Increased Access to Primary Care Providers

Windsor’s Advocacy Working Group’s goal is to increase timely access to Primary Care providers for children and their families.

According to the Primary Care Data Reports for Ontario Health Teams (2022), 32,118 people, including 6,998 children between the ages of 0-14, in Windsor-Essex County are not attached to a Primary Care Provider.

Below is a list of community resources which can support residents in finding a Primary Care Provider in Windsor-Essex County. Click the resource title to visit their website. 

Health Care Connect (Health811) can assist Ontarians with the search for a family healthcare provider.

• Visit Health Connect Ontario or call 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007)
• To register with Healthcare Connect, call to speak to a representative who will ask a short series of questions OR register online.
• After you’ve registered with Health Care Connect, you will be assigned a Care Connector who will help you find a healthcare provider in your area. Your Care Connector will be your main point of contact with the program. You will receive contact information for your Care Connector by mail after you have registered for the program.

Search for Doctors in Windsor-Essex County

• Visit Essex County Medical Society’s website to view a list of local doctors who are currently accepting new patients in our region.
• Use The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario “Doctor Search” to view a full list of Physicians in Windsor-Essex County. You can reach out to Physician offices directly to see if they are accepting new patients!

211 Ontario

211 is a helpline that connects people with the social services, programs, and community supports they need. This service is confidential, and you do not have to give your name or personal details.

To use this service, you can:

• Visit the 211 website and use the search bar to find services.
• Call 211 (Toll-Free 1-877-330-3213). The helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and this service is available in 150+ languages!
• Text 211 from Monday to Friday, 7am to 9am ET.
• Email gethelp@211ontario.ca. Emails are monitored Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm ET.

Windsor Essex Community Health Centres

Community Health Centres (CHCs) provide high-quality primary care services with health promotion programs, illness prevention programs, and community development initiatives.

There are six locations throughout Windsor-Essex County, which include Street Health, Sandwich, Teen Health, Diabetes Wellness, Leamington, and Pickwick. In addition to these locations, they offer many services at community partners’ locations across Windsor and Essex County.

To inquire about CHC services, contact them directly at 519-253-8481.

To view CHC locations in Windsor, check out this Google Map – Windsor Essex Community Health Centre

To learn more about Leamington’s CHC, click here

Immigrant & Refugee Health Clinic

The Immigrant Health Clinic is a one-stop service where newcomers can get their immediate primary health-care needs met and be connected to a long-term primary care provider. Care is available in multiple languages from a diverse team that includes nurse practitioners, registered practical nurses, family service caseworkers and a range of administrative support.

• The clinic is located at 250 Tecumseh Road East in Windsor Ontario and is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
• Outreach services are available in other locations in Windsor-Essex. Please contact Immigrant Health Clinic for more details. Phone: 519-916-4370 x2, Fax: 1-855-634-9584

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre

SOAHAC’s purpose is to improve access to, and the quality of, health services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the spirit of partnership, mutual respect, and sharing. To learn more, call 1-877-454-0753 or email info@soahac.on.ca

As an Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHAC), it provides innovative, Indigenous-informed health care through a combination of health and social services including:

• Traditional healing
• Primary health care
• Health promotion services
• Cultural programs
• Community development initiatives
• Social support services

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Card Replacement Services

Visit Service Ontario’s website to learn more about health cards, eligibility, and coverage.

To replace a health card, contact Service Ontario at 519-973-1385 (Toll Free 1-800-268-1154), or visit 400 City Hall Square East, Suite 205.

WECHU’s Nurse Practitioner Clinic

• Offers free regular pre-natal and postnatal care for women, as well as care for infants and children up to six years of age who do not have a healthcare provider OR do not have Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage.
• The Nurse Practitioners can assess, diagnose, and treat common health conditions, as well as provide other services, such as:
  • Healthy lifestyle counselling, including mental health promotion.
  • Wellness care, including immunizations.
  • Well-baby checks.
  • Consultation with other health care providers.
  • Referrals to specialists, community programs, and support services.
• For an appointment, contact the Health Practitioner Hotline Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at 519-258-2146 ext. 1223.

Online – Urgent Care Ontario

• Virtual urgent care is available for all residents in Southwestern Ontario experiencing a medical issue that is not life threatening but requires urgent medical attention.
• Appointment costs are fully covered with an Ontario health card.
• If you are in severe distress, call 911 and do not drive yourself to the hospital. If you’re having a medical emergency or your symptoms worsen while you’re waiting for a virtual appointment, visit your nearest emergency department or urgent care centre in person.

Learn More About Access to Primary Care

This map provides an overview of Team Based Primary Care organizations located in the ProsperUs Priority Neighbourhoods. Click on an organization on the map to view their address, website, and contact information!