Fewer residents on wait-list for doctor or nurse practitioner

The Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team (HPE OHT) states it has reduced the Health Care Connect wait list for residents registered before Jan. 1, 2025, from 11,105 unattached patients to zero.

“The commitment of many health system partners allowed us to reach this milestone, and we are now focused on connecting the remaining unattached residents in our region,” said co-leads Barinder Gill, Dr. Sarah Le Blanc and Dr. Robert Pincock, in a statement. “While we celebrate this important step forward, we remain focused on the residents who are still waiting and will continue working together until everyone has access to the care they need.”

The HPE OHT and Primary Care Network are now focused on connecting the remaining residents on the provincial wait list to a family physician or nurse practitioner. There are 3,226 unattached patients remaining on the Health Care Connect wait list who registered after Jan. 1, 2025.

“However, we know this is an under-representation: there are many more individuals who do not have a family doctor/nurse practitioner, or who have one outside of the region and must travel long distances for non-urgent care,” the co-leads state. “Those two cohorts are strongly encouraged to register with Health Care Connect as this is the single pathway to a family doctor/nurse practitioner and comprehensive care.”

“The commitment of many health system partners allowed us to reach this milestone, and we are now focused on connecting the remaining unattached residents in our region. Our physicians, nurse practitioners, and health-care teams care deeply about the people of Hastings Prince Edward, and this achievement reflects that commitment,” added Le Blanc. “We are grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise, and leadership to improve access to care. While we celebrate this important step forward, we remain focused on the residents who are still waiting and will continue
working together until everyone has access to the care they need.”

To register, visit the Health Care Connect website or call 8-1-1. All that is required is a valid Ontario Health Card and a current mailing address associated with the health card.

Residents already on the wait list should ensure their contact information is current so they can be reached when a family physician or nurse practitioner becomes available.