Reviews of SJRH St. John's Rehab at Sunnybrook (Hospital)

Kerstin Wadsten

Wonderful, hard-working and professional staff! (Don't let the one surly nurse upset you.) Excellent rehab with two sessions per day! Made a lot of progress. Best of three rehabs I've tried.

Lucas Cedrone

Garbage rehab, disregards all need for the people there for rehab, the staff is ridiculous, treats patient with wrong drugs, my family doesn’t go there to die, it’s called a rehab for a reason Get better staff

Jeremy Mason

Honestly I had amazing care from all the staff here. Place was clean, everyone was friendly and thanks to them I'm out and living life again with no mobility issues. Don't listen to the bad reviews.

Caroline Folk

I spent three weeks in early 2021 at St. John’s Rehab recovering from back surgery. Although the nursing care and physiotherapy was excellent, the lack of dinner choices, no television and lack of room temperature control left a lot to be desired especially during Covid when we were confined to our rooms and not allowed visitors. I would like to suggest that there be a menu for dinner that could be filled out a week in advance by patients. The food tended to be very old fashioned but worse than that was the lack of choice of protein. Sometimes meals are the only thing to look forward to during the day and you therefore want something you will enjoy. The television service also needs to be brought back as not everyone has an IPAD or laptop and I personally get eye irritation from using those when compared to a wall unit TV. There should be some sort of government grant available to cover any additional costs for this in addition to the patient paying like in most hospitals today. There also needs to be either room temperature control or the addition of fans, maybe ceiling fans. As someone with dwarfism I am always 1-2 degrees hotter than average and I found the rooms to be too warm. Finally, if the toilets could be fitted with bidet attachments that would be ideal for those of us whose disability or surgeries prevents us from doing personal hygiene and having to rely on the nurse.

Jene Farmer

I was a patient at St John's Rehab Hosp for approximately 4 months, after my right leg amputation at Ajax-Pickering Hospital(Lakeridge Health), for infection complicated by diabetes. I lucked out and got the opportunity to be rehabilitated at St John's as they were the first ones to have an opening after I was fit to travel. I received nothing but the best of care by the nurses and therapy staff, on the first floor, in spite of not being the best of patients (I am very impatient, and often would attempt efforts beyond my strength and training.) I probably cost some nurses black marks because of my falls, since the nurse on duty and assigned the patient is responsible for the patient, even if he/she is not present).For all such, I am deeply sorry! My family, also, is grateful for the treatment I received, and wished to express that to the nurses and staff, including the Doctors (Dr. Mayo & Wulfhart), therapy staff (Karen (OT), Pauline (PT), Francisco (whom I called Fernando as often as not) and all the others whose names I do not recall, but whose efforts I most certainly appreciate.

Jocelyn M

Most of the staff we have dealt with were rude and unhelpful - extremely difficult to get updates and information, even when we needed it the most for discharge. There were times our family member was treated very poorly by staff (developed a low fever one time because of it). Despite us telling the staff (including pharmacy) many many times that most pharmacies did not carry particular medications or did not want to order or could not order the medications in time, they did not bother to tell us that the medications were actually FREE AND AVAILABLE at certain hospitals. We ended up paying nearly $200 out of pocket and had to make multiple visits to different pharmacies.

Stefano Di Domenico

My father started having convulsions when he was an inpatient at St. John's. The convulsions first started when my father was on a wheelchair ride with my brother and mother on the main floor. When the convulsions began, my brother immediately ran upstairs to notify Dr. Waldman. When my brother found Dr. Waldman on my father’s floor, he explained what was happening but Dr. Waldman couldn’t be bothered to come take a look at my father. Fortunately, a physiotherapist witnessed the convulsions a short time later and quickly notified the nursing staff and Dr. Wullfhart, who was working on a different floor. Within minutes, my father was in an ambulance back to Sunnybrook Hospital, where he stayed for the next four weeks. Unlike Dr. Waldman, the staff at Sunnybrook took the convulsions very seriously. A series of investigations determined that my father was having focal seizures. There was also evidence of stroke. These are serious insults to the brain that Dr. Waldman willfully neglected. We notified the Office of Patient Experience of Dr. Waldman’s behavior. Their investigations into the matter have so far been fruitless: Dr. Wullfhart is lying, covering for Dr. Waldman, stating that he had “eyeballed” my father. In reality, Dr. Waldman didn’t see my father at all and had no role in getting my father the help he needed. Dr. Waldman was, in fact, an obstacle. To those of you with loved ones for whom St. John’s is an option: Please consider this case as you weigh the alternatives. To Drs. Waldman and Wullfhart: Be advised that we’re escalating the matter.

anthony Wilson

It was a great experience and great support program the nurses took such good care of their patients and they even gave me double portions. I still managed to loose 5 lbs lol

