving?
If you have received a transplant or (CAR)-T-cell therapy, please talk to your Cancer Care Team at your next appointment before getting any of the COVID-19 vaccine doses.
If you are currently having chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormonal treatment, you can get your COVID-19 vaccine dose at any time. If you are having radiation only on one side of your body (e.g. left arm or left breast), try to ask for the shot be given on the other side (e.g. right arm).
If you are having other types of systemic therapy (e.g. immunotherapy or targeted therapy) please ask your Care Team before getting your COVID-19 vaccine dose.
If you are not sure of the type of systemic therapy you are receiving, please call 705-728-9090 x79565 (Cancer Symptom Hotline) or ask your Care Team at your next visit.
To get your COVID-19 vaccine:
Book online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/getting-covid-19-vaccine.
Book via telephone at 1-833-943-3900.
Call your local pharmacy.
To find the vaccination clinic closest to your home, visit https://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/COVID-19/GettingVaccinated
Can I get my COVID-19 vaccine and my flu vaccine on the same day?
Yes you can safely get the COVID-19 and the flu vaccine on the same day. Please follow the timing guidelines above when booking your vaccine appointment.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations for cancer patients (all doses):
Cancer Care Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccines information
Canadian Cancer Society – Cancer and COVID-19 vaccines
For more information about COVID-19 and Cancer:
Cancer Care Ontario’s COVID-19 information webpage
Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer and COVID-19 resources
Contact Us
Address and Opening Hours
Location: 201 Georgian Drive, L4M 6M2
Level 2 Main Entrance
Hours of Operation:
Doors are open 7:15 am – 6:00 pm
Most clinics run between Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Please refer to your appointment sheet for your specific appointment time.
Click here for a list of 2022 holidays when the Cancer Centre will be closed.
Phone list:
(for print friendly version click here)
For general inquiries, change or cancel your appointment:
705-728-9090 x43333
Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
To get help with your symptoms or treatment-related questions:
During the day: Cancer Centre Symptom Support Telephone Service (Triage)
705-728-9090 x43333
Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Your call goes into a queue system and your call is answered live. You also have an option to leave a message after waiting in the queue for 2 minutes.
If you leave a message, we will call you back as soon as possible. Because of the large number of calls, it may take up to 2 business days to return your call (not including weekends and holidays).
After hours, evenings and weekends: Bayshore CareChart
1-877-681-3057
Monday to Friday 5:00 pm – 8:00 am. Holidays and weekends 24 hours.
You can also access this service via https://www.carechartathome.ca/
If you need urgent medical help, go to your nearest emergency department. Bring your Fever Card and Patient Information Sheet if you have one.
To make or change an appointment with your Patient and Family Support Team:
705-728-9090 x43520
Your team includes: Social Worker, Tobacco Support Coach, Sexual Health, Intimacy and Cancer (SHIC) Clinic, Drug and Special Access Navigator, Dietitian, Indigenous Patient Navigator, Lymphedema Clinic (doctor referral required)
Rotary House Cancer Lodge: 705-739-5662
Open from Monday at 8:30 am to Friday at noon.
Please call ahead or visit the Rotary House page to check hours of operation if your check-in and check-out days are near statutory holidays (e.g. Christmas, Easter, long weekends).
Your Health Care Team
The Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program (SMRCP) is led by a team including a Cancer Care Ontario Regional Vice President and Regional Clinical Leads for various areas of cancer care. Regional Clinical Leads
are actively practicing physicians and surgeons who help to ensure partner hospitals are aligned with Cancer Care Ontario’s goals, promote collaboration within the region, and work toward measurable improvements in the quality and organization of cancer services within their region.
Regional Vice President
Nancy Savage BN, RN, MSA
Executive Vice President Patient & Family Experience, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
Regional Vice President, Ontario Heath (Cancer Care Ontario)
Operations Director
Martha Cope, RN BA, BScN, MScN
Operations Director
Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program and Mental Health and Addictions Program
Division Heads and Regional Clinical Leads
- Dr. Matthew Follwell, Chief of Oncology
- Dr. Leah Jutzi – Division Head of Gynecologic Oncology
- Dr. Lauren Gerard – Division Head of Hematology
- Dr. Sara Rask – Division Head of Medical Oncology
- Dr. Christiaan Stevens – Division Head of Radiation Oncology
- Dr. Renee Hanrahan, Surgical Oncology Lead
- Dr. Rachel Tenenbein, Regional Cancer Diagnostic Imaging Lead
- Dr. Scott Good, Regional Breast Imaging Lead
- Dr. Laura White, Regional Cervical Screening and Colposcopy Lead
- Dr. Chung Kit (Jacky) Lai, Regional Multidisiplinary Palliative Care Clinical Co-Lead
- Dr. Russell Price, Regional Cancer Pathology Lead
- Dr. Danusia Gzik, Regional Primary Care Lead and Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead
- Dr. Jason Yu, Regional Quality Lead, Systemic Treatment
- Dr. Kyle Fortinsky, Regional Colorectal Screening/GI Endoscopy Lead
Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program's Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)
Our passion and purpose
At the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program, we would like to partner with patients and family members to enhance the quality of care and services we provide. Through PFAC, we hope to not only have a platform for patients to share their ideas but also to engage patients and family on quality improvement initiatives we plan to roll-out for the program.
