Healthcare

A woman receiving an injection

All Canadian residents have access to health care. Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with a valid work permit or a temporary resident permit in Ontario qualify for public health insurance in Ontario known as OHIP. Your OHIP card covers most health services, such as services from physicians and hospital stays. If you do not have an OHIP card, you may receive services at health centres in the community, such as Refuge Hamilton Newcomer Health Centre, Compass Community Health Centre or Urban Core Community Health Centre.

  • Visit a Service Ontario location to apply for and obtain your OHIP card
  • If you are a refugee claimant, a protected person, or a government-assisted or privately sponsored refugee and are waiting to get your OHIP card, you are eligible for the Government of Canada’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which will allow you to access healthcare. In most cases, you don’t have to apply for IFHP. Learn more at canada.ca/ifhp.

It can be a challenge for anyone to find a family doctor in Ontario, so be prepared to spend some time on the search.

There are a number of services that help to connect you to a family doctor that is taking new patients:

 

Health Emergencies

  • For immediate emergency services and life-threatening situations, please call 911 from any phone (mobile, home or public phones).
  • There are two urgent care centres that are operated and open 365 days a year. You are encouraged to visit an urgent care centre if your condition cannot wait for a scheduled doctor’s appointment.

 

  1. HHS Main Street West Urgent Care 690 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1A4 Noon – 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week
  2. Urgent Care-King Campus (St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton) 2757 King St, Hamilton, ON L8G 5E4 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week

 

General Health Advice

  • For general medical advice, you can call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000

 

Prescription Medications

 

Local Health Services

If you require health care services, you can contact one of the following agencies to begin the process:

  • Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
    Website: http://hucchc.com
    Address: 181 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y4
    Phone: 905-522-3233  
  • Compass Community Health Centre
    Website: https://compassch.org/
    Address: 438 Hughson St. North, Hamilton, ON L8L 4N5
    Phone: (905) 523-6611 ext 2000  
  • Refuge Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health
    Website: https://newcomerhealth.ca/  
    Address: 183 Hughson St South, Lower Level, Hamilton, L8N 2B6
    Phone: 905-526-0000 
  • Centre de Santé Communautaire Hamilton/Niagara
    Website: http://www.cschn.ca/
    Address: 1320 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, L8H 2W1
    Phone: 905-528-0163  

 

Dental Services

  • Children and youth 0-17 years old who meet the income eligibility criteria can access routine and emergency dental care through the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program. Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5369 or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care
  • Adults 18-64 years old with dental treatment needs may qualify for Emergency Assistance through Ontario Works. Please contact your Ontario Works case manager at 905-546-4800 for more information.
  • Low income seniors 65 and older can receive free routine dental services, including dentures through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP). Call us at 905546-2424 ext. 3789 or email dentalclinic@hamilton.ca for more information.

 

COVID-19 Vaccination

  • COVID-19 Vaccines are available for free for everyone. You can book an appointment or learn more about vaccines at www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine or by calling the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7 for vaccine clinic information. Translation is available.

 

Long-Term Physical Disabilities

  • If you have a long-term physical disability, you can get help paying for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program.

 

Programs

Arthritis Society Canada Programs for Burlington, Hamilton and Niagara Region

Arthritis Society Canada
1-800-321-1433 ext. 3307, info@arthritis.ca
 
2289 Fairview St, Burlington, ON L7R 2E4, Canada

Arthritis Society Canada offers programs and services that support those with arthritis. These include:

  • Talks and webinars
  • Online learning, workshops, and resources
  • Navigating through arthritis
  • Community supports and mental health supports

Asthma and Allergy HelpLine

Asthma Canada
1-800-787-4050, info@asthma.ca
 
124 Merton St, Toronto, ON M4S 2Z2, Canada

A free call-back or email service available to all people living in Canada, where a team of Certified Respiratory Educators (CREs) provide support and advice to people with asthma and other respiratory allergies, as well as caregivers, friends, and educators. Topics can include:

  • Newly diagnosed asthma
  • Managing symptoms
  • Managing Severe Asthma
  • Avoiding specific triggers
  • Treatment options

Atwell Centre Pregnancy Support Services

Atwell Centre
905-393-8525, 905-902-6082 (Text), info@atwellcentre.ca
 
681 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1K3, Canada

A non-profit agency committed to providing hope, compassion, and informative assistance for anyone facing an unexpected pregnancy. Services are free and confidential. They include:

  • Medical grade pregnancy tests
  • Pregnancy options support
  • Point-of-care ultrasound
  • STI testing and treatment
  • Pregnancy and beyond support
  • Post-abortion support
  • Resources and referrals
  • Sexual Health and Relationship Education (S.H.A.R.E) for teens, students, and teachers
  • Baby Boutique – free maternity and baby clothes (NB – 2T)

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Advocacy and Support Groups

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
289-780-2442, info@chha-hamilton.ca
 

Self-help support group for deaf and hard of hearing individuals to share their problems, needs, experiences, and strategies for coping. Also offers educational programs and classes. Advocates for the rights and needs of hard of hearing and deafened persons at the municipal level in an effort to break down social barriers, create awareness and fully integrate hard of hearing and deafened persons into the community.

