Timelines - St Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton

Hi everyone. I haven't really posted here, mostly because I don't have questions or have much to say since a lot of nothing is going on at my end, but I do read the forums quite frequently in an effort to prepare myself.

I know the team doesn't seem that big on phone calls but I'm a little concerned. They gave a brief sort of overview of what a timeline probably would be like at the Orientation, which I had in the middle of August, then assurances that letters would be mailed out in 1-2 months to book first appointments, and a requisition for blood work, things like that...

I did call the office at the end of October, to make sure I was still on the list and everything and they told me they were a little behind and I should get a letter in the mail the next week.

It's been two.

Anyone have experience with St. Joseph's in Hamilton? I'm worried partly that this isn't going to happen, and also that this is going to be a pattern and I've been waiting well over a year already. Thanks!

I really know very little but recall reading a few days ago that Hamilton got some added dollars and the poster believed that would result in faster timelines?  Welcome on board and it will happen but the wait can be hard, all the bet on your journey

Hi there, 

I'm new as well and also waiting to hear from Hamilton.  My orientation was in September. I was also told to expect my letter in about 6 weeks. It's been over 8 now, so I called and left a message.  I received a call back 2 days later and was told that they are still booking from the July orientation and that I should expect my letter in Feb/March.

Hopefully you will get your letter by Dec/Jan.

Does that help?

Yes, it does, they said the same thing when I called in October, that they were still sending out letters in for the July group. I hope to get it soon at any rate.

I know that Hamilton has a verrrrrryyyy long wait!! When I first sent my referral they told me I would be routed to Hamilton as I live in Burlington and it's like a 15 min. drive for me.  Well by the time they processed my referral they had changed my area to being routed to Toronto Western (an almost 1.5hr drive for me in traffic!!) I was angry at the time but oh so happy that I made the drive....had a wonderful experience there.

So I know I didn't really answer your question but I do know that Hamilton is sooo super busy.  If you can do the drive, it would almost be worth having your file transferred.  The waiting can be soooo hard!! Good Luck!

It has been a long, long wait already. It's very unimpressive. We can do the drive to just about everywhere, since I'd just make my parents do it, haha.

I like to think I am relatively patient, but even my patience is being tested. I'm not sure why Hamilton is so much  busier than everywhere else. Knowing that I wanted to move to Toronto at the time, I should have said send it there, in retrospect I guess. I just figured since my parents live in Hamilton, that was the best thing since I was going to be doing my recovery here. I don't know if transferring now would benefit me or not. I guess it depends how much longer it's going to take, which they don't really tell you.

The general surgeon I am seeing for something unrelated is super psyched I am having this surgery and wants me to pick a particular surgeon, Dr. Hung. 

LOL Anyone ever notice that, specialists asking about weight loss? All of them ask me. All of them, without fail. For years.

Hey there.  I am hoping you can help. I had my orientation at the end of July and still have heard nothing. I have called and emailed and have not heard anything.  Can you tell me what number I can call that I might actually be able to speak to someone?? 

Thanks