We are the regional service for spine specific interventions, serving most commonly Mississauga, Etobicoke, Brampton, Oakville, Georgetown, Milton and Orangeville.
4J Surgical Spine Unit is supported by an inter-disciplinary team of RNs and RPNs, CQCL, Charge Nurses, Physician Assistants, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, OTA/PTA, Speech Language Pathologists, Discharge Planners, Dieticians, Pharmacists, 7 Neurosurgeons and 2 Orthopedic surgeons. The team provides exceptional, patient-centred care in a collaborative and integrated manner. As a part of an academic centre, our team participates in ongoing research, quality improvement and professional development initiatives.
Location
4J Surgical Spine is located on the 4th of the J wing at the Mississauga site of THP.
Contact Information
Telephone: 905-848-7580 ext 7644
Referrals
Referrals are not accepted to the inpatient unit, all referrals should be arranged by your family physician and directed to the Surgeons office.
Patient Brochures
Your Guide to Cervical Spine Surgery
Your Guide to Lumbar and Thoracic Spine Surgery
Patient and Caregiver guide for Cervical Spine Surgery
Patient and caregiver guide for Lumbar Laminectomy
Patient and Caregiver guide for Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery
Patient Education - Videos
Your Guide to Spine Surgery (Video):
General guide on how to participate in your activities of daily living post Spine Surgery (Video):
Post Spinal Surgery Guide – Stair Climbing (Video):
Pain Management – Post-Operative Surgical Spine (Video):
Patient and Family Information
4J Surgical Spine Unit
Surgical Spine
Trillium Health Partners is a regional center for Surgical Spine procedures. The focus of this unit is to provide care for patients requiring Surgical Spine treatment. This can include complex spine surgery and treatment and care after a spinal cord injury. If you were transferred to Trillium Health Partners from another hospital and are unable to return home you will likely be transferred back once you are stable from the surgery.
Your care will be guided under the direction of a neurosurgeon or an Orthopedic Surgeon.
You may be assessed by specific disciplines of the Surgical Spine healthcare team at your surgeon’s request to determine your needs for rehabilitation and/ or discharge home.
The Healthcare Team
Clinical Quality Care Leader (CQCL) / Evening Charge Nurse – is a registered nurse working as a liaison between you, your family, your physician and the healthcare team to coordinate patient care activities you need from admission to discharge.
Manager – Is responsible for the management of staff and the delivery of services for patients and families. Please contact the manager directly with any concerns or comments during your stay and or if you feel your concerns have not been addressed after discussion with your care team.
Nurse (RN, RPN) – Assesses and monitors your health and medication administration. Assists with daily care by providing education, support and treatment.
Occupational Therapist (OT) – Evaluates how well you will be able to care for yourself at home by assessing your physical, sensory and/or cognitive-behavior function and the ability to complete daily activities like bathing, dressing, home and community management. May provide strategies and/ or use of assistive devices to improve or increase independence with these activities. Will assess your need and potential for rehabilitation.
Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA and PTA) – collaborates with the OT and PT to implement exercises and activities to improve strength and abilities to perform activities of daily living. The OTA and PTA work under the supervision of the OT and PT.
Physician Assistant (PA) – advanced practice provider who works directly with your surgeon. PAs provide medical care as well as teaching on your treatment and discharge plan. While they work with a degree of independence, the surgeon closely supervises them. PAs are trained to perform history and physical examinations, order and interpret tests, diagnose and treat medical problems, and assist in surgeries.
Pharmacist – Processes and reviews prescriptions, addresses drug – related problems and provides information to you and your family about when and how to take your medication safely.
Physician/ Surgeon – Will oversee your medical care and progress. The best way to contact your physician after s/he has completed rounds is to ask the clinical leader to contact him/her. You can also contact their office directly by obtaining the office numbers at the unit care station.
Physiotherapist (PT) - Evaluates your ability to ambulate after surgery and initiates a treatment plan, if you have a significant problem related to your condition that affects your ability to walk or climb stairs.
