Primary care is the foundation of Ontario's health care system and is often the first point of access to health care services for individuals. The main primary care providers are family doctors and nurse practitioners.

Primary care:

• Supports people at every stage of life

• Provides comprehensive care that promotes health and well-being

• Connects patients to specialists and other resources when needed

• Prevents, identifies and treats illnesses

Learn more here.

Health Care Connect is an Ontario government program that connects residents with family doctors or nurse practitioners.

To use Health Care Connect, you must:

• Not currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner

• Have a valid Ontario health card

• Have an up-to-date mailing address associated with your health card

Complete the Health Care Connect form online or call 8-1-1 to register. You will be asked to answer a few basic questions about your health care needs.

If you need help registering, please call us at 705-529-6367 and a North Simcoe OHT staff member will be happy to assist you.

Once you are registered through Health Care Connect, the North Simcoe OHT will work with our Care Connector to help you find a doctor or nurse practitioner as quickly as possible.

Connection times vary depending on health care provider availability, your health needs, and your location. While we can’t guarantee how quickly you’ll be matched, our team is working with local family doctors and nurse practitioners to connect residents as soon as possible.

If you need medical care before being connected with a family doctor or nurse practitioner:

Please visit a North Simcoe Family Health Team Nurse Practitioner at the Same Day/Next Day Access Clinic. Click here to learn how to book an appointment.

• For emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

• For non-emergency care, you can access available healthcare services in the North Simcoe community by visiting the “Where to go if you feel unwell” webpage for a list of services.

• If you need assistance finding the right service, please call the North Simcoe Community Helpline at 1-844-806-3093.

For questions about Health Care Connect, please call 8-1-1. If you need help registering, please call 705-529-6367. A North Simcoe OHT staff member will be happy to assist you.