Cancer Information Service

Canadian Cancer Society for Hamilton, Brant-Norfolk Community
1-886-786-3934, 1-888-939-3333, connect@cancer.ca
 
328 Mountain Park Ave, Hamilton, ON L8V 4X2, Canada

Canada-wide bilingual information service provides information about cancer, community resources, and other cancer-related topics to patients, families, general public, and health professionals. Information is available through the phone or online through the Community Services Locator.

Centre de Santé Communautaire Postnatal Programs for Parents

Centre de Santé Communautaire Hamilton/Niagara
905-528-0163, cschn@cschn.ca
 
1320 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 2W1, Canada

Offers a variety of classes for new parents and their babies.

  • Baby Talk (0-12 months): child safety, introducing solids, first aid, postpartum depression
  • Workshops for Parents (0-6 years): postpartum depressing, parent/child bonding, burns, water safety, poisons, food safety, healthy eating for mother and baby, health impacts of obesity
  • Postnatal Yoga Classes (0-12 months): teaches relaxation for both mothers and babies while enhancing babies’ sensory experience and the development of their nervous system

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Public Register

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
1-800-268-7096, 416-967-2603, feedback@cpso.on.ca
 
80 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 2E2, Canada

Maintains a public list of registered physicians and surgeons in Ontario.

Hamilton Academy of Medicine Family Physician Referral Service

Hamilton Academy of Medicine
 

Provides a list of family physicians throughout Hamilton who may be able to accept a new patient.

Hamilton Birth Control and Sexual Health Clinic Services

Hamilton Birth Control and Sexual Health Clinic
 
2 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1A1, Canada

Offers a range of reproductive health services, including:

  • IUD insertion and removal
  • Nexplanon insertion and removal
  • Birth control counselling
  • Pregnancy options counselling
  • Prenatal care (1st and 2nd trimester)
  • Pap tests
  • Menopause care
  • STI testing and treatment
  • Medication abortion care (up to and including 10w)

Health Care Connect

Ontario Ministry of Health
 

Provincial program that pairs Ontario residents with local doctors or nurse practitioners who are accepting new patients.

Health Connections Information Line

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Public Health Division
 

A telephone line answered by Public Health Nurses to provide information and assistance for expectant parents and families with children up to 6 years of age, on various health topics including:

  • safety 
  • nutrition
  • parenting
  • mental health
  • breastfeeding
  • growth and development

Health811

Ontario Ministry of Health
1-866-797-0007, 811
 

A free, confidential service which provides health advice and general health information from a registered nurse, as well as assistance finding health care providers, symptom assessment tool, and medical library.

In emergency situations a person should always call 911.

Also offers 24/7 breastfeeding support line. Breastfeeding experts available 24/7 to answer questions, provide breastfeeding plans, and provide referrals to in-person breastfeeding services in Hamilton.

National Eating Disorder Helpline

National Eating Disorder Information Centre
1-866-633-4220, nedic@uhn.ca
 

Provides a free, confidential helpline that provides information, support, and community referrals to Canadians affected by eating disorders.

These supports are also available via email and live chat through the website.

NeedaDoc.ca

Hamilton Health Sciences
 

An online service of Hamilton Health Sciences, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, and McMaster University designed to aid individuals and families in navigating the health-related services in the city of Hamilton. 

Website includes information on:

  • emergency department wait times
  • local urgent care centres
  • finding a family doctor
  • long-term care homefinder
  • resources for common ailments and mental health care

Ontario Health Card Services

ServiceOntario
1-800-387-5559, 1-866-532-3161
 
163 Centennial Pkwy N, Hamilton, ON L8E 1H8, Canada
411 Charlton Ave W, Hamilton, ON L8P 2E6, Canada
245 Dundas St E, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H6, Canada
119 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y7, Canada
60 Main St, Dundas, ON L9H 1C6, Canada
2130 Rymal Rd E, Hannon, ON L0R 1P0, Canada
1400 Upper James St, Hamilton, ON L9B 1K3, Canada

Provides services surrounding provincial health insurance. Services include:

  • Health card applications and renewals
  • Changing address or name on a health card
  • Switching to a photo health card
  • Health card replacements

Orientation to Canadian Healthcare System

Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
905-522-3233
 
430 Cannon St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2C8, Canada

A monthly workshop offered by a Health Settlement Counselor from Counselor-Refugee Services to provide an overview of the Canadian Healthcare System and explanations of how newcomers can learn to navigate within it.