Check out our brochure for more information on us and how you can be part of this great group!
The application process for the Cancer Program PFAC follows the RVH PFAC. Please visit the RVH PFAC page for more details.
Our newsletter for patients and caregivers
2022: Winter 2022
2021: Summer 2021 Fall 2021
2020: Winter 2020
2019: Spring 2019 Summer 2019
Helpful resource
Canadian Cancer Society – a national organization that provides support services and trusted information for people living with cancer. They can be reached online at www.cancer.ca or via phone 1-888-939-3333.
Contact us
RVH Patient Family Advisor Coordinator
Phone: 705-728-9090 Ext. 42319
Email: patientfamilyadvisory@rvh.on.ca
Cancer Clinics, Procedures and Services Directory
Indigenous Patient Resources
Virtual Visits With Your Doctor
Cancer Prevention and Screening
Palliative Care
Rotary Lodge
Your First Visit
Treatment
Cancer Prevention and Screening
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the process of finding out the underlying cause of a sign or symptom that you’re having. In the case of cancer, you have a sign/symptom that may be caused by cancer. To confirm whether you have cancer or not, your doctor will ask that you complete a number of tests, and may refer you to see other doctors, specialists and health care professionals.
The diagnosis process may take some time and become frustrating, but it’s important to find out the exact reason for your signs/symptoms.
We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your loved ones. We’ve included a number of materials and links to help you navigate through this stage.
The Suspicion of Cancer Diagnostic Assessment Program (SoC DAP) is a clinic where patients with a suspicion of cancer can be supported with further testing to rule out or to confirm if they have cancer. The clinic will coordinate testing, care, and referrals needed to follow-up on the suspicion of cancer.
Canadian Cancer Society is a trusted source for cancer information as well as providing support.
They can be reached online at www.cancer.ca
You can also speak to a Canadian Cancer Society information specialist by calling 1-888-939-3333. The information specialist can help explain your cancer diagnosis, treatment and side effects, connect you with someone with a similar cancer experience, or simply be a kind listening ear for you.
Understanding your Prognosis
Colorectal Cancer
Lung Cancer
- Download Thoracic (Lung) Diagnostic Assessment Program
- Download Lung Cancer Diagnosis Pathway for Patients.pdf
Breast Cancer
Download Understanding your surgical options for breast cancer pdf
Gynaecological Cancer
Survivorship
An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, through the balance of his or her life.*
Family members, friends, and caregivers are also impacted by the survivorship experience and are therefore included in this definition.
You may not personally relate to the term “cancer survivor”-maybe you like the term “champion” better, or no term at all- but many use the term survivor to describe those who take an active and positive role in their own care.
*Cancer survivor definition adapted from: American Office of Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Institute
Your Next Steps in Care– information for patients on connecting with your Care Team and access to support and resources when you finish your cancer treatment at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. Information is also included for patients who chose to stop or not undergo treatment.
Life after cancer – a resource from the Canadian Cancer Society to help you thrive beyond cancer. Covers a broad range of topics from your feelings after cancer, concerns about cancer returning (recurrence), work and finances, eating well and exercising, and late effects of treatment. The information is also available as a paper book at the Cancer Centre, or call Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333) to order your copy.
Livestrong Care Plan – an online template to build your follow-up care plan and tips on healthy living after cancer.
What’s the Best Diet? Healthy Eating 101. In this cartoon-style video, Dr. Mike Evans answers the question on what is the best diet for health, demystifying some of the popular topics in nutrition, and provides a voice of reason on eating and living well.
Eating Guidelines for Cancer Survivors. Written by the Dieticians of Canada
Visit the Treatment page for more information.
