Advisory - Changes due to COVID-19

Alberta Gender Surgery Program

To minimize the spread of COVID-19, staff are working remotely. Gender Surgery Program applications and urgent questions only should be emailed to OOCHSC@gov.ab.ca.

GRS Montréal is Open for Male to Female Surgeries

Beginning June 1, 2020, GRS Montreal will begin male to female surgeries.

Upon arrival in Montreal, patients will stay 24 to 48 hrs at the clinic’s partner hotel before admission to GRS Montréal, the morning of the surgery. This accommodation is provided by the clinic.

A 2-week confinement may be mandatory under public health recommendations if patients are suspected to have COVID-19 symptoms. The patient is required to pay for the extra costs of the isolation period before or after surgery.

Otherwise, after convalescence, there is no contraindication to travel

Contact GRS Montréal at 514 288-2097 for questions about costs during potential isolation periods.

The start date for other gender surgeries has not been announced.

Delays in access to gender-affirming surgical care for some patients will continue indefinitely.

Patients should contact GRS Montréal at 514 288-2097 to discuss concerns about delayed surgery. GRS Montreal is responsible for scheduling and facility operation.

For further details please see the GRS Montreal COVID-19 Preparedness Strategy

For more information:

Patients

Consult the postoperative documents you received during your stay at CMC

Consult your treating physician if you note any changes in your health status

Physicians

Contact CMC at 514 333-1572, ext. 200 or email asclepiade@cmcmontreal.com . NOTE: This line is for physicians only

Travel Disruptions

Return travel may also be severely disrupted. Patients may be forced to remain outside of Alberta longer than expected.

If a patient’s medically necessary travel has been approved by Alberta Health and booked, contact Alberta Health at OOCHSC@gov.ab.ca to confirm or change travel arrangements.

Read more COVID-19 travel advice

Find more information at Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Travel advice - Canada.ca