Bayfield Medical Clinic

03/24/2026

Sometimes people struggle silently because they simply don’t know where to turn.

Whether it’s anxiety, depression, substance use, or concerns about gambling, help is available — and it can start with a single conversation.

ConnexOntario is a free, confidential service that helps people across Ontario find the right mental health and addiction supports in their community. Their trained navigators can listen, answer questions, and connect you with counselling, treatment programs, crisis support, and other services.

No referral is needed. You don’t even have to give your name.

If you or someone you care about could use support, this is a safe place to start.

📞 Call: 1-866-531-2600
💬 Text: CONNEX to 247247
💻 Learn more or chat online: https://connexontario.ca/

Sometimes the first step is simply knowing that help exists.
Bayfield Medical Clinic

ConnexOntario offers free, confidential information on health services for those facing issues with alcohol, drugs, mental illness, or gambling. Get help today.

02/23/2026

Transportation is healthcare.

In rural communities, access to care doesn’t just depend on appointments — it depends on whether someone can physically get there.

We’re pleased to share an upcoming webinar hosted by Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health:
Bridging the Distance: Transportation Challenges & Solutions in Rural Regions

This important discussion will explore how transportation barriers impact health outcomes — and what innovative rural communities are doing to solve them.

Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen, BC Regional Innovation Chair (RIC) in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates

Panelists:
Stephanie Ellens-Clark, Executive Director, and Charlene Tolton, Manager of Programs and Services at ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services
Stephanie Stewart, Manager of Community Transit at County of Grey

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 12–1 PM ET
Location: Online via Zoom

Learn more and register here:
https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/lectureseries

At Bayfield Medical Clinic, we see firsthand how transportation affects timely access to care — from specialist appointments to diagnostic imaging and community supports. Conversations like this matter because practical, coordinated solutions are part of building stronger rural health systems.

If you are involved in rural healthcare, community services, municipal planning, or simply care about access in our region, this is worth attending.

Join Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health for their upcoming webinar on “Bridging the Distance: Transportation Challenges and Solutions in Rural Regions."

The keynote speaker is Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen, BC Regional Innovation Chair (RIC) in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates. She is joined by Stephanie Ellens-Clark, Executive Director and Charlene Tolton, Manager of Programs and Services at ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services, a not-for-profit based in Huron and Perth Counties. The final speaker is Stephanie Stewart, Manager of Community Transit at County of Grey.

📅 Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
⏰ 12 – 1 PM ET
📍 Online via Zoom

To learn more and register, visit: https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/lectureseries.

02/20/2026

Let’s take a thoughtful look at how access to care is being built — and the role we all play in making it work.

At Bayfield Medical Clinic, we are proud of the progress made in a short period of time. In just four months, we have rostered over 700 new patients. Each onboarding appointment requires time and careful documentation to meet Ministry standards and ensure safe, coordinated care. We currently have more than 1,500 individuals on our waiting list and continue moving through it in a structured and responsible way.

It is important to understand that being on the waiting list does not guarantee rostering. We regularly review our capacity to ensure we can provide safe, timely, and sustainable care. Rostering depends on available capacity when your name reaches the top of the list.

All intake calls come directly from Bayfield Medical Clinic. During this high-volume phase, a designated administrative team manages rostering calls and documentation to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

To protect continuity of care for current patients, rostering is handled by a separate intake team. Our in-office staff remain focused exclusively on clinical care and patient support. This separation protects appointment access and service quality for those already rostered.

Given the volume we are managing, individuals must be prepared when contacted. This means answering the phone, having health card information ready, and returning required forms promptly. If we cannot reach someone or required information is not available, we must continue moving forward with the list. In those cases, the individual is returned to the queue and contacted again when their turn comes around again. This is not punitive — it is the only fair and sustainable way to manage demand.

We ask those awaiting rostering to:
• Answer calls from Bayfield Medical Clinic
• Have health card information ready
• Return required forms promptly

Bayfield Medical Clinic maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for harassment, abusive language, or threatening behaviour toward our physicians or staff. Individuals who engage in harassment may be removed from the waiting list, may not be rostered, or, if already rostered, may be formally de-rostered in accordance with Ministry guidelines. Our team deserves a safe and respectful working environment.