Wellness After Breast Cancer Slides – a transition program for those having completed active chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Wellness After Breast Cancer Video
Resources for Breast Cancer Patients After Treatment
Colorectal Cancer Follow-up Care Patient Pathway.pdf – a patient pathway map of your colorectal cancer journey.
Referral Forms
For Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Palliative Care Referrals,
Please complete and submit a New Patient Referral Form.
This form was updated April 2017. Please note:
– Referrals are to be submitted by fax to 705 792-3325.
– Indicate all pending tests on the referral form.
– Fax pending tests/diagnostic results to: 705 739-5619.
– Please ensure your patient is aware of diagnosis and referral since patients will be contacted directly with appointment information.
– The appointment will be within 14 days. If your patient is unavailable in the next 14 days, please refer at a more appropriate time.
– Our office will send you fax confirmation within 72 hours of processing.
Fax a completed Gyn Multidisciplinary Oncology Intake Form to 705-739-5636.
All colposcopy referrals to RVH and the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program will use this referral form. Please fax a completed Colposcopy Program Referral Form to 705-739-5657. This program will see patients within 4 weeks of referral receipt.
The Skin Cancer Clinic provides access for patients:
- Requiring a biopsy for suspected skin cancer lesions such as melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), merkel cell carcinoma. This biopsy clinic operates out of the RVH Family Medicine Treatment Unit (FMTU) on selected Wednesday afternoons.
2. To regional surgeons, medical oncology and radiation oncology for their skin cancer treatment from one access point.
Fax a completed Skin Cancer Clinic Referral Form to 705-739-5636.
For more information, please read our Skin Cancer Clinic Info for Referring Providers sheet.
Effective August 23, 2021, the Benign Hematology Clinic will not be accepting new referrals due to a physician leave of absence. Further information will be provided once the clinic is open to accepting new referrals again. Please click here to view referral options during this time.
FIT Positive Colonoscopy Central Intake Referral Form (For Barrie and surrounding area only)
For other sites who perform FIT positive colonoscopies and other FIT information for providers, please see the “FIT information for health care providers” section on the Cancer Prevention and Screening page.
Diagnostic Assessment Programs
Thoracic, Rectal, Suspicion of Cancer DAP Referral form
These three DAPs share a single referral form. Referrals are to be submitted by fax to 705 739-5636. Patient will be contacted directly by the appropriate DAP clinic. Please ensure patient is aware of referral.
The Thoracic DAP: when a patient presents with abnormal diagnostic imaging or symptom(s) suspicious for thoracic cancer. Click here for the Patient Brochure, which includes information on the Thoracic DAP Clinic.
The Rectal DAP: patients with a colonoscopy-confirmed tumor <15 cm from anal verge can be referred to the Rectal DAP.
The Suspicion of Cancer DAP: Formerly called the Prompt DAP, the Suspicion of Cancer DAP is a service offered to support patients and providers from the time of suspected cancer, to when it is ruled out or diagnosed. Historically, this DAP has been accessible to Emergency Medical Providers only. It has expanded to support Primary Care. This clinic coordinates all testing, care and referrals necessary to follow up on the suspicion of cancer. Click here for the Patient Brochure, which includes information on the Suspicion of Cancer DAP Clinic.
Patient and Family Support and Resources
Connect with us in person* or online.
Call 705-728-9090 x43520 to book an appointment.
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person appointments are only available for certain types of patients and appointments. Please call 705-728-9090 x43520 to find the best option for you and your family while staying safe.
Dietitians provide tips on food and nutrition to help you manage your symptoms and feel your best before, during and after your cancer treatment.
Drug and Special Access Navigators help patients with access to medications not funded through Cancer Care Ontario.
Indigenous Patient Navigator provides culturally and spiritually relevant support for Indigenous patients and their families throughout the cancer journey.
Lymphedema Clinic Therapist is a physiotherapist who can help you manage your lymphedema. Lymphedema is the swelling of the soft tissue and is a side effect that can begin during or after cancer treatment. This service needs a referral from a physician of the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program. For more information about lymphedema, please see our Lymphedema brochure.
Spiritual Care Providers connects us with the things that matter deeply; that which strengthens us, helps us cope, and gives us hope. You don’t have to be religious to benefit from spiritual care.
Social Workers provide emotional support, counselling and information on community and financial resources.
Tobacco Support Coach helps cancer patients to cut back or quit their tobacco use, which has many health benefits and help your cancer treatments work better.
Please see our Patient and Family Support brochure for more details.
For the latest schedule,
please download the Virtual Group Support Flyer
Click on the name of the group for more information.