Monika Emo

St. Johns Rehab. second floor --- we have just arrived & the service has been ongoing .... 3 nurses / 1 from every station has come to take / ask questions & give us feedback .... the therapist was a male & went through what would be expected .... No smoking, much rehab. & the nurses come quickly when called - they always have some meals set up --- cooking isnt as great as home but its a meal .... they came & checked stitched & bandages --- very well run & we are looking for a speedy / clear recovery

Mary MacIntyre

My mother spent approximately three weeks at St. John's. On my visits I found the place to be clean and well kept. Of course it is an older building but I found nothing wrong with the facility itself. The staff however was a different story. My mother was transferred from Michael Garren Hospital after being there for approximately 3 weeks. I fully expected to hear from someone at St. John's upon her arrival to advise us of who her primary care giver was, what the plan was for her treatment while there, how long she was expected to be there, etc. The family never had any contact with any staff there whatsoever. She received a notice of upcoming discharge approximately one week prior to the date they selected for her return home. I found it amazing that they could predict how well she would be doing by that time and would be ready for release. My mother was slated for one physio treatment and one occupational therapy visit each day however, I have been given to understand that these "treatments" lasted approximately 15 minutes each. What can be accomplished in this short period of time, with a return to being put in bed for the rest of the day is beyond me. When I contacted the floor supervisor (4th floor) I was told that if I visited during business hours that they would provide me with any info that I wanted but that they wouldn't give me any info over the phone. I explained that I worked and couldn't get there during their business hours but they didn't care. Following that conversation I received a call from one of the therapists who basically just confirmed that my mother had a release date. I advised that there was no one available that day to pick her up and asked for a one day extension when someone was available. They said no. My brother was able to get her but not until later in the day. On the day of her release I received a call at 9:05 a.m. - five minutes after her slated time for pick up - to inquire if someone was coming to get her. I told the person there would be someone there at 10:30. She said no one told us she "was a late check out". I told her that I had advised two different people there of this and that I was told it would be in her file. Apparently they packed up my mother and her belongs and put her in the hallway to wait for pick up (originally I was told she would wait in the lounge but the nurse who called me said she had rounds and therefore my mom would have to wait in the hallway). When my brother picked her up she had not been provided with her prescriptions and I rec'd a call later in the day from the nurse who berated my mother for not having advised the nurse that she was leaving. Interestingly, the first question when this person called me was "did your mother leave". I should have said no just to see what they would have done. When I confirmed that she had she told me that she had the prescriptions. Why these were not provided to my mother with her discharge papers is beyond me. Anyway they eventually faxed them to me so I could have them filled. All in all disappointed with the treatment my mother received at this facility and the lack of communication with family - given that my mother has a hearing problem and is has onset dementia you would think that the facility would ensure contact with family to cover their butts if nothing else.

G Pogostin

First off the heating and cooling is not maintained properly so the rooms are unbearably hot. We do have unusually hot weather for February however you have elder patients with heart problems and overheating them is not conducive to a speedy recovery. There must be a way to get some cool air to maintain a proper room Temperature. This was the first thing that struck me when I visited. Second is the fact that night staff at the nurse stations apparently don't have any regard for the patients who are trying to sleep at night and I don't mean at 11pm we're talking past midnight. A patient after knee surgery needs to have a wheelchair with foot rest available not being offered one without that's common sense especially for staff. Taking a pillow that the patient sleeps on and putting it on a busted wheelchair seat isn't appropriate or hygienic either. Overall seems like attention to patient care and simple consideration is lacking.

bridget-jones Mathers

i went there after my boyfriend david kelly kicked me down some stairs.. he was so aggressive he was throwing plates at me. we broke him i caught him at the massage therapy getting some extra . they treated me with care at st johns.

