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 November 15, 2021:
RVH will require all visitors to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Please click here for full details and exceptions.
1 visitor (who meets the vaccination requirements/exceptions above) can accompany a patient to an outpatient appointment only if:
- 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
For up-to-date information about getting cancer care in Ontario during COVID-19, please visit Cancer Care Ontario’s COVID-19 information webpage.
This webpage has information about:
- How COVID-19 might affect you and your cancer care.
- Protecting yourself from COVID-19.
- How you can take care of yourself during the pandemic.
- How the COVID-19 vaccines help protect people with cancer, which groups of people with cancer are most at risk from COVID-19 and how the vaccine is given.
As the COVID-19 situation continually changes, please visit this page often for the most up-to-date information.
COVID-19 vaccine third dose information
Last updated September 23, 2021 with guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations.
NACI recommends that an additional dose of an authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to moderately to severely immunocompromised patients in the authorized age groups.
Moderately to severely immunocompromised cancer patients include those who:
- Are on active treatment for solid tumour or hematologic malignancies that can cause moderate to severe immunosuppression.
- Active treatment is defined as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and excludes individuals receiving therapy that does not suppress the immune system, e.g. solely hormonal therapy or radiation therapy.
- Active treatment includes patients who have completed treatment within 3 months, or within 12 months for patients receiving B-cell depleting therapy.
- Are on active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22, e.g. rituximab, obinutuzumab), high-dose systemic corticosteroids (prednisone equivalent of ≥ 20 mg/day), alkylating agents (e.g. bendamustine, cyclophosphamide), antimetabolites (e.g. 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate), or tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors (e.g. infliximab) and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive.
- Are recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy).
The Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program has provided a list of patients eligible for their 3rd dose to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s (SMDHU) Sperling Drive (Barrie) vaccination clinic.
SMDHU will be contacting patients on this list to let them know they are eligible for their 3rd dose.
Where can I get my 3rd dose if I am eligible?
Sperling Drive (Barrie) clinic location (recommended) – you can book an appointment until September 29, 2021. After this date, only walk-ins are accepted. For walk-in hours of operation, please visit the SMDHU COVID-19 vaccination webpage. Please check the hours before you go to the clinic as the schedule may change. Bring your health card with you to the clinic and mention you are a patient of the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program. No other documentation is required.
If you are feeling unwell or have mobility issues, the Sperling Drive clinic can give you the shot in your vehicle. Please drive to the blue guard booth and mention the details above. You will be assigned a numbered parking spot and the clinic staff will come to your car to give you the shot.
Other locations such as local pharmacies – if you choose to receive your vaccination at another location, you will need a completed SMDHU COVID-19 vaccine patient referral form. Please call the Cancer Centre’s Symptom Support Line 705-728-9090 x79565 to request for a completed referral form. For faster access to your 3rd dose, we recommend the Sperling Drive (Barrie) location (see above).
COVID-19 vaccine first and second dose information
All cancer patients are encouraged to get all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s COVID-19 vaccination page for more information on how you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine.
If you have questions about whether the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you, or the timing of your COVID-19 vaccines in relation to your cancer treatments, please call the Cancer Centre’s symptom hotline at 705-728-9090 x79565.
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
Contact Us
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.
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: 705-728-9090 x79565
Messages can only be left Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 3:30 pm.
Please 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 days to return your call (not including weekends and holidays). If you need urgent medical help, go to your nearest emergency department. Bring your Fever Card and Patient Information Sheet if you have one.
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.
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.
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
Spring 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
Indigenous Patient Resources
Virtual Visits With Your Doctor
Cancer Clinics Procedures and Services
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.
Suspicion-of-Cancer-Diagnostic-Assessment-Program-SoC-DAP-1 (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 or by phone 1-888-939-3333.
Canadian Cancer Society Information Services (1-888-939-3333) has information specialists who 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.
For information for all cancer types, visit Canadian Cancer Society’s website at www.cancer.ca, or call 1-888-939-3333.
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
After Treatment and 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
Social Work at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre
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.pdf
A nutrition guide for women with breast cancer (cannot access page. security)
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. - Professional Resources
- 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
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.
Enliven Cancer Care – A centre for well-being in cancer.
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.
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.
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.
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).