Primary and Community Health Care Services

Centre de Santé Communautaire Hamilton/Niagara
1-866-885-5947, 905-734-1141, cschn@cschn.ca
 
1320 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 2W1, Canada

Provides primary healthcare to Francophone residents of Hamilton, Niagara, and surrounding areas.

Clients have access to various health care professionals and services including family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, laboratory services, registered dietitians, occupational therapists, diabetes education and management, including diabetic foot care and more.

Services include:

  • Primary Health Care Services 
  • Dietician 
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Smoking cessation support
  • Home visits 
  • Health promotion workshops
  • Social activities
  • Group exercise programs for adults 55+ “Soyons actifs & Gardez L’équilibre”
  • Caring for my COPD
  • Counselling
  • Ontario Senior Dental Care Program
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Primary Care Services

Compass Community Health Centre
905-523-6611 ext. 2000
 
438 Hughson St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 4N5, Canada

Offers primary health care services to people living in Hamilton who face barriers to traditional health programs. Providing healthcare to a diverse group of people is possible with a multi-disciplinary team approach, including:

  • family physicians and physician assistants
  • nurse practitioners and registered nurses
  • pharmacist consultants
  • respiratory educators

Primary Health Care, De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre

De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
905-544-4320, info@dahac.ca
 
678 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1K2, Canada

Provides primary and wholistic medical care integrated with traditional Indigenous approaches to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit community members. Staff includes both family doctors and nurse practitioners. Care provided includes illness prevention and screening, assessment, treatment and monitoring, counselling, chronic disease management, breastfeeding support, pre- and post-natal care and more.

Refuge Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health Services

Refuge Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health
 
183 Hughson St S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2B6, Canada

Provides primary healthcare services to new immigrants, including refugees, and to those who face barriers in accessing culturally-appropriate healthcare services.

Services include:

  • Routine physical exams
  • Immunizations for both adults and children
  • Assessment and treatment of acute episodic illnesses
  • Chronic disease management
  • Family contraceptive planning
  • Home visits
  • Mental health counseling and support
  • Nutrition assessment and counseling
  • Information, advocacy, service referral and support
  • Translation and interpretation services
  • Health services navigation
  • Triage service for urgent issues
  • Pediatric care

Sexual Health Clinics

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Public Health Division
 

Offers confidential services to support sexual health.

Services include:

  • low-cost birth control
  • free emergency contraceptive pill
  • urine pregnancy testing
  • testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
  • access to harm reduction supplies
  • free condoms
  • Naloxone prevention kits

Visit the website to find the closest location.

Shelter Health Network Addictions Clinics

Shelter Health Network
 
200 Main St E, Lower Level, Hamilton, ON L8N 1H3, Canada
595 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1J4, Canada
15 Charlton Ave W, Hamilton, ON L8P 2B8, Canada
467 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 1K1, Canada
431 Whitney Ave, Hamilton, ON L8S 2H6, Canada

Provides general health services with a focus on addiction services to people in Hamilton who do not have stable housing. 

Shelter Health Network Mental Health Clinics

Shelter Health Network
 
131 John St S, Hamilton, ON L8N 2C3, Canada

Provides mental health services to people in Hamilton who do not have stable housing.

Shelter Health Network Primary Health Clinics

Shelter Health Network
 
850 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1B4, Canada

Provides general health services to people in Hamilton who do not have stable housing and do not have a family doctor. Care is available at many locations in the city, with a schedule available online.

Shelter Health Network Youth Health Clinics

Shelter Health Network
 
14 Cannon St W, Hamilton, ON L8R 2B2, Canada
38 James St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 4W6, Canada

Provides general health services to youth in Hamilton who do not have stable housing.

Tobacco Hotline

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Public Health Division
905-540-5566, tobacco@hamilton.ca
 

Provides information to callers regarding tobacco control legislation, such as local smoking by-laws and the provincial Smoke-Free Ontario Act, and on smoking cessation programs and services.

Urgent Care Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
905-573-4813, 905-573-7777
 
2757 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8G 5E4, Canada

Walk-in medical clinic where doctors and nurses assess and treat minor illnesses and injuries. Website provides guidance on when to visit urgent care, when to visit the emergency room, and when to dial 911.