Dr. Melanie Gay Hollidge – Anesthesiologist | St Catharines, ON

With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Melanie Gay Hollidge ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at facilities in St. Catharines, ON, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams with a focus on patient safety and comfort. Dr. Hollidge adheres to the rigorous standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining the highest level of professionalism and care in her practice.

Dr. Hollidge graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2002 and has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology for over 17 years since 2007. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional excellence and adherence to national standards.

Her clinical philosophy centers on providing calm, reassuring, and personalized care. Dr. Hollidge is dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of her patients in St. Catharines. She communicates fluently in English, fostering clear and compassionate interactions with her patients and colleagues alike.

• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) / Sedation: Providing varying levels of sedation (light to deep) and analgesia, combined with close monitoring of vital signs, for procedures not requiring general anesthesia.
• Pre-Anesthetic Assessment and Consultation: Thorough evaluation of patient health, medical history, medications, and surgical/procedural plan to create the safest and most effective anesthesia plan.
• Management of Anesthetic Emergencies: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of critical events or complications that may arise during anesthesia.
• Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
• Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Hollidge (or an associate) in consultation with you and your surgeon/proceduralist based on your health and the requirements of the procedure. Subspecialty services like chronic pain management may require a separate referral pathway.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Hollidge primarily practices at facilities located near the central neighborhood of St. Catharines, ON, close to local points of interest such as the Welland Canal and nearby parks. The practice is easily accessible via public transit, with multiple bus routes servicing the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Hollidge? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Hollidge during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Pre-anesthetic consultations related to these procedures are also usually covered. Fees for specific uninsured services (e.g., certain non-medically required procedures, form completion) may apply based on provincial guidelines. Please confirm coverage with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Hollidge for my anesthesia?

While you can discuss preferences with your surgeon, the assignment of an Anesthesiologist is typically managed by the hospital's anesthesia department or the surgical group based on scheduling, expertise required, and availability. Your surgeon arranges the necessary anesthesia care, which includes consultation with an anesthesiologist like Dr. Hollidge from the team covering your procedure.

Will I definitely meet the Anesthesiologist before my surgery/procedure?

You will always have an anesthesia assessment before your procedure. For major surgeries or complex health issues, this often occurs at a pre-admission clinic days or weeks beforehand. For healthier patients undergoing shorter procedures, the detailed discussion and assessment with Dr. Hollidge (or a colleague providing your care that day) may happen just before the procedure starts. In either case, your questions will be answered.

Why is it important to follow fasting instructions?

Fasting (not eating or drinking) before anesthesia is critical for your safety. If there is food or liquid in your stomach during anesthesia, it could potentially come up into your throat and lungs (aspiration), which can cause serious lung complications. Following the specific fasting times given to you significantly reduces this risk.

What is the role of an Anesthesiologist?

An Anesthesiologist is a specialist medical doctor (physician) extensively trained in anesthesiology, critical care medicine, and pain management. They are responsible for developing the anesthesia plan, administering anesthetic drugs, ensuring your safety and vital functions (like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure) are stable during a procedure, managing any medical emergencies that arise, and overseeing your immediate recovery and pain control afterwards.

McMaster University
PGCLL Level 2-210 Stearn Drive Nort, 1200 Fourth Ave, Student Wellness Centre
St Catharines, ON L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 684-7271

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hollidge is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Hollidge-Melanie-Gay/0191315-77595