Navigating Health Care in West Parry Sound: Local Resources to Help You Access Care 

Navigating the health care system can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when trying to find the right care for your needs. Whether you’re facing a minor ailment, needing a routine check-up, or seeking urgent care, it can be challenging to know where to turn. Knowing what options are available locally is the first step to knowing where to turn to receive the best possible and most appropriate care for you and your family.  

Primary Care 

Primary care is the day-to-day health care given by your primary health care provider (i.e. Nurse Practitioner or Family Physician).  Primary Health Care providers provide care across the lifespan of their patients.  They should be your first point of contact within the care system and are responsible for coordinating specialist care.  Your primary care provider would be your first point of contact for routine checkups, screening, non-emergent health needs, the management of chronic conditions, seeking referrals to specialists, and prescription refills.   Since your primary care provider typically sees you over an extended period, they get to know your medical history, preferences, and unique health needs, allowing them to offer personalized advice and care.  In the West Parry Sound area we are lucky to have a variety of primary care providers including two family health team clinics and a nurse-practitioner led clinic, which is operated by West Parry Sound Health Centre.  

West Parry Sound Rural Nurse Practitioner-led Clinics 

Our Rural Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic (linked to Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic page) is a centralized clinic that manages and operates six rural sites that service approximately 6,000 km2 in the West Parry Sound area.   The mandate of the NPLC is provide primary care to registered patients. These clinics are designed to provide primary health care services to residents of rural and remote areas, where access to providers may be limited. 

Their mandate, under the province of Ontario’s Ministry of Health, is to provide primary care to registered patients.  

Recognizing that access to care in the rural North, can be challenging, our NPLC sites all do their best to provide same-day appointments for simple issues, when possible.  They are however unable to accommodate walk-in appointments and encourage you to call the site you wish to visit to check availability. Our team understands regional difficulties in accessing care, especially during seasonal fluctuations, as such, when possible, they do their best to provide appointments to non-registered patients.  These appointments are outside of their mandate and limited.  

Emergency Care 

For more urgent needs or situations that require immediate attention, the West Parry Sound Health Centre’s Emergency Department is here to serve the community. The hospital provides comprehensive emergency care, ensuring that you have access to the necessary treatment when time is of the essence. We understand that not all trips to our ED are for urgent care.  In order to help patients plan their visit, WPSHC has created our Emergency Department Wait Time Tracker (linked to Wait Time Tracker Page). This tool uses current department volumes and historical data to provide estimated wait times, offering a helpful guide for your visit.  

However, please keep in mind that due to changes in volume or sudden urgent cases, the tracker’s wait times may be affected. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize care based on medical need. 

Virtual Care with the North East Virtual Care Clinic 

Did you know that you can access virtual appointments through the North East Virtual Care Clinic? The North East Virtual Care Clinic is a Nurse Practitioner-led virtual care clinic that works with local health care providers to ensure patients can access more timely care. They serve patients within the Ontario Health North East region which spans from White River to the Quebec border and Peawanuck to Parry Sound.  

The Virtual Care Clinic serve patients throughout the region, who require timely medical care. Examples of those they care for include:  

• Patients with new or persistent cough, fever, rash or other similar symptoms  
• Patients with imminent concerns but are not life or limb threatening  
• Patients with or without a primary care provider  

They work with hospitals to refer patients to their local Emergency Department if needed and provide information on Health811 for patients seeking a primary care provider. To book an appointment visit https://www.nevirtualcare.ca/ or call 1-888-684-1999.  

Health 811: Ontario’s Virtual Care  

Another valuable tool in navigating the health care system is Health 811, a free, confidential service that provides health information and advice. By calling 811, you can speak with a registered nurse who can help you assess your symptoms, offer guidance on what to do next, and recommend whether you should seek in-person care. This service is especially helpful for individuals who are unsure about the severity of their symptoms or need advice about managing a health concern before seeing a doctor. 

Health 811 can help you determine whether you need to visit the emergency room, contact your family doctor, or use other community resources. It’s a trusted source for immediate, professional advice that can give you peace of mind, especially when you’re unsure of how to proceed with your health concerns. 

Phone: 811  
TTY: 1-866-797-0007  

The North Bay- Parry Sound Public Health Unit Sexual Health Clinic 

For sexual health services, the North Bay Parry Sound Public Health Unit Sexual Health Clinic is an invaluable resource for those in the West Parry Sound region. This clinic provides confidential services to individuals seeking advice or treatment regarding sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control, and sexual health education. 

Call 705-746-5801 ext. 3213 or 1-800-563-2808 ext. 3213 to book an appointment. At the Sexual Health Clinic, you’ll find a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where you can have an open discussion about your sexual health. The clinic is staffed by administrative assistants, public health nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians.  

Mental Health and Addictions Navigation 

The West Parry Sound Health Centre’s Mental Health and Addictions Services (linked to Mental Health and Addictions Services Page) is designed to bridge the gap between hospital care, community and social services, and the primary care sector. This innovative space brings together a dedicated team of professionals, including an inpatient social worker, the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic, and many more specialists focused on mental health and addiction support. By fostering seamless collaboration across various services, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for our communities, ensuring they have access to the wrap-around supports they need for improved well-being.  Our office is open Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  You can reach us by calling 705-746-4540 ext. 1339.  Our team will work with you to direct you to the most appropriate service and to walk you through how to access programs and services.   

You can find more information about local after-hours services on their landing page.  If you feel that you are in an acute crisis and need immediate assistance do not hesitate to go to the nearest Emergency Department.  West Parry Sound Health Centre’s Mental Health Nurse Navigator works closely with our Emergency Department to connect people to the care they need.   

Health care organizations in West Parry Sound continue to work together to offer more flexible and accessible options, from virtual care to local clinics and pharmacies. While navigating the system can feel daunting at times, it’s important to know that you don’t have to do it alone. With a range of services at your fingertips, we are working to make it easier for you to find the right care for your needs, when you need it.