Resources:
Below are some key contacts for matters related to healthcare
- Visit Ontario Health to find hospital wait times in Ontario for surgeries or diagnostic imaging.
- Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP): Provides coverage for many healthcare services. More information can be found on the Ontario Health website. https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card
- Telehealth Ontario: A free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information from a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 811 or chat online: https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/home
- ConnexOntario: Offers free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness, or gambling. Visit ConnexOntario or call 1-866-531-2600.
- Trillium Drug Program: Helps people who have high prescription drug costs relative to their household income. Visit the Trillium Drug Program for more details.
Filing Complaints
- Patient Ombudsman: Handles complaints about public hospitals, long-term care homes, and home and community care services. Visit the Patient Ombudsman website or call 1-888-321-0339.
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): If you have a complaint about a doctor, you can contact the CPSO. Visit the CPSO website or call 1-800-268-7096.
- Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Complaints: For issues related to OHIP, you can contact ServiceOntario. Visit the ServiceOntario website or call 1-866-532-3161.
- Long-Term Care ACTION Line: For complaints about long-term care homes, call 1-866-434-0144.
- Health Services Appeal and Review Board (HSARB): Reviews decisions made by health regulatory colleges and other health organizations. Visit the HSARB website for more information.
- Ontario Ombudsman: Investigates complaints about provincial government services, including healthcare. Visit the Ontario Ombudsman website or call 1-800-263-1830.
- Health Quality Ontario (HQO): Provides information on how to file complaints about healthcare quality. Visit the HQO website for more details.
- Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs): If you have concerns about home and community care services, you can contact your local LHIN. Find your LHIN on the Ontario Health website.
- Office of the Chief Coroner: For complaints related to deaths that may require investigation, contact the Office of the Chief Coroner. Visit the Office of the Chief Coroner website.
- Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE): Provides legal advice and representation for seniors. Visit the ACE website or call 1-855-598-2656.
- ARCH Disability Law Centre: Offers legal services and support for people with disabilities. Visit the ARCH website or call 1-866-482-2724.
Advocacy
These organizations can offer valuable support and advocacy for various healthcare issues.
- Ontario Medical Association (OMA): Advocates for doctors and patients, providing recommendations to improve the healthcare system. Visit the OMA website.
- Canadian Health Advocates Inc.: Offers support by providing medical reviews, developing treatment plans, and communicating with healthcare providers. Visit the Canadian Health Advocates Inc. website.
- Patient Ombudsman: Helps resolve complaints from patients, residents, and caregivers about experiences in Ontario’s public hospitals, long-term care homes, and home care. Visit the Patient Ombudsman website
- Ontario Health Coalition: Advocates for public healthcare services and policies. Visit the Ontario Health Coalition website.
- Cancer Care Ontario: Provides advocacy and resources for cancer patients. Visit the Cancer Care Ontario website.
- Hamilton Family Health Team: Offers various support groups and workshops for different health issues. Visit the Hamilton Family Health Team website1.
- St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton: Provides mental health and addiction services, including support groups. Visit the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton website.
- Good Shepherd Centres: Offers mental health and addiction services, including crisis support and housing. Visit the Good Shepherd Centres website.
Wellwood: Provides support services for people living with cancer, including support groups and wellness programs. Visit the Wellwood website.
AbleLiving Services: Offers support and services for individuals with disabilities. Visit the AbleLiving Services website.
- Seniors for Seniors: Provides companionship and support services for seniors. Visit the Seniors for Seniors website.
- Speqtrum Hamilton: Offers support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. Visit the Speqtrum Hamilton website.
These resources should help you find the right avenue for addressing your healthcare concerns. If you need more specific information or assistance, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 905-628-2755.