One of our Registered Nurses will be going on maternity leave in January, so we are looking for an RN to cover her 18-month absence.
See the job posting here:
/kcfinder/upload/files/Registered%20Nurse.%20Posting.pdf
While the doctors at the Welland McMaster Family Health Team are not currently accepting new patients, if you or someone you know is looking for a doctor in Niagara, check out the Find a Doctor page maintained by the Niagara Region: https://niagararegion.ca/health/find-a-doctor.aspx
This page lists, by city, the doctors who are currently accepting new patients.
Public Health has announced that Shingrix is now publicly funded for anyone born in 1949 to 1959. Shingrix protects against shingles, a viral infection that causes a painful, blistered rash on your body. If you have ever had chicken pox, you could contract shingles.
If you are 65 to 75 years old and are interested in receiving the FREE Shingrix vaccine, call the Family Health Team to book an appointment with one of our nurses: 905-704-3660
Media Release - February 8, 2024
NIAGARA REGION - Regional Essential Access to Healthcare (REACH) Niagara is expanding its capacity by adding two new clinic locations: The Hope Centre in Welland and Gillian’s Place in St. Catharines. These clinics are essential for providing primary care, counselling, and system navigation for vulnerable populations in Niagara.
Niagara has many community members who are experiencing homelessness and poverty, with several more on the brink of becoming marginalized and losing access to basic needs due to economic constraints.
The grim reality is that homelessness contributes to a lower life expectancy. Studies conducted in larger cities across Canada indicated that health conditions such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, and addiction struggles leading to overdose are among the common causes of death for homeless Canadians.
REACH Niagara aims to provide life-altering services to those who are homeless and marginalized, including ongoing primary care, select form assistance, connection to supports, counselling, harm reduction supplies, preventative care screening, and referrals.
Quotes:
“Our clinics are unique in that they bring care to where the need exists. Community members can receive care while accessing basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing,” says Carolyn Dyer, Executive Director, REACH Niagara
“At The Hope Centre, in addition to our food security and housing programs, we offer wellness programs that help people improve their health and well-being. These programs support the most vulnerable members of our community with counselling services and financial assistance for medical expenses. The addition of on-site REACH Niagara Medical Clinic will continue to enhance the impact of The Hope Centre community hub and provide greater services for the most vulnerable in our community,” says Jon Braithwaite, Chief Executive Officer, The Hope Centre
“We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with REACH Niagara. Clients who come to Gillian's Place seeking a life free of abuse and fear face challenging and difficult barriers in their journeys. We work tirelessly to help alleviate pressures and help break down barriers. Having REACH onsite helps build on our compassionate client-centered and trauma-informed approach,” says Nicole Regehr, Executive Director, Gillian’s Place
Accessing REACH’s new clinics:
The Hope Centre
Gillian’s Place
Community members can learn more about REACH Niagara by visiting its website.
Supporting REACH Niagara
If you are a family physician who wants to make a difference in your community by working with REACH, please contact Carolyn Dyer: carolyn@reachniagara.com.
If you are a community member, you can make an impact in several ways:
Niagara Health provides updates on the project to build the new South Niagara Hospital, located at the corner of Montrose and Biggar Road in Niagara Falls, close to the QEW. The hospital is expected to open in 2028.
For more information about the project, including a live feed camera showing the contruction site, visit https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/south-niagara-hospital-project
The Niagara Ontario Health Team-Equipe Sante Ontario Niagara Resource Navigator is your link to local and provincial health and social resources in your community. Check them out at this link: https://noht-eson.ca/resourcenavigator/
They also have a new Community Calendar, showcasing health and wellness events that are open to the community throughout Niagara. Check out the events calendar at this link: https://noht-eson.ca/events-calendar/
The Mobile Cancer Screening Coach Bus travels to locations around Hamilton and the Niagara Region. It provides at-home colon tests (ages 50 to 74), mammograms (ages 50 to 74), Pap smears (ages 25 to 69) and smoking cessation & NRT (ages 18+), for anyone who may experience barriers to cancer screening. When people visit the Mobile Coach, they will experience a private and comfortable setting, where they can ask questions and take their time. For more information about the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach please visit: http://www.hnhbscreenforlife.ca/screenforlifecoach/
For the Coach's schedule, visit: https://hnhbscreenforlife.ca/schedule/month/
Our partners at the Centre de sante communautaire are running a Pole Walking group at the Seaway Mall on Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 am. This is open to anyone in Welland aged 55+. You do not need to be able to speak French in order to attend. Poles are provided, or you can bring your own!
