This site is a work in progress. Please take a look around and let us know what you think!
Menu
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.
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:
The Arthritis Society offers programs and services that support those with arthritis. These include:
Asthma Canada offers programs and services for those with Asthma and their caregivers. They perform advocacy, education and research in to this disease.
There is information on the connections between asthma and allergies as well as with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
A non-profit agency committed to providing hope, compassionate and informative assistance for anyone facing an unexpected pregnancy.
Services are free and confidential. They include:
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.
A toll-free number and website to connect with an information specialist who can answer questions about cancer and its impacts on life and health.
Maintains a public list of registered Physicians and Surgeons in Ontario.
Provides health services for people with chronic or infectious diseases who are unable to visit the doctor’s office. Services are provided by physicians, registered nurses, midwives, and outreach workers.
An on-site kiosk that allows individuals who do not have a permanent address to acquire an Ontario health card. A temporary health card number enables participants to access health care services and program staff assist in attaining a permanent card. Health cards are provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Provincial Ontario program that pairs Ontario residents with local doctor or nurse practitioners that are accepting new patients.
A free, confidential telephone service which provides health advice or general health information from a registered nurse.
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.
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:
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 via Instant Chat through the website.
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 contains information for local urgent care centres, hospital emergency departments, family doctors, managing chronic illness, prescriptions, and mental health.
Provides services surrounding provincial health insurance. Services include:
Offers primary health care services to people living in Hamilton who face barriers to traditional health programs.
Doctors and nurses assess and treat minor illnesses and injuries.
Staff includes:
Provides primary and holistic 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, pre and post-natal care and more.
Provides primary healthcare services to new immigrants, including refugees, and to those who face barriers in accessing culturally-appropriate healthcare services.
Services include:
Offers confidential services to support sexual health.
Services include:
Provides general health services and addiction services to people in Hamilton who do not have stable housing.
Provides mental health services to people in Hamilton who do not have stable housing.
Provides general health services to people in Hamilton who do not have stable housing.
Provides general health services to youth in Hamilton who do not have stable housing.
An 8-10 week program of one day per week that includes workshops, health activities, short excursions, and guest speakers to assist people living with diabetes and people who may be at risk of developing diabetes to develop skills with diabetes management and improve overall health.
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.
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.