I didn’t understand everything my doctor told me about the risks of an operation, but felt pressured into signing the consent form. What should I...
Personal Health Navigator
Paul Taylor retired from his role as Sunnybrook’s Patient Navigation Advisor in 2020. From 2013 to 2020, he wrote a regular column in which he provided advice and answered questions from patients and their families. Follow Paul on Twitter @epaultaylor
Patient flow: Why was my mom parked in the hospital hallway?
Question: A nurse said my mom had to be moved to the hallway to prepare the room for the next patient. There’s no privacy in the hallway. What’s the...
Reconstructive surgery helps restore life to normal for breast cancer patients
Question: I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer... What options will I have for reconstructive surgery?
A promising treatment for depression may soon be an option for more patients
Question: My wife suffers from depression. She has tried the usual treatments, but nothing seems to help much. Is there anything else?
The vast majority of women with early-stage breast cancer can be cured
Question: I was just diagnosed with breast cancer. My doctor said I have DCIS with micro invasion on the right breast. What does that mean?
Improving your chances of being treated promptly in the Emergency Department
Patients who enter emergency rooms are assessed by a triage nurse, ranking patients based on the Canadian Emergency Department Triage and Acuity...
Helping families navigate the mental-health system
Question: My daughter is avoiding school and has a lot of anxiety and seems to be depressed. Can you help us?
What to do if your doctor won’t send you for a second opinion
Question: My GP won’t send me to another specialist. I know I am not well. How do I get a second opinion?
Can I get more than one ‘second opinion’?
Question: Between two specialist opinions, I don’t know who is right. Are we entitled to another second opinion?
How to plan for end of life care when there is no next of kin
Question: Me and my husband have no children or close blood relatives. What will happen to us when our health fails? How do we plan for end of life...