Leo Burton

I was at the mercy of this awesome facility for nearly 3months during the summer of 2018! I was treated for so many broken bones, I didn't think I'd ever walk straight again...and they treated me so well, I practically miss the place! So in my opinion, there's not an establishment on the planet that many won't have something negative to say about! Such is life...it's also a part of what makes us different from each other! I'm so thankful...very.. for having a place like this to go to, with injuries like those I had during my stay! For starters...it's a hospital..not a 5 star restaurant, so the food, regardless of how I felt about the Chef...helped strengthen me for the therapy and long healing road ahead!! Thank you! It's also a facility that trains students to become professionals in the field of helping the sick and injured! This means...the train-ees, are not yet professionals...so please give them a break..and help them learn how to help you! Can you imagine having to listen to the moaning and whining (of adults) 12hrs a day..at work...and still stick with it!? ! My hat is off to all of you...Thankyou all so very much! I truly don't know how 2 simple words can put a smile on their faces every day..just by saying "thank you", after all the anymosity they have to listen to from those they try to help! The care I received and witnessed others receiving...leaves me in awe! To say that anyone of their staff, does not care, would feel like an admission of my own ignorance! I drive truck for a living...and I met people there in a wide variety of different jobs...point being...none of us do what these great people do for others...they go to their work.....to give us the best chance of returning to ours..and our lives! Go easy on these kind hearts...they deserve nothing less than our highest level of graditude and respect! Thank you! And the therapy and support Staff... I just can't say enough good things about them! Thank you so very much for showing me how to heal myself! I wish you all the very best...and I hope fate gives you quality of life, as you've given back to me! If I ever get hurt this bad...I look forward to my recovery with this most awesome staff in this excellent facility! And a special Thank You...to the quiet Church of Sisters..that over look it all! Thank You for caring! Cheers to you all! And thanks again! Sincerely. Leo Burton..

Christine H

Dont even get me started on this place. Just dont go here! Period.

robert doan

What a wonderful place for rehabilitation. God bless my physio team, Ruth and Alfonso. Absolutely top notch care given for a healthy, speedy recovery by very knowledgeable competent people. Also the Occupation Therapy team. Shazia, Michelle, and Alfonso. Wow. Absolutely amazing ways to get my shoulder back into use again with minimal pain and suffering. Beautiful people who care about your recovery and build trust and confidence in your eventual departure. Food services is horrible. One thing they use to make you want to leave....LOL P.S. your coffee is absolutely horrible.

Roni Maderer

If i could give them less than 1 star I would. My husband went there after double knee replacement. He's still there and I'm appalled at what has gone on there. There are way too many issues to mention here, but I will be in touch after he gets home and I will send my concerns further up. Three years ago they almost killed my mother. And anybody who goes in here needs someone to be their advocate.

Kym Ex Oldham

I was there for almost two weeks for knee replacement surgery rehab. From the very first day, I felt unwelcome, and that they were pushing me to leave before I was ready. I seldom got the feeling that anyone really cared. I had a nurse named Diana, who was always anger at me and once had me in tears. Dana and Corina were much more kind and empathetic. The food sure isn't great. But they did send me home too early, and now my life is a maze of pain.

Cris H

My grandmother was not happy with the centre and was not pleased with her care there

Iris Lindsey

I'm Iris's daughter. I wasn't too keen on the facility, nor was my mom. We wanted to get her transferred, however once your in acute care facility, there are no transfers. So if you want to be sent to a particular facility, wait for it. Some of the nurses were good and there was one exceptionally nice nurse who my mom took a shining to, nurse Nicole. This lady went above and beyond the call of duty... she has so much caring and patience... Thank you Nicole. You made it easy for me to leave at night.

J S

The staff, from the reception area, the security guards, the nurses and the physio people have all been very kind to my mother. They have been caring, concerned and helpful. No one wants to be in a hospital or a rehab but St. John's is doing their best.

dob fat

Good health care ,in the outpatient services, I can see signs of decline , unfortunately , especially at the top , I felt some bureaucratic incompetence , and wrong silly practises that will not be beneficial in the the long run .so much talking , talking , talking waiting for the decline

Mike McCormick

I have undergone 3 admissions between July 2020 and May 2021, after 2 below knee amputations and a sciatic nerve injury that paralyzed my left leg below the knee. On each admission the staff, including environmental, nurses, physios, OTs, management, unit admins, and doctors, were all amazing - Skilled, compassionate, personable and very hard working. I see many comments about the food. All I can say is it is a hospital and it is hospital food. If I want Michelin 5 star dining I will go to a restaurant and so I ser my expectations accordingly, and by that standard the food is good. If I had to identify something that could be better, they have gone to bring your own device for entertainment and eliminated all the bedside TVs. This requires wifi and a device. The wifi is spotty in the patient rooms and good in the public parts of the facility. The wifi definitely needs to be improved in the patient rooms. As for devices, the facility should have some devices and Bell Fibe subscription that they could provide to patients that don't have access to one. It is incredibly boring without anything to help pass the time. Overall, SJRH is an excellent facility and I would highly recommend it to anyone that requires physical rehab services.

Robin Grieshound

My Mother received very good care. Highly recommended , especially considering how it was in the Hospital she came from . 5 Stars to the Doctors, Nurses ,Therapists, Social Workers , and all the caring staff there.

