Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Patients at the Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and in the Women’s Health areas of the McMaster Hospital site are welcome to bring a personal cell phone, tablet, or laptop to connect to our dedicated Wi-Fi service for patients to view online content and entertainment on streaming services.
Patient Entertainment
TV rental services will continue to be available at the following sites: St. Peter’s Hospital, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and the Satellite Health Facility.
Free public Wi-Fi access is available
How to Access:
Select “HHS Free Wi-Fi” in their Wi-Fi network options on your mobile device and accept the terms of use.
Acceptable use policy: Users of the HHS Wi-Fi network must review and comply with the acceptable use policy and the stated purposes and acceptable use policies of any other network(s) or host(s) used. The policy will appear on the screen when a user signs on to the network.
Telephone Service
Landline phone services are available through the Hospitality Network. To order phone service (where available), please contact:
- Hamilton General Hospital 905-521-2100 ext. 46520
- Juravinski Hospital & Cancer Centre 905-521-2100 ext. 41234
- McMaster University Medical Centre/McMaster Children’s Hospital 905-521-2100 ext. 0
- St. Peter’s Hospital 905-521-2100 ext. 12228
- West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (phone services only) 905-945-2253 ext. 0
Frequently Asked Questions
What's changing and when?
As of June 30, 2025, HHS’s contract with the designated cable and television equipment service provider will expire. The arrangement, which provided the hospital with free television units and cable television at reduced rates, is no longer being offered. As a result, bedside cable television will no longer be offered at HHS.
Who will be impacted?
All patient-bedside television units will be removed. Common areas with HHS owned TVs (hallways and waiting rooms) will not be impacted. Note: TVs in common areas that are owned by the Vendor (HealthHub will not be removed).
Is this the case at all HHS campuses?
TV service will continue to be available at the following sites: St. Peter’s Hospital, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and the Satellite Health Facility.
What are patients supposed to do for entertainment
Most of our patients and guests are already bringing their own mobile devices to connect with loved ones and to use streaming services like Netflix for entertainment. This is a trend seen at many hospitals and hotels in Canada. HHS, like some of our peer hospitals in the GTA, is moving to a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) model.
What exactly is BYOD?
B-Y-O-D stands for “Bring Your Own Device.” This model allows patients and guests to use the free Wi-Fi signal at HHS to connect with family and friends outside of the hospital. It also allows for streaming entertainment services like Netflix.
Not everyone has a device. How is this fair
It’s important to remember that even when there was a contract in place with Health Hub, HHS did not offer cable television for free for patients. There was always a charge, as entertainment is not covered by OHIP and is a very expensive service. Hospitals are publicly funded, and must prioritize patient care, equipment, research, and other life-saving work.
Can I pay for my own cable
Unfortunately, the equipment for televisions and cable signal requires a substantial initial and on-going investment; this is a financial burden that HHS could not take on.
Why can I watch TV at other hospitals?
While some hospitals in the GTA are still under contract with a provider, others have also moved to a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) model.
I’d like to provide feedback on these changes
You are always welcome to connect with the Patient Experience Office.
How do I watch Netflix or movies/shows from other streaming services on my personal device
You can use your personal cell phone, tablet or laptop to connect to our dedicated Wi-Fi service to view online content and entertainment or streaming services such as Spotify, iHeart Radio, YouTube, Netflix,
Parrot TV, CBC Gem, Hoopla (offered by Hamilton Public Library with an HPL library card) or your TV provider’s own app. You will need to establish your own account or app for such streaming services at your own expense if there are membership fees.
You can also download TV shows, movies, music and audiobooks onto your device before coming to hospital.
What happens if my device goes missing?
Hamilton Health Sciences is not responsible for any lost or stolen items patients and families bring into the hospital. If your device, or any other belongings go missing while in hospital, please notify the care unit manager immediately.
To keep belongings safe:
- Labelling: Include name and phone number
- Storing: Keep belongings in a safe place, do not leave them unprotected
- Tracking: Ensure belongings are not left in bed, linens, food trays or any concealed place where they may be lost or accidentally thrown out
Do I need to use ear buds or headphones
Yes, for the consideration of other patients, visitors and staff you should use headphones or ear buds. You can bring them from home with you, or ear buds and charging cables are available for purchase at our hospital gift shops.
Will I have access to MyChart?
Yes, you can access your medical record online through the MyChart website or app. Learn more about MyChart at HHS.