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.