Discover the Shouldice Experience We offer a complete and holistic recovery program that promotes healing and a rapid return to normal activities.

OUR PATIENT CARE

When you come to Shouldice, you can expect to have a positive and pleasant experience. We never rush you through surgery and send you home the same day; that‘s very stressful for both patients and their families. Instead, you‘ll stay as our guest for a few days, while you participate in a holistic, professionally supervised program of healing and recovery.

CARE & RECOVERY

Your stay at Shouldice includes a number of patient services to enhance your care and comfort:

Three delicious meals every day, plus an evening snack
An exercise program specifically designed to speed the recovery of hernia patients
Free WIFI
Television in patient lounges
Professional advice for a healthy recovery
Access to on-site massage therapy (extra charges apply)

We‘ve followed up with our patients for many decades and time has proven that the patient-focused, Shouldice approach is the key to a complete and successful recovery. Under carefully managed routines, most of our patients are back to normal activities in less than a week — and often back to work as soon as they are discharged.

two women walking the grounds at Shouldice Hernia Hospital

SUPPORTIVE & RELAXING

Shouldice patients have said again and again, how much they enjoy the Shouldice experience. When you come to our clinic for an examination, Shouldice staff will welcome you and arrange for a personal consultation with one of our experienced hernia surgeons. If hernia repair is right for you, we‘ll set a hospital admission date that is convenient for your schedule. If you would like diet counselling to help prepare for your surgery, we have a registered dietitian on staff to offer the help and support you need.

Once you‘re admitted to the hospital, you‘ll meet other hernia patients. Some of the patients will already have been through the operation and will be happy to offer reassurance and support. We've found that this peer-to-peer mentoring is important. The buddy system helps to reduce stress and anxiety and prepares you for a confident recovery.

A Shouldice Repair is usually done under local anaesthetic and conscious IV sedation making it an exceptionally safe procedure with virtually no complications. You‘ll be able to walk out of the operating room and, by the next morning, you‘ll start a well-structured and supervised exercise routine. We have a full range of activities in addition to organized exercise, to make recovery enjoyable, including billiards, shuffleboard and a putting green.

There is a sunlit café for reading and relaxation and a cheerful common room, where patients often gather for a friendly game of cards. Unlike most hospitals, delicious meals are prepared fresh in our dining room daily, providing the healthy nutrition you need to promote healing. Relaxing views and an estate-like setting are an important part of the total Shouldice experience and help to stimulate the body‘s own natural abilities to heal. Here, you can leave your busy schedule behind and enjoy a restful and relaxing recovery — in fact, many people compare it to visiting a beautiful resort.

LIFETIME OF CARE

Studies show that half of all recurrent hernias develop many years after the original repair. The techniques used by the hernia specialists at Shouldice dramatically reduce the risk of recurrent hernias to approximately 1% over a lifetime. But sometimes recurrences do happen.

Care and service do not stop once you leave Shouldice Hospital. We provide a lifetime of support to all our patients through our annual follow-up program. We‘ll keep in touch every year and offer you an opportunity to have your hernia repair checked and monitored by our surgeons. Over 3,000 patients receive follow-up examinations at our hospital every year and we offer remote clinics for patients who live farther away from Shouldice.

At Shouldice, we have one of the largest databases on hernia repair in the world.

Since 1945, we have been gathering data from our follow-up examinations. We use this information to refine our surgical techniques and document the success of our hernia repairs. We now have detailed records on more than 400,000 patients and maintain one of the most comprehensive database on hernia repair in the world.

ADDITIONAL PATIENT SERVICES

Shouldice also offers a variety of services to help you prepare for your hernia operation and improve your recovery. Many of these services are provided free to our patients. The cost of more comprehensive programs is covered by most insurance plans. We encourage you to take advantage of these beneficial patient programs.

healthy lunch at Shouldice Hernia Hospital

DIET COUNSELLING

To get the best results from your hernia repair, you should be in the healthiest possible condition for your operation. It is important that you are not carrying excess weight around your abdomen. During your examination, your surgeon may recommend that you lose weight before your hernia repair.

We know that people often find it challenging to manage their weight, especially when they have a hernia that restricts their ability to exercise. That is why we offer a diet counselling service to all of our patients. Our registered dietitian will develop a personalized weight loss program for you and show you how to make healthy food and exercise choices. They will also arrange regular phone meetings to offer advice and support so that you can commit to a healthier lifestyle and prepare your body for a successful hernia repair.

If you need help to lose weight before your operation, one of our surgeons will refer you to our diet counselling services during your initial examination or you can contact them directly at (905) 695-4914.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

At Shouldice, we recognize many of our patients have family and friends with them. We have provided a list below of accommodations and we have arranged special rates at some of these. Please mention Shouldice Hospital when you make your reservations. We regret that we cannot make reservations on your behalf.

SHOULDICE

ACCOMMODATION

We have provided this list as a courtesy to our patients and their guests. However, these hotels have NOT been inspected by the Shouldice Hospital staff.

Hotels and Accommodations

Sonesta Suites
355 South Park Road, Thornhill, ON L3T 7W2
1-800-SONESTA
1-800-766-3782

Best Western Parkway Inn

600 Highway 7
Thornhill, Ontario
905-881-2600
2.5 miles from the hospital.

Courtyard Marriot

65 Minthorn Boulevard
Thornhill, Ontario
905-707-6533
2 ½ miles from the hospital

Sheraton Parkway
600 Highway 7
Richmond Hill, Ontario
905-881-2121
1-800-668-0101
Call hotel for special Shouldice rate.
2.5 miles from the hospital.

Hilton Garden Inn
300 Commerce Valley Drive
Thornhill, ON L3T 7X3
905-709-6008
3 ½ miles from the hospital
To receive a 10% discounted Shouldice rate click here

ENTERTAINMENT

Toronto is known as a wonderful getaway destination for those who enjoy world-class theatrical productions or professional sports. Here are some numbers to call if you would like to book tickets while you‘re in the Toronto area:

These suggestions are provided only as a courtesy to our patients and their guests. Shouldice Hospital is not responsible for these services.

THEATRE

Princess of Wales Theatre
Royal Alexandra Theatre
CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
CAA Theatre

Meridian Arts Centre

Meridian Hall

SPORTS

SHOULDICE HOSPITAL ADDRESS

7750 Bayview Avenue,
Thornhill, Ontario,
Canada L3T 4A3
View Map
CONTACT US

Tel: 905-889-1125
Fax: 905-889-4216
Canada: 1-800-291-7750
U.S./International: 1-855-328-3423
[email protected]
ACCESSIBILITY

Shouldice Hospital is committed to excellence in serving all patients including people with disabilities.
Learn More

Discover the Shouldice Experience We offer a complete and holistic recovery program that promotes healing and a rapid return to normal activities.

OUR PATIENT CARE

ADDITIONAL PATIENT SERVICES

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

SHOULDICE HOSPITAL ADDRESS

CONTACT US

ACCESSIBILITY

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