Bruyère Health

Bruyère Health is a health-care organization based in Ottawa, Ontario, dedicated to serving the frail elderly, people with chronic illness or terminal illness, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. It provides a continuum of care that includes hospital care, long-term care, rehabilitation, palliative care, and community services.

Sites & Services Provided

• Operates multiple hospital sites and facilities: Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital in the ByWard Market, Saint-Vincent Hospital near LeBreton Flats, Saint-Louis Residence, Bruyère Village in Orléans, long-term care homes, seniors’ supportive and independent living units.
• Offers specialized clinics and programs: memory clinic for cognitive impairment/dementia; geriatrics; palliative care; complex medical and rehabilitation services; family medicine clinics; diagnostic imaging, diabetes education, dermatology, spiritual care, etc.
• Community and outreach programs aiming to help people remain in their homes where possible, or regain independence after illness or injury.

Digital Tools & Innovation

• Bruyère maintains a patient portal called “Connected Care” allowing 24/7 access to health records for patients/residents regardless of location. Users can see their medical records and related information. (bruyere.org)
• They have implemented the “Manage My Pain” app for patients to log and track pain episodes, medications, triggers, activities, supported by educational material to aid self-management. (bruyere.org)
• There is a web-based app “MyPath to Home” for geriatric rehabilitation patients to help with transition from hospital / rehab back home.

Strengths & Challenges

Strengths:

• Comprehensive care across the continuum: from acute hospital services to long-term care, palliative, rehabilitation and community support.
• Strong commitment to bilingual services (English & French) and to vulnerable populations.
• Digital health tools and apps to enhance patient engagement and continuity of care.

Challenges / Considerations:

• Serving vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled) means high demand for staff, resources, and often complex care needs, which can stretch capacity.
• Wait times for some specialized services, diagnostics or rehab placements may be significant.
• Coordination across multiple sites and care settings may complicate access, especially for patients with mobility or transportation limitations.
• Ensuring that digital tools are accessible to users who may have lower tech literacy or limited Internet access.

Practical Information & Access

• Located in Ottawa with multiple sites: address for main administrative / hospital units, and residences in Orléans, ByWard Market, LeBreton Flats.
• Offers services such as diagnostic imaging, lab, outpatient clinics; long-term care / residences for seniors; memory clinic; spiritual care; volunteer services.
• Parking, visitors, patient/family support, interpretation services and accommodation of disabilities are part of patient/resident information.
• Education & research: Bruyère Health Research Institute engages in studies, ethics board, clinical research; teaches health professionals and provides placements.