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Check out this local guide to same-day, urgent-care health clinics

Region's emergency departments seeing 'record-high volumes ... making it more important than ever for residents to explore other care options for non-urgent concerns,' says co-chair of Barrie-area health team
InnisfilToday Staff
01102025healthcare
Stock image.Photo by Kaboompics.com

NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE AND AREA ONTARIO HEALTH TEAM
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The Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team (BAOHT) is helping residents navigate local same-day and urgent care clinic options through a new one-page guide.

The resource aims to support individuals and families access timely care when feeling unwell while helping to alleviate pressures on emergency departments, which are currently experiencing unprecedented patient volumes.

"Emergency departments in our region are seeing record-high volumes of patients, making it more important than ever for residents to explore other care options for non-urgent concerns,” says Leanne Weeks, BAOHT co-chair and vice-president, clinical and chief nursing executive, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. “We’re fortunate to have a variety of resources available, from virtual appointments to specialized clinics, that allow people to address their health needs quickly and efficiently. 

"This one-page guide helps residents find alternatives for same-day or urgent care, ensuring they receive timely care while keeping the emergency department available for true emergencies."

Residents with a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) should contact their provider’s office as a first step when feeling unwell. For those without a primary care provider, the one-page guide outlines a variety of available services to ensure that everyone in the region has access to the care they need without resorting to the emergency department for non-emergency issues.

Same day and urgent care options

  • Children’s Clinic at the Barrie Community Health Centre: This weekday clinic provides same-day or next-day appointments for coughs, fevers and flu-like symptoms children aged 0-5 years who do not have a primary care provider. For appointments call 705-734-9690.
  • Huronia Urgent Care Clinic: Treating patients with non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses. In addition to a wide range of services, the clinic offers on-site radiology, a minor procedure room, splint and cast application/removal, as well as on-site urinalysis, pregnancy and glucometer testing. Visit huroniaurgentcareclinic.com for more information.
  • Central Region Virtual Urgent Care Clinic: Residents can access same-day or next-day virtual appointments with a nurse practitioner for non-life-threatening conditions. To book a virtual appointment, visit regional-virtual-urgent-care.ca.
  • Pharmacy Services: Pharmacists are able to prescribe certain treatment options, including for some of the most common medical ailments. Services may vary by location. Contact your local pharmacy to inquire about specific prescriptions and services available. For more info, visit: ontario.ca/page/pharmacies
  • Emergency Department Minor Ailment Patient Pathway (MAPP) at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre: Offering same-day or next-day arrival times for patients to be assessed and treated for minor injuries to a limb (sprain, strain, or simple fracture etc.), minor symptoms of the flu, cold, or other respiratory illnesses such as RSV or COVID-19, minor symptoms of a potential urinary infection, or skin conditions such as a potential skin infection. To pre-book your arrival time, visit: rvh.on.ca/emergency.

The BAOHT continues to encourage people who do not have a primary provider to register with Health Care Connect – the provincial program to help people find a local family doctor or nurse practitioner by calling 1-800-445-1822 or visiting the website.

"We know that many residents in our area are struggling without a family care provider, and we’re working hard to bridge that gap," says Dr. Chibuike Chizea, BAOHT co-chair and physician with the Barrie Community Family Health Organization. "The newly opened Innisfil Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic has already been a valuable resource that will not only provide primary care, but also connect residents to a range of supports, including mental health services, dietitian consultations and rehabilitation therapy."

Located at the Rizzardo Health and Wellness Centre in Innisfil, this clinic is expected to serve more than 3,000 patients and offers services including primary care, registered dietitian consultations, mental health support, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

To download the one-page guide or learn more about local care options, visit baoht.ca/unwell.

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