For more information, email exercise@cschn.ca or call Leah at 905-734-1141 ext. 2354
COVID-19 is seeing a resurgeance, and cold and flu season is just around the corner. The Ontario College of Family Physicians has created these two helpful documents about managing Cold, Flu and COVID-19 for adults and children:
Managing Cold, Flu and COVID-19 for Teens and Adults
Attention patients: Our Flu Shot Clinic will be held on Saturday, October 28 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. No appointments necessary. Please wear short sleeves. We cannot guarantee the number of high dose flu shots we will have for that date. If you require a flu shot prior to October 28, you can get one at a local pharmacy.
Our Social Worker and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Melissa, was interviewed about the amazing work she does providing Forest Therapy to people in Niagara: https://www.wellandtribune.ca/life/health-wellness/forest-therapy-walks-aim-to-relieve-stress/article_1f745d3f-f4dd-5785-9efe-3d37e1189dec.html
We are so fortunate to have her as part of our team, providing this amazing service to our community! Our next Forest Therapy Walk is scheduled for the afternoon of September 14. If you are interested in participating, call the office at 905-704-3660. Spaces are limited.
We are pleased to offer a monthly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy drop-in group for patients with stress, anxiety, or depression. It will be held on Tuesdays from 10:30am to 12:00pm, starting June 6th. You do not need to register for this: just drop-in to our office on the second floor at 555 Prince Charles Drive, North in Welland.
At this time, we are only able to offer this group to patients of Rose City Medical Associates and Fonthill Family Medical Associates.
The Welland McMaster Family Health Team will be CLOSED Friday, April 7th through Monday, April 10, resuming normal business hours on Tuesday, Aprill 11th.
Rose City Medical Associates and Fonthill Family Medical Associates will be CLOSED Friday, April 7th through Monday, April 10, resuming normal business hours on Tuesday, Aprill 11th.
There will be a regular Saturday After Hours Clinic on April 8th, as well as an After Hours Clinic held on Monday, April 10th from 9:00am to 12:00 noon. Appointments for the Monday clinic are to be BOOKED ONLINE ONLY. These appointments can be accessed and booked starting on Saturday, April 8th after 2:00pm. Use the Saturday After Hours Clinic booking links in order to book an appointment for the Monday, April 10th clinic.
This clinic will be "First come, first served" until it is full. We will NOT accept walk-in appointments. Clinics are available only for patients of Rose City Medical Associates and Fonthill Medical Associates.
The Niagara Ontario Health Team has launched it's 24/7 Patient Navigator tool! Use this online resource to help connect you with the care you need. The NOHT-ÉSON's Resource Navigator webpage enables residents to easily find information about many health care and social services available in the Niagara region in one place, at any time of the day. Visit www.noht-eson.ca/resourcenavigator.
See below link for full media release:
/kcfinder/upload/files/Media%20Release%20-%20NOHT-E%CC%81SON%20Launches%20Resource%20Navigator%20-%20Final.pdf
Due to funding issues beyond our control, the Welland McMaster Family Health Team has had to discontinue online booking for the Nurse Practitioner. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Patients can still book Nurse Practitioner appointments by calling 905-704-3660 and speaking with a WMFHT receptionist.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dr Min’s Departure
When is Dr Min leaving?
Her last day is Dec 18, 2022. Patients have been notified either by email, or by letter for those who did not provide an email address.
Is Dr Min leaving for good?
Yes. She is not coming back or setting up a new office anywhere else.
Is Dr Carle leaving too?
No.
Will any of the other doctors take me as a patient?
None of the other doctors are taking new patients.
Is there someone taking over Dr Min’s practice?
No. If we find somebody, we will send out another mass email/letter ASAP. We will also be posting the latest updates on our website (https://wellandmcmasterfht.com/) and Facebook page.
What about my prescriptions?
Please call your pharmacy and ask them to send us a prescription renewal request. Dr Min will renew all your meds for 1 year. Do not book appointments for prescription renewals. There is no fee for these renewals.
What about my test results?
The other doctors will keep an eye out for test results that come in after Dr Min leaves. If there is anything abnormal, they will arrange follow-up for you.
What about my medical records?