We are committed to serving patients with professionalism and integrity, and we expect the same in return.

Together, we can continue strengthening access to care in a way that is sustainable, respectful, and community-focused.

02/18/2026

Bayfield Medical Clinic wants to share important information about the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) — a free, province-wide program aimed at early detection of breast cancer, which can make treatment more successful and improve outcomes.

If you are an Ontario resident who:

• is between 40 and 74 years old with no breast symptoms or personal history of breast cancer and haven’t had a mammogram in the last year, you are eligible to self-refer and book a screening mammogram every two years through the OBSP (covered by OHIP).

• are 30 to 69 years old and considered at high risk due to family history or certain genetic factors, you may be eligible for annual screening (talk with us to see if you qualify).

Why this matters:
Early detection through screening mammograms helps find cancer when it’s small — giving more treatment options and better chances of success.

No doctor referral is needed for most people to book your OBSP mammogram. You can call the OBSP Appointment Booking Line at 1-800-668-9304 or visit an OBSP location near you.

If you’re unsure whether breast screening is right for you, we’re here to talk through your risk, answer questions, and help you plan your care.

02/18/2026

Parenting and caregiving can come with challenging moments — and having the right tools can make a real difference.

Huron-Perth CAS is offering a free virtual workshop called “The Basics of Managing Challenging Behaviour.” This 2-session series is designed to help caregivers build practical, foundational skills to better understand and manage difficult behaviour in children and youth.

The final session takes place Tuesday, February 18 from 6:30–8:30 pm (online). Even if you missed the first session, you can still join.

These Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free.

To register: bit.ly/4kDGgQQ
Questions: CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
| 519-271-5290

At Bayfield Medical Clinic, we believe supporting families with practical, accessible resources is an important part of community health.

Session 2 of "The Basics of Managing Challenging Behaviour" is coming up! If you missed the first, you can still join us for the second part of this virtual workshop on building practical skills for managing tough behaviour moments.

The final session is Tuesday, February 18, 6:30-8:30pm, online. Scan the QR code or visit the link below to register:

bit.ly/4kDGgQQ

Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:

📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290

02/17/2026

Planning your birth control method can feel overwhelming with so many options available. We want to make that process easier for you.

Check out It’s a Plan, an online tool from The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada - SOGC designed to help you and your health care provider explore different contraception options and find what may best fit your needs. It’s user-friendly, informative, and guides you through questions about your health, lifestyle, and preferences to give you an idea of suitable choices.

This tool is meant to support conversations with your physician—it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice—but it’s a great starting point to learn more about the many contraceptive methods available in Canada.

Take a few minutes to explore it: https://www.itsaplan.ca/

At Bayfield Medical Clinic, we are committed to helping you make informed, confident decisions about your reproductive health and are always happy to discuss options with our patients.

02/13/2026

Diabetes management starts with understanding your blood sugar.

We’re sharing a helpful resource from Diabetes Canada — their Virtual Diabetes Education Program. This series offers free, expert-led online sessions designed to help individuals better understand diabetes, build confidence in self-management, and learn practical strategies they can apply in everyday life. Topics throughout the series include monitoring blood sugars, recognizing patterns, medication basics, nutrition guidance, and preventing complications — all delivered by certified diabetes educators in an accessible, supportive format.

The next session is titled “The Basics of Blood Glucose Management.”
It will focus specifically on:
• How to monitor your blood sugar effectively
• How to recognize patterns and trends
• How to manage highs and lows
• Tips to optimize day-to-day blood sugar control

Date: Thursday, February 26
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: Online via Zoom

Register here: https://ow.ly/UsEq50Y9opo

At Bayfield Medical Clinic, we believe education empowers patients to take control of their health with clarity and confidence.

02/10/2026

Looking for clear information about the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)?

