The Transitional Care Unit (TCU), a partnership between Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Bayshore HealthCare, is a 120-bed unit located inside the Windsor Retirement Residence, 20 minutes from Kingston, in Amherstview.
Supporting patients after acute care
The TCU is designed as a place for patients who are medically stable and no longer in need of acute care services, but who may still need time, care, and therapy following an acute care episode or emergency department diversion.
For people who need an Alternate Level of Care (ALC) after they no longer need the complex care provided by KHSC’s Kingston General Hospital (KGH) site, the TCU offers accommodation in double-occupancy rooms with a shared bathroom per room and access to restorative therapies as well as nursing and personal care support.
Key features
- 24/7 nursing care
- Medical care provided by KHSC credentialed physician and nurse practitioners
- Personal support care
- Physical therapy
- Recreation therapy
- Social Work
- Registered Dietitian
- Occupational Therapy
- Spiritual Care
- Pharmacy
- Library
- Indoor spaces in which to relax and activities
- Outdoor spaces to enjoy
- Three meals and two snacks served and prepared by onsite kitchen staff
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Required medical supplies, devices and equipment
Why moving out of an acute care hospital matters
Most people need the highly specialized services of an acute care hospital for only a short period of time. Once their acute medical needs have been met, continuing to stay in an acute care environment can slow recovery rather than support it.
Transitioning to a care setting like the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) offers important benefits:
A better environment for healing
Acute care hospitals are designed for people who need fast, intensive medical treatment. This environment can be busy, noisy, and focused on rapid response. The TCU setting is quieter and more home‑like, allowing people to rest, regain strength, and focus on recovery.
Lower risk of hospital‑related complications
Staying longer than medically necessary in an acute care hospital can increase the chance of certain complications related to immobility and limited activity, such as muscle weakness, reduced balance, and skin breakdown. TCU promotes safe movement, therapy, and daily routines that help prevent these issues. People who receive care at the TCU are more than 50 per cent less likely to be readmitted to hospital within 30 days of leaving the hospital, compared to all other discharged inpatients.
Support to stay active and independent
Functional decline can start quickly when someone is in a hospital bed for long periods. At the TCU, daily activities, restorative exercises, and supported mobility help people rebuild their strength and confidence so they can return home or move to their next stage of care with greater independence.
More opportunities for cognitive stimulation
A change of setting, meaningful activities, and regular social interaction can help maintain or even improve cognitive health. TCU offers recreation therapy, social engagement, and a structured daily routine that supports mental well‑being.
Care tailored to the next stage of recovery
The focus in the TCU is on rehabilitation, stabilization, and preparing for the future—whether that is returning home, moving to long‑term care, or entering another supportive program. The care team works with each person and their family to set goals and make plans that fit their needs.
Improving patient outcomes Improved flow and access to care across the region
Before the TCU opened in 2017, up to 30 per cent of KGH site beds were occupied by people who no longer needed hospital-level care but could not leave the hospital for a variety of reasons.
This contributes, in part, to the hallway medicine crisis, as tertiary hospital organizations like KHSC work to provide the highest level of care to more patients across a large area.
Since its inception, the TCU has enabled KHSC to free-up close to 100,000 days of hospital-bed use to care for the sickest patients in southeastern Ontario.
As well, ALC occupancy has been reduced by 50 per cent, and has been as low as 13 per cent.On average, people stay in the TCU 47 days for restorative therapies or 130 days while waiting to transition to long-term care.
Explore the experiences of people who have received care at the TCU
Standing tall at the Transitional Care Unit
Transitional Care Unit grows again
Family and caregiver support
The TCU provides an excellent environment for friends and family to support their loved ones in their care journey. Members of patient support networks are welcome and encouraged to visit the TCU. To learn more about visiting, contact the TCU administration clerk at the information listed below.
Patient relations
If you have a compliment or concern regarding your or your loved one’s experience at the TCU, please first share with the TCU care team and management.
If concerns persist, please contact KHSC’s Patient Relations by phone at 613-549-6666 ext. 4158 or toll free at 1-800-567-5722 ext. 4158 or by email at @email. Office hours are Monday to Friday during regular business hours, excluding statutory holidays
|
Reception |
Contact Information |
Fax Number |
|
Admin Clerk |
(613) 900-7629 |
Fax: (613) 900-0709 |
|
Nursing stations |
Contact Information |
Fax Number |
|
1st Floor (107) |
(416) 209-6982 |
613-634-8466 |
|
2nd Floor (236) |
(416) 522-8120 |
613-384-5044 |
|
3rd floor (337) |
(613) 329-7806 |
613-384-4029 |
|
3rd Floor (323) |
(365) 323-3714 |
613-900-0709 |
|
Charge Nurse (24/7) |
(343) 422-4771 |
613-900-0709 |
