If you are staying at the hospital but do not require the intensity of resources/services provided in this care setting (acute, complex continuing care, mental health or rehabilitation), you will be designated as ‘alternate level of care (ALC)’ by the physician or her/his delegate. 

At Markham Stouffville Hospital, a patient of ALC status is often identified through a collaborative interprofessional approach (e.g., during rounds).

About the Alternate Level of Care Program 

The ALC Program at MSH provides care to patients who are medically stable. Some physiotherapy, occupational therapy and recreational therapy are available to help you maintain your conditioning.
 
The unit staff consists of registered nurses, registered practical nurses and patient support attendants. A hospital care coordinator with the Central LHIN Community Care Access and the hospital’s patient flow coordinator are available to support your discharge planning.

Options when transferring from Markham Stouffville Hospital 

Your discharge/transfer destinations may include, but are not limited to:

• Home (with or without services/programs)
• Rehabilitation (facility/bed, internal or external)
• Complex continuing care (facility/bed, internal or external)
• Transitional care bed (internal or external)
• Long-term care home
• Group home
• Convalescent care beds
• Palliative care beds
• Retirement home
• Shelter
• Supportive housing 

MSH operates two ALC units. One is located at MSH and the other at the Reactivation Care Centre (RCC) site. 
 
As many of the patients on 2C have various types of dementia, the unit makes use of a Wander Guard system to identify when patients with confusion attempt to wander off.