Physiotherapist will also educate you about proper body mechanics to minimize the stress on your back and exercises that you will do at home.
Will reassess your progress and determine if you will benefit from rehab.
Registered Dietitian – Provides a complete nutritional care using the assessments of social, functional, medical, pharmacological, biochemical and nutritional data. Develops nutrition care plans with you and your loved ones to help you achieve optimal nutritional status to enhance recovery and healing.
Social Worker/Discharge Planner – Discusses with you and your family the options available when planning your discharge home from hospital as needed. Can assist with transfer to rehab center, retirement or nursing home. Social Workers can also provide supportive counseling to help patients and families cope with illness and hospital stay. Can provide information and assistance with various benefits and community resources.
Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) - Assesses and treats patients with speech/communication impairment and/or swallowing difficulties. Family members and loved ones are counselled on effective ways to compensate for these problems. Will assess your need and potential for rehabilitation.
Spiritual Care (Chaplaincy) – You can request a visit from the Chaplain by notifying your nurse or by leaving a message at ext. 7644
Unit Clerical Associate – Coordinates reception, clerical and communication tasks for the unit.
Family Spokesperson - It is important for patient and family to appoint one spokesperson. This person will speak with the doctor and other members of the healthcare team. He or she will be expected to share information with your family and friends. The spokesperson may inquire about your condition by calling the unit at (905) 848-7624 and ask for the nurse caring for you.
Outreach team: Comprised of an outreach nurse and outreach nurse educator, the outreach team will help facilitate transfers between THP-MH and our regional partner hospitals. If you have been transferred to THP-MH Site from another hospital you may be transferred back to that facility or your home hospital once your neurosurgical needs have been met. The outreach team will also stay in touch with your new health care team to see how you are doing after the transfer and to answer any questions they may have about the care you received at THP-MH. The outreach team also provides education and support regarding neuro-specific diagnoses to our regional partner hospital as needed.
Specific Unit Information
Advanced Directives – If you have any wishes for medical treatment or have a living will or a Power of Attorney please notify your physician or nurse and provide a copy of the directives to be placed in your hospital chart.
Call Bell - A call bell is located at your bedside and in the bathroom for your use if you require assistance.
Cellular Phones and Tablets/Smart Devices – Can be used on the unit (4J).
Personal Care Items – If you do not have the following items here already, please ask your family to bring in:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Denture tablets and/or adhesive, if needed
- Deodorant
- Clothing and shoes with non-skid soles
- Hair brush, soap and shampoo
- Shaving cream and shaver
Visiting Hours and policy - kindly call/speak to the unit or view the THP website to see the most up to date policy.
Electrical Appliances – Must be checked for safety by the hospital maintenance staff prior to use (e.g. radio).
Interpreters – In keeping with our multicultural focus, interpreters are available as required or requested.
Meals – Are served at approximately 9:00am, 12:00pm and 5:00pm. Please let your nurse know if you are on a special diet or have food allergies. Please check with your nurse before bringing food into the hospital with regards to the current policies in place.
Valuables – Please send your valuables home. If this is not possible you can request that security lock them up for you. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PATIENT BELONGINGS.
Telephone – A telephone is available in your room at a daily charge of $2.25. You must notify the team if you do not want this service in order to avoid being billed. For local calls, dial “9” first then Area Code + Number. Ask your nurse for the phone number to you room, it should also be located on the white board in your room.
General Hospital Information
Cafeteria – Located on the ground floor of the main building.
J Wing Elevators – The closest elevators to the Surgical Spine Unit.
Patient relations – located on the main floor, across from the Tim Hortons by the Emergency Department.
Multi-Faith Prayer Room – Is located in the main floor by elevator B and is open 24 hours.
Public Restrooms – the closest public restrooms to the Surgical Spine unit are located on the ground floor of the J Wing.
Preparing For Discharge
Discharge Time – Is generally at
9:00am. If you cannot arrange for transportation home by that time, you may be transferred to an unconventional space to wait for your transportation.