Sheldon Goldberg

Recently, I needed hip replacement surgery at North York General. I also needed a stint at St. John's Rehab Hospital in A231, on the second floor. For anyone fortunate enough to spend time in rehab there, be prepared for professional, dedicated, caring people at all levels of the rehab process. Martha, who always aeemed to be manning the nursing station, is a study in efficiency and getting stuff done. Marva, an administrator who is not only a good listener, but takes the time to investigate and explain the 'why' behind decisions and policy. Stacey and Joel, two physiotherapists whos gentle prodding and knowledge made rehab far less difficult then it could have been. The occupational thereapists, who continually checked on my 'independant' abilities and made sure to review my understanding of what I could do and what I needed to avoid doing in order not to injure my new hip. I would also like to make special mention of Sister Debra, for her sensitive nature, calm demeanor, and the warmth of her personality. Everyone involved in food services needs to be acknowledged, as well. They take pride in getting the food to you ASAP, sometimes under difficult circumstances. Last, but not least, I need to comment on the quality of nursing care provided. Both Eileen and Delores share a love for what they do. It shows in how they interact with their patients, and seemingly never forget a request. Service with a smile was always in evidence. In Eileen especially, the radiance of her personality just kept shining through. Energy to burn, engaged with her patients, encouraging, knowledgable - the list is endless. To sum up, I feel both privilidged and thankul to have been is such good hands.

parissa Hayati

The staff are amazing and helpful! God bless you all!

Priscilla Anne B

SEPT 2019 Not only is the food not palatable but some of nurses are in same catagory while others carry the load admirably. The aim is to get u out in ten days for knees. The therapy service is good and always smiling. All in all I much prefer the Bridgepoint facility. Atmosphere and most staff excellent. The therapy facility and staff 100%.

Jason Lenzz

What a wonderful place, was on the first floor recently after heart surgery. The 2 doctors are smart and there every single day including weekends.The nurses are compassionate and kind and real angels.The physiotherapists occupational therapists and their helpers perform miracles. Even the cleaners are kind and bring a smile to the sick faces. This hospital is a true gem .

John Piper

This is the worst rehab centre. It is dirty and rundown. Rooms are overcrowded (they have converted what should be private rooms into semi private rooms). The facilities are outdated and dingy. It feels more like a place to go die then a place to get better. The nursing staff consistently got my mom's meds wrong. The staff did not follow appropriate hygiene protocols - perhaps the reasonthey have had 4 flu outbreaks already this year.

Robert Doan

I forgot to mention nurse Eileen. She was an inspiration from the second I met her. Her long time experience really shows. She was the one who inspired me to get moving and get out of that hospital. Thank you Eileen. Robert

Jack Li

The nurses here are a joke, guessing a patients care without reading their file, aggressively looking after the patients and are never coming when called, one even forgot about a patient on the toilet for two hours! Beware, nurse Marylyn and many others, don’t ever come here!,

Holly Barwell

My Father-in-law was here for rehab. We found the doctors ok our problem was with the Social Worker who didn't do his job. How on earth can you send a patient home knowing that he has 7 stairs to climb just to get to the door. We were told that someone would come to access the house before he was released so things can be put in place this NEVER happened. The social worker didn't have my Father-in-law best interests in mind but rather your health plan only allows this much and it's done so get out, you are not our problem any more. So very sad. I am looking into filing a complaint with the board that gives license to social workers. I have a great social worker helping me. Bottom line don't use this rehab. Yours truly Very Irritated.

my hero academia fan

Beware of Dr. MURRAY LAWRENCE WALDMAN (CPSO#: 25960) ......shocking. Your loved ones are at great risk under his care. This guy really needs to retire....senile "good-for-nothing". Dr. WALDMAN refused to help me get my dad to the ER while he was having seizures and stroke. He brushed it off like it wasn't a big deal. I've never felt so defeated in my life. Didn't even bother to examine my dad, claimed it was a reality for him. Don't bother replying with "patient experience", already used it. They are all defending and covering for each other. Dr. WULFFART, JEFFREY IVOR (CPSO#: 62895) LIAR, LIAR, LIAR is in on it too, can't be trusted. I know there are really good doctors out there, I've met many, but these two should be seriously FIRED.

Mark Lay

I was born here in Aug 1961

Ugo Saullo

The Rehab group where wonderful.....the nurses and food not good!! Got my wife out as fast as I could!!

Lisa D

This place is nothing more than an OHIP and insurance fraudlent scam. They have no education ....they lie...they have no idea whats in the patient files...nore do they care. They make deadly mistakes with medication. They refuse to listen to any doctors advise outside of this "daycare". They refuse to take any patient notes and dont even know which patients they are providing care for. Anything you question, tell the nurses or doctors are completely ignored, nomatter how many times you tell them or provide documents....they dont listen, they dont care and do not keep medical notes. They litterally make up medications and therapy out of guesswork. Dont allow your loved ones to come here unless you are a doctor that can be on site 24/7 because they will be 100% worse than when they got here! I wouldnt take a stray dog here.