Respiratory Illness Season is Here

With the arrival of respiratory illness season, COVID-19, influenza, and other viruses are circulating in our community. The HPA-OHT including Huron Perth Public Health, local family health teams, community health centres, and our hospital emergency departments are committed to helping you and your loved ones stay healthy during this period.
More Information

Why it matters, and to whom

This guide is for residents of Huron and Perth counties to understand when and how to access various healthcare services. It provides clear instructions for immediate medical emergencies, virtual urgent care, mental health crises, and non-emergency medical options. Healthcare providers, community members, and caregivers will find this resource invaluable for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Next steps

Familiarize yourself with the different services and contact information. Bookmark this guide for quick reference during emergencies or routine healthcare needs. Share it with family and friends to ensure they are prepared.

When to Access Emergency Services

Virtual  Urgent Care Options

Consider virtual urgent care services available from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily for non-life-threatening medical issues requiring immediate attention. Book an appointment at UrgentCareOntario.ca.

Mental Health and Crisis Services

9-8-8: Dial or text 9-8-8 to connect with a trained responder for immediate support during emotional distress or crisis.

Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team: For urgent mental health crises, contact 1-888-829-7484. Available 24/7, the team provides immediate intervention and follow-up care. Visit Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance – Crisis Programs (hpha.ca) for more information.

Kids Help Phone: For youth in need of urgent help, call 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868 or visit the Kids Help Phone for 24/7 support.

When to Access Non-Emergency Medical Options

Primary Care: Contact your family doctor or nurse practitioner when you need routine medical care, follow-up appointments, prescription renewals, or management of chronic conditions. They can provide comprehensive care and guide you to the appropriate services.  For a list of Family Health Teams in Huron Perth see Family Health Teams in Huron and Perth (southwesthealthline.ca) and Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre – southwesthealthline.ca.

Unattached Care Clinic (UCC): If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, the Unattached Care Clinic offers acute, chronic, and preventive care services. Visit one of the UCC locations in Stratford, Listowel, Wingham, Goderich, Zurich, or Exeter. Appointments are required—call the clinic nearest you.

Need a Primary Care Provider?: If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, Health Care Connect can help. This free program, launched by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, connects Ontarians to healthcare providers accepting new patients in their community. To register, call 1-800-445-1822 or visit the Health Care Connect website to sign up online.

Health811: Use this service for immediate health advice available 24/7 from registered nurses. Call 811, visit ontario.ca/health811, or use the TTY line at 1-866-797-0007 for guidance on managing symptoms, understanding treatment options, or deciding whether you need to see a healthcare provider.

Ontario Virtual Care Clinic: Ideal for less complex health issues such as minor illnesses or injuries. Visit Ontario Virtual Care Clinic for a virtual consultation with a healthcare provider. 

After-Hours Clinics in Huron Perth: Visit after-hours clinics for urgent but non-severe conditions when you cannot wait for an appointment with your primary care provider. Always call ahead to confirm hours and availability. Clinics in Huron and Perth (southwesthealthline.ca).

When to Access Paramedicine Services

Perth County Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Team and Huron County Community Paramedicine Program: These services are for individuals with complex health needs requiring ongoing management or assistance in navigating the health system. They provide tailored in-home care, making them ideal for those with mobility issues or limited access to traditional healthcare services. Your healthcare provider can make a referral for these services.

When to Access Community Pharmacies 

Pharmacists: For treatments of common ailments like acne, acid reflux, canker sores, cold sores, dermatitis, diaper rash, hay fever, hemorrhoids, impetigo, insect bites and hives, menstrual cramps, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, oral thrush, parasitic worms, conjunctivitis (pink eye), sprains and strains, tick bites, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections. Pharmacists can also renew prescriptions for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. For local pharmacy information, visit Pharmacies in Huron and Perth (southwesthealthline.ca).

Home and Community Care Support Services

For individuals of all ages needing care in their homes, schools, or community settings, contact Home and Community Care Support Services by calling 310-2222 (no area code needed) or 1-888-883-3313. Visit healthcareathome.ca for more information on available services and how to access them.

COVID-19 Information

Stay updated on the latest COVID-19 guidelines by regularly checking updates from Public Health Ontario, and Ontario Health. For vaccination details, visit Huron Perth Public Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information page.

Immediate Medical Emergencies

For life-threatening situations or severe distress, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency teams are equipped to provide urgent care, stabilization, and safe transportation to hospitals.

Hospitals in Huron and Perth  (southwesthealthline.ca)

Additional Resources

Explore these valuable resources for more information and support:

  • Health Care Services and Facilities – Huron and Perth: Find comprehensive information on local healthcare facilities and services at southwesthealthline.ca.