Your electronic medical records will be stored at the office for a minimum of 10 years. You can call at any time (even after Dec 18) to request a copy or transfer to a new doctor’s office. There may be a fee depending on the type and length of records required.
What if I’m sick and need to be seen?
Before Dec 18, 2022, you can still call and request a same-day appointment with our nurse practitioner or the after hours clinic for urgent medical issues. After Dec 18, 2022, you will no longer be a patient at this office and will be unable to access the family health team’s services.
How do I find a new family doctor?
Niagara Region keeps a list of family doctors accepting new patients in this area (https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/find-a-doctor.aspx). After Dec 18, you can also sign up at Health Care Connect (https://hcc3.hcc.moh.gov.on.ca/HCCWeb/faces/layoutHCCHomePage.xhtml) which is a registry of patients with no family doctor who are given priority at many new offices.
Health Care Connect says I have to be "derostered" before I can apply to that service. What does this mean?
If my baby/child will be due for immunizations after Dec 18, where can we receive them?
Walk-in Clinics can provide immunizations, but we suggest calling first so they can prepare what you need. Niagara Region Public Health also holds vaccination clinics, by appointment. Call 905-688-8248 ext. 7425, Monday to Friday 9:15 a.m. - 4:15 p.m to book.
Activate your voice as a Patient/Client/Family Member/Caregiver
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON) is a local network of more than 45 health care providers, social service agencies, educational institutions and Patient/Client & Family/Caregiver representatives in Niagara. Together, NOHT-ÉSON partners are working to create an inclusive, efficient health care system that integrates and streamlines the delivery of health care services. Our goal is to make it easier to access care, and to improve the overall experience and health outcomes for the residents of Niagara.
As part of our commitment to meaningful partnership with our various communities, we are currently seeking engagement from community partners to participate in one or both of the projects below. Community partners can be patients, clients, families, caregivers, people with lived experience, and other citizens who interact with health and social services. Please note that these opportunities are voluntary.
Projects
NOHT-ÉSON Strategic Plan (to be completed by March 2023)
Over the next few months as we develop our Strategic Plans, we are seeking community engagement from Patients/Clients & Families/Caregivers. We want to hear from the community about what matters most to them in healthcare, and that will help us shape and guide our future work. For this project you may be asked to participate in surveys, focus groups, interviews, and/or planning sessions.
24/7 Navigation Project (to be completed by March 31st 2023)
It can be difficult for providers and clients to know all of the health and social services that are available in the community. This project will assist in designing a 24/7 system navigation solution. For this project you may be asked to sit on a project team and attend bi-weekly meetings, take part in a focus group, or share their journey navigating the health system.
Who and what are we looking for?
• Patients/Clients & Families/Caregivers
• Members of Indigenous and Francophone communities
• Willingness to share their story and journey accessing services in Niagara
• Desire to help improve health and social services
• Respect for others and their perspectives
• Non-judgmental and positive attitudes
• Desire to participate in creating meaningful change
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
Roles and Responsibilities
• Participate as an active member on one of the Projects (24/7 Navigator or Strategic Plan)
• Attend meetings as required
• Tell your story and share your point of view
• Advocate for patient, family, and caregiver needs from a broad perspective
• Participate in the development of new processes, programs, and services
• Objectively listen to and appreciate the views of others
• Contribute ideas and suggestions that will enhance community involvement in health system planning and decision-making
• Promote improved collaboration and relationships between community members and staff
• Commit to participating on the project for a specific timeframe (min 3 hours or up to 4 months)
Our Commitment: We Will
• Explain internal processes and terminology as needed for clarification and understanding
• Help orient you to virtual meeting software as needed
• Provide a safe space for you to contribute and be respected for your insights and suggestions
• Work with you to address any question or concerns related to involvement
• Provide initial orientation and training, as well as ongoing training (where required), to ensure you’re well-equipped and comfortable to actively participate
Application Process
If you are interested in these engagement opportunities with NOHT-ÉSON, please email our Engagement Specialist, Josie Faccini at engagement@noht-eson.ca or call 905-933-4149.
The Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON) is committed to providing accessible and barrier-free engagement opportunities. Please forward accommodation requests, questions, or concerns to engagement@noht-eson.ca
Learn more about us visit https://noht-eson.ca
COVID, Cold, and Flu Care Clinics open in Niagara region
Media Release – December 7, 2022
St. Catharines, ON – Partnering members of the Niagara Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON), namely primary care providers and Niagara Health, are opening five COVID, Cold, