The province and Ontario Health have launched Health Connect Ontario, a new tool that will allow Ontarians to call or chat online with a registered nurse and find the health care services and information they need all in one, easy-to-use website.
Health Connect Ontario will replace the former Telehealth Ontario. The government announcement says that they have added enhanced online tools that will allow individuals to call 811 or visit the website 24 hours a day, seven days a week to get health advice, help navigate health services and find information.
The goal is to avoid unnecessary visits to emergency departments and unneeded delays in accessing care, helping to preserve hospital capacity for when it is needed most so that the province can stay open. Government officials say that “this new modern service offers more choice and convenience for Ontarians seeking care and information, whether they have a primary care provider or not. It will help keep more people out of hospital and preserve beds for those who need them most.”
Health Connect Ontario brings patients to a single source where they can easily: Speak to or chat online with a registered nurse; Get help with finding a primary care provider if they don’t have one; Get an initial assessment and health advice; Use a symptom assessment tool to understand their health concerns and how to access care; Get connected to mental health and addictions services; Find local health services, such as home and community care or caregiver support; Get connected to a specialized health professional if they have concerns about food and healthy eating, breastfeeding or how to quit smoking; Get general guidance through their health care journey.
By calling 811, people will be able to speak to a qualified health professional, such as a registered nurse, day or night, in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Any calls made to Telehealth Ontario will be automatically re-directed to the new service. Search the database at Health Connect Ontario at healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca/
Community Care curbside pick-up of meal is on Thursday, July 28, 2022 with pick up at Milford Town Hall. Chef Bill Grieve of Wheelhouse and Occasions catering is preparing a scrumptious meal of roast beef, homemade soup, vegetables, potato, bread and coconut cream pie. The cost is $18/ meal and seniors 60+ can order by calling the office at 613-476-7493.
Order by 4:30p.m on Monday, July 25th at 613-476-7493.
-Debbie MacDonald Moynes