Community Living - Central Huron is offering a virtual information session designed to help families better understand the Ontario Autism Program and how to access available supports.

This session will walk through how to register for OAP, how to access a care coordinator, and what programs and services may be available, all explained in a practical, easy-to-follow way.

Virtual Information Session: Access OAP
Wednesday, February 11
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Registration required

To register and receive the virtual link, email skirk@clch.ca

Opportunities like this can be very helpful for families navigating services or looking for clearer guidance. We’re happy to help share trusted local resources with our community.

Virtual Training Session: Access OAP

Want to better understand the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and how to access supports? Join us for a virtual learning session that breaks it down in a clear, practical way.

📅 Virtual session
📝 Registration required

Register for this great learning opportunity!
See the attached information for session details and how to sign up.

02/10/2026

Struggling with low mood, anxiety, overthinking, or feeling stuck?

Many people don’t realize that free, evidence-based mental health support is available to adults (18+) across Ontario through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program.

OSP offers short-term cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can help with managing thoughts, emotions, and daily stressors. Depending on your needs, support may include self-guided programs with a coach, or group or individual therapy with a clinician, offered virtually, by phone, or in person.

If you’re finding things harder lately, this can be a helpful first step and no referral is required.

Learn more and register directly through the Ontario Health website.

Mental health is health, and support matters.

𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?

Adults (18+) can access free, short-term cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program.

CBT can help you manage your thoughts and behaviour to make it easier to handle difficult emotions and situations.

𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀, 𝗢𝗦𝗣 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵:

• self-led resources guided by a coach (online or over the phone)
• group or individual therapy with a clinician (in-person or virtual)

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽, 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗦𝗣 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆: ontariohealth.ca/clinical/mental-health-addictions/structured-psychotherapy

02/06/2026

At Bayfield Medical Clinic, we believe staying well goes beyond appointments — it includes movement, balance, and staying connected within your community.

ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services is offering a wide range of community health, wellness, and social programs across Huron–Perth this winter, including falls-prevention exercise classes, blood pressure clinics, wellness programs, and opportunities to stay socially connected. Many programs are available both in person and virtually.

If you or someone you care for could benefit, take a moment to explore the programs listed and see what’s available in your community.

02/05/2026

Menopause can bring real changes to joint health, pain, and inflammation — and for many women, arthritis symptoms can feel worse during this stage of life.

Arthritis Society Canada recently shared an excellent webinar exploring the connection between menopause and arthritis, with practical, evidence-based strategies to help women better understand their bodies and manage symptoms.

If you’re navigating menopause and joint pain, this is a trusted resource worth watching.

Watch the full talk here: https://arthritis.ca/menopause-arthritis-support

Thank you to Arthritis Society Canada and the Menopause Foundation of Canada for this important work.

Missed our latest Arthritis Talks webinar?

Catch up with physician, scientist and professor, Dr. Iliana Lega and registered dietitian Lalitha Taylor as they explore the connection between menopausal changes and arthritis and tips to regain control of your body.

Get the facts on menopause and arthritis from trusted healthcare professionals. Thank you to the Menopause Foundation of Canada for partnering with us!

🎥 Watch now: https://arthritis.ca/support-education/arthritis-talks-webinars/menopause-arthritis-support-strategies-solutions/

✅ Follow Menopause Foundation of Canada for more information or visit: menopausefoundationcanada.ca

02/05/2026

Dealing with low back pain? Movement can be an important part of recovery — but the right exercises matter.

We’re sharing a trusted patient resource that outlines a range of low back exercises commonly used to improve mobility, strength, and comfort. These exercises are often part of physiotherapy-guided care and can support recovery when done correctly.

Before starting any new back exercises, we strongly recommend checking in with a physiotherapist to ensure the approach is appropriate for your specific symptoms and condition.

You can explore the resource here:
https://lowbackrac.ca/patients/exercises-for-patients/

At Bayfield Medical Clinic, we’re happy to share evidence-based tools that support safe movement, pain management, and long-term spine health.

Take care of your back — and get the right guidance first.