Western York Region OHT

09/25/2025

Not sure where to go when you need urgent care? Check out this quick guide from our partner Mackenzie Health 👇

Our Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centre are here to help you when you or your loved ones are in need. Here is a guide to help you decide where to go:

🚨 Emergency Department: If you’re facing life-threatening conditions like chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms or major injuries, head straight to the Emergency Department. These situations require immediate, advanced medical care.

🩹 Urgent Care Centre: For non-life-threatening issues like minor fractures, sprains, infections or moderate cuts, our Urgent Care Centre is the best choice. It’s ideal for after-hours care when your doctor’s office is closed but the situation isn’t an emergency.

Remember: if it’s life-threatening, don’t hesitate – call 911 or head to your closest Emergency Department.

Learn more here: https://www.mackenziehealth.ca/programs-services/emergency-and-urgent-care

09/25/2025

Do you need care urgently, but can’t get an appointment with a family doctor? Accessing high-quality care in the Central region is just a click away! Visit virtualcareclinic.ca to connect with a nurse practitioner virtually for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions.

09/19/2025

What is an Ontario Health Team (OHT)? An OHT connects local health and social care providers – like doctors, hospitals and community services – to work as one team. This means you get care that is more connected, easier to navigate and be better supported with transitions between services.

Learn more about the Western York Region OHT: https://westernyorkregionoht.ca/about-wyr-oht/

08/28/2025

If you need access to safe, high-quality care over the Labour Day weekend, visit VirtualCareClinic.ca to access assessments, diagnosis and treatment online for urgent non-life-threatening conditions. The virtual care clinic is open 7 days a week, 1-9 p.m., including holidays.

08/20/2025

As summer winds down, it’s time to check in on your child’s health and well-being before the school year begins. Here’s a checklist to help get the process started:

✔ Ensure immunizations are up to date: Check with your child’s primary care provider or public health unit.

✔ Mental health check-in: Talk to your child about how they’re feeling about going back to school.

✔ Start resuming healthy habits: Start easing back into school-year routines – like regular meals, adjusting sleep schedules and screen time limits.

08/07/2025

Summer is a great time to check in on loved ones. If you or someone you know needs help finding health or social services, AccessHealthAndSupports.ca makes it easy to connect with someone who can help find the right services nearby.

Whether you live in York Region, South Simcoe or Uxbridge, care is just a call away. Visit accesshealthandsupports.ca to get connected.

07/30/2025

Spending time outdoors, even just a few minutes, can help lower stress, improve mood, and boost creativity and focus. Here are some easy ways to unplug and recharge in nature this summer:
☀️Walk in your local park
☀️Sit in the shade
☀️Move your lunch break outside
Small moments in nature can make a big difference!

07/24/2025

Your voice matters! The Western York Region Ontario Health Team is looking for Patient and Family Advisors (PFAs) to join our Patient and Family Advisory Council.

If you’ve been a patient, family member or caregiver in King, Vaughan or Richmond Hill, this is your chance to help improve local health care.

By sharing your experiences and ideas, you can shape how care is planned and delivered in our community. Collaborate in teams, planning sessions and focus groups to make a real difference for patients, families and caregivers.

Ready to get involved? 👉 Visit westernyorkregionoht.ca/pfac to learn more and apply today.

Know someone who might be interested? 📢 Share this post and encourage them to apply!

07/24/2025

: Taking care of people is hard, especially when you’re running on empty.
If you're in health care like our amazing staff (pictured here, in their self-care era), chances are you’re going above and beyond for those in your care – at work, and at home. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. This Self-Care Day, we’re asking one thing: Pause. Breathe. Do one small thing for you today. You deserve that and more.

Poll:
Tell us — how do you recharge when you’re overwhelmed?

Going for a walk or getting fresh air
Talking to someone I trust
Rest/sleep/time alone
I don’t (but I probably should)
Other

07/22/2025

Heading out in the heat? High temperatures can damage or reduce the effectiveness of some medications. Keep them safe by:
💊Storing in a cool, dry place
💊Avoiding leaving medication in hot cars
💊Packing extras when travelling
Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions about storing medications safely this summer.

07/15/2025

Measles is highly contagious – but preventable. Make sure you and your family are up to date on measles vaccinations.

The measles vaccine is publicly funded in Ontario and two doses give nearly 100% protection.

Not sure if you’re protected? Contact your primary care provider or local public health unit.

07/08/2025

Hot weather can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children and people with chronic conditions. Know the signs of heat stroke. Watch for symptoms like:
• High body temperature
• Confusion
• Dizziness or fainting
• No sweating, even in the heat

Heat stroke is a medical emergency – call 911 or your local emergency number if you experience any of these symptoms in extreme heat. Learn more at ontario.ca/page/extreme-heat