Facing Forward Survivorship Group — offered twice per month
Designed to support patients who have completed cancer treatment and are looking for strategies for integrating into the next phase of survivorship. This program is offered in collaboration with Gilda’s Club.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) — offered once per month
A workshop to answer questions and help manage side effects for Androgen Deprivation Therapy patients.
Low Down on Down There (LDDT) — offered once per month
A vaginal health workshop for women affected by cancer. Learn how to prevent or manage common vaginal and sexual health changes from cancer treatment.
Accepting Your Body after Cancer (ABC) — 7 week program
Learn strategies to build positive body-image for breast cancer patients and survivors.
Intimacy After Prostate Cancer (IAPC) — offered once every 3 months
A workshop to help couples create and maintain satisfying sexual intimacy. Open to prostate cancer patients and their partners.
Our virtual group programs are open to cancer patients across Ontario.
Call 705-728-9090 x43520 for more information about the group program and to register.
- Financial Support for Cancer Patients
- Sexual Health, Intimacy and Cancer Clinic – this clinic is for any cancer patient or partner who has sexual health questions or concerns.
For physicians: if you would like to connect your patient with a workshop or the Sexual Health, Intimacy, and Cancer Clinic, please click here. - PICC Line Dressing Change Video
Cancer Patient Transportation Services in North Simcoe Muskoka. Need a ride to your cancer appointments? This document lists some fee-based services for patients living in Simcoe Muskoka.
Cancer Care Services in Simcoe Muskoka – a directory to help you find information about your cancer, financial support, emotional support, counselling, transportation, hospice and palliative care, and more
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka – part of the global Cancer Support Community organization, Gilda’s Club offers free Support Groups to those impacted by cancer. Operates out of Barrie with in-person and virtual support programs.
Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre. The mission of the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is to provide emotional, physical, social, spiritual support, education, and information as complement to the medical system for people affected by cancer. Operates out of Midland.
Enliven Cancer Care – A centre for well-being in cancer. Operates out of Huntsville with in-person and virtual support programs.
Canadian Cancer Society – a national organization that provides support services and trusted information for people living with cancer. They can be reached online at www.cancer.ca or via phone 1-888-939-3333.
EXCEL: EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living well. A Canada-wide program offering FREE, 12-week exercise classes designed specifically for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Classes are online.
ReCAPs: Rural Excercise for Cancer Patients. An in-person program offering FREE, 12-week exercise classes for cancer patients. Operates out of Huntsville.
Look Good Feel Better– a free virtual workshop to help women look and feel more like themselves again. The workshop also brings together women with cancer in a safe and supportive environment.
The Androgen Deprivation Therapy Educational Program – a free 1.5-hour session during which patients and loved ones will learn about side effects of ADT, how to manage side effects. The session includes goal setting exercises to teach you how to manage ADT side effects. Open to prostate cancer patients and their loved ones.
Home and Community Care – provides nursing visits, personal support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutritional care in homes and communities.
Cancer Chat Canada – professionally-led online group counselling for cancer patients and caregivers
Cancer Connection – an online community for cancer patients, families and friends. Operated by the Canadian Cancer Society
Smokers’ Helpline – proven, free and personalized tools to help you quit smoking successfully
Meal Order and Delivery Programs – Simcoe Muskoka
Oral Health Clinic at Georgian College. Offering dental and oral health care to the community.
Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope program is looking for volunteer drivers!
Directions to SMRCP
Level 2 (main level)
- New patient and/or follow up visits with your oncologist/nurse
- Bloodwork Lab
- Patient and Family Support services (e.g. dietitian, social worker, lymphedema clinic)
Level 1
- Radiation Treatment and CT Simulation
- New patient and/or follow up visits with your oncologist/nurse
- Bone Marrow Procedures
Level 3
- Chemotherapy Treatment Clinic
- Oncology Symptom Management Clinic
- Toxicity Assessment Clinic
- Blood products transfusion
Cancer and Palliative Inpatient Unit
From RVH’s Main Entrance take the Main (Blue) Elevators to level 3.
The Cancer and Palliative Inpatient Unit is not located inside the Cancer Centre.
Please see our Cancer Clinics page for a list of our clinics, procedures and services.
When Inside the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre
SMRCP is located inside RVH’s Main Entrance. Stairs are visible immediately to the left, as you enter the Cancer Centre doors. Elevators are available just past reception on the right.
Please see our Cancer Clinics page for information about our satellite chemotherapy units at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (Huntsville site).
