What is a Family Health Team?

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care defines a Family Health Team (FHT) as:

"...an approach to primary health care that brings together different health care providers to co-ordinate the highest possible quality of care for you - the patient. Designed to give doctors support from other complementary professionals, most Family Health Teams will consist of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals who work collaboratively, each utilizing their experience and skills so that you receive the very best care, when you need it, as close to home as possible."

What specialties does the Medical Centre have?

We currently have 16 Specialists at the Centre. Please click here for further information.

View our Specialists.

Can I be seen even if my Family Physician is not available?

If your family physician or practitioner is away and you have an urgent concern that cannot wait until he or she is available, you may schedule an appointment with the On-Call physician who is covering for your physician. You may also schedule an appointment with the After Hours Clinic regarding acute issues, that cannot wait until the next day.

What do I do when the Family Physician Office is closed?

Providing you have a family physician or nurse practitioner at The Medical Centre, you have two options:

Day Clinic & After Hours Clinic

The purpose of the Day and After Hours Clinics is to offer rostered patients of family physicians or nurse practitioners, care for the sudden onset of symptoms which require same day attention and cannot wait until our regular clinic hours. The Day/ After Hours Clinics are NOT an intended for emergency or life threatening situations.

During the day Monday-Friday, appointments can be made by calling 705-743-6280.

Appointments for the After Hours Clinics can be made by calling 705-743-6222 beginning at 5:00pm Monday-Thursday, 8:00am on Saturdays, and 9:00am on Sundays.

Please note that the following items will not be addressed during the Day/Evening After Hours Clinic: prescription refills, allergy shots, travel immunizations, results of lab tests, requests for referrals and completion of forms.

What if I need medical advice and do not have a family physician at the Medical Centre?

You may contact Telephone Health Advisory Services by calling 1-866-797-0000.

TeleHealth is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse. The service provides round-the-clock access, to a qualified health professional. It can help you decide whether to care for yourself, make an appointment with your doctor, go to a clinic, contact a community service or go to a hospital emergency room.

What do I need to know about Health Cards?

You will be asked to present your Health Card at each visit. Please refer to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website for additional information.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced university education who provides personalized, quality health care to patients. Ontario nurse practitioners provide a full range of health care services to individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings including hospitals and community-based clinics in cities and smaller towns in Ontario. We work in partnership with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals such as social workers, midwives, mental health professionals and pharmacists to keep you, your family and your community well.

What does a Nurse Practitioner do?

A nurse practitioner provides care to patients of all ages with a focus on preventing disease, promoting good health and curing illness. We are part of your health care team. We play an important role in helping you to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, and to understand and/or treat your illness. We also work with your community to promote good health and prevent disease. As a member of your health care team, we offer a variety of health care services including the ability to:

• diagnose and treat illness and/or injuries,
• perform physical check-ups,
• order and interpret diagnostic tests,
• write prescriptions,
• provide counselling and education,
• provide supportive care through illness,
• provide treatments and/or procedures, and
• make referrals to family physicians, specialists and other health professionals

How do I find a Family Physician?

For patients who do not have a Family Physician, please register "Health Care Connect" by calling 1-800-445-1822 or visiting their website.

Where do I park and what is the cost?

Patient parking is available on-site at The Medical Centre for a flat-fee of $6.00. There are 5 reserved, handicapped spaces located very close to the entrance doors. For those wishing to drop off or pick up at the entrance, we offer “drop & go” and “assisted drop-off” lanes at the entrance as well. This service is provided free of charge.

Along Hospital Drive a ramp is available from the street level to the main level entrance doors, as well as a limited number of metered parking spaces.

For those patients who don’t mind parking a short distance from the Centre, we offer parking at a reduced rate of $1.00 per hour or a flat fee of $2.00 for two hours or more. This parking lot is located at 68 Hospital Drive, a short walk from The Medical Centre.

When does the lab open?

For more information about Diagnostic Services at the Medical Centre, click here

How can I find out about employment opportunities at The Medical Centre?

Please refer to the Careers section on this website for more information.

How do I get a referral to see a Specialist?

Contact your family physician or nurse practitioner.