The Emergency Departments are experiencing high volumes of patients who need care. Please be prepared to wait. The most serious cases are treated first.
Not all health concerns need emergency care. You can also book a virtual visit or go to an urgent care clinic for these concerns. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
Thank you for your patience.
Ontario’s healthcare system offers a range of services to support your health.
Whether you need routine care, urgent help, or specialized treatment, knowing and understanding your options makes it easier to get the care you need when you need it.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those with valid work permits living in Ontario may qualify for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). OHIP covers the cost of most healthcare services.
While most health services are paid for by OHIP, some are not. For others, OHIP only covers part of the cost. If you need these services, you will have to pay for them or use private health insurance.
If you do not have a valid health card, you will also need to pay or use private insurance when you get healthcare in Ontario.
You must have a medical reason to get a service or treatment for it to be covered by OHIP. OHIP pays for all or part of the cost of many health services, including:
Some services are not paid for by OHIP, including:
Ontario doctors are covered by public healthcare through OHIP, so anyone with a valid OHIP card does not need to pay to see one. If you need to see a doctor, you can visit a family doctor or walk-in clinic.
A family doctor or nurse practitioner is the person you make an appointment with when you have a new health concern that is not an emergency. They are also your main contact for regular check-ups and guidance on staying healthy. Family doctors and nurse practitioners can:
If you cannot wait for an appointment with your family doctor or you do not have one, walk-in clinics can also treat illnesses and injuries that do not need emergency care.
To find a family doctor in Ontario, register with Health Care Connect. A nurse will help you search for a family doctor or nurse practitioner in your community. You can also call local doctors’ offices directly to ask if they are accepting new patients.
If you live in Waterloo Wellington and need help finding a family doctor, you can also call Ontario Health atHome at 519-748-2222.
Walk-in clinics are there for people who do not have a family doctor or need care when theirs is not available. To find a nearby clinic, call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca. 211 is a helpful service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that connects you to local health and community support.
Virtual care, also called telehealth, lets people in Ontario talk to a doctor or nurse using a phone, computer, or tablet. It helps people get care without going to a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. If you need health services or advice in Ontario, virtual care may be a helpful way to find support. You can use resources like Health811 to speak with a nurse for advice or 211 Ontario to get help finding local health services. These resources make it easier to access the care you need, right from your home.
Community pharmacies do more than just fill prescriptions. They can help you with everyday health concerns by prescribing medicine, offering advice on quitting smoking or managing diabetes, and providing select vaccines to help keep you healthy. To learn more about what they offer, contact your local pharmacy or visit the Government of Ontario’s website.
In Ontario, seniors’ care and long-term care homes are there to help adults who need extra support. These homes provide 24-hour care, including help with everyday tasks like eating, bathing, and dressing, so residents can feel safe and comfortable. You can learn more about long-term care in Ontario and the different options available from Ontario Health atHome.
If you need healthcare from a specialist, your doctor will need to give you a referral — this is the only way to see a specialist in Ontario. You can learn more about specialists and what they do at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) website.
If you need immediate help, call 9-1-1.
Hospital emergency departments treat serious illnesses and injuries. They are open all day and night, every day of the year. If you are having a medical emergency, go to the emergency department right away. A doctor or nurse will check your condition and make sure you get the care you need.
If it is not an emergency, you should choose a different healthcare option, like your family doctor or a walk-in clinic. Some examples of medical emergencies include:
In the emergency department, the most serious patients are treated first, so you may need to wait for care. Remember to bring your health card if you have one, a complete list of any medicines you are taking, and a phone or contact list. Emergency care is available at WRHN @ Midtown and WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd.
Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) bring community organizations and healthcare providers together to share resources and better coordinate services and care, making healthcare more connected and easier to access for everyone who needs it.
Each Ontario Health Team includes different types of organizations and providers, such as:
WRHN is a member of the KW4 Ontario Health Team (KW4 OHT), which serves Kitchener, Waterloo, Wellesley, Woolwich, and Wilmot. You can learn more about their initiatives and how to get care by visiting their website.
