FAMILY HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Why do I need a family physician?
In Canada, your family doctor is your main entry point to the healthcare system. Family doctors have expert knowledge of the wide range of common problems experienced by patients. They recognize and consider personal and professional stress that may affect you. They know that providing you with the best care requires us to diagnose and treat your condition and understand who you are and how your illness affects you. They want to help work with you to prevent chronic illness and support a healthy, functional and fulfilling lifestyle. They work with other specialist physicians and allied health professionals such as nurses, social workers, dieticians, pharmacists and therapists to provide the best healthcare services.
How can I get a family physician? I really want to join Unify!
If you do not have a family physician, you can find one through Ontario's Online Portal or by searching the CPSO database. Our current general waitlist is over 3500 hundred patients - however, we are working with the Ministry of Health to accept patients from ‘high-needs’ areas in our community.
If you live in the M4G, M4N, M4P, M4R, M4S, M5M, M5N, M5P or M4C postal codes, please email us at info@unifyhealth.ca with the subject line “New Patient” and request to be added to our waitlist. While we cannot guarantee enrolment at this stage, our goal is to welcome new patients into Unify Health so they can access the many benefits of being part of our team, including online booking, integrated care with our specialists and allied health professionals, virtual and in-person visits, after-hours coverage for urgent issues five days per week, and the exceptional support of our administrative and clinical staff.
Why is it so hard to get a family doctor in Ontario?
It is difficult to get a family doctor in Ontario because there is a province-wide shortage of primary care providers, with many physicians retiring or reducing their practices faster than new doctors are entering the system. At the same time, rising patient demand from an aging population and limited government funding for new practice models have created long waitlists and gaps in access to care
I have a family physician, but I’m interested in being seen at Unify Health
Patients may wish to switch or transfer to a new family physician for various reasons. It is in the interest of everyone involved that the patient/doctor relationship be positive. If patients are unhappy with their current family physician, they are encouraged to speak with their family doctor directly about any concerns. There is currently an extensive waitlist for family physicians at our clinic. However, if you want to be seen by one of our specialists, please see your family physician to discuss and if deemed appropriate, obtain a referral.
Can my wife and kids have the same family physician as me?
Of course! There are some significant advantages to having the entire family be cared for by the same family physician. The doctor would still treat everyone confidentially as required but would understand the many interconnected social and emotional aspects affecting your family’s wellness. Speak to your family physician and you can ask if they can accept to have your family members enrolled as patients. Note: most of our family doctors currently have full practices and are not accepting patients at this time.
I have a medical issue, and it's urgent but not an emergency. Can I be seen?
Please call 911 or go to your local emergency department for any emergency. For urgent issues, we run a same-day appointment-based walk-in service for patients who are registered with our family practice. Examples of issues commonly seen are urinary infections, sore throats, joint pain, rashes or pregnancy issues etc. Click the “Make an Appointment” button below to make an appointment to be seen.
After-Hours Care for Family Medicine Patients
We are pleased to offer after-hours care for our rostered family medicine patients:
Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturdays: 4-hour clinic (timing varies)
These appointments are reserved for urgent issues that cannot wait for a routine visit. Patients may book online or by calling 416-487-2442 during clinic hours.
Please note: After-hours visits are not for prescription renewals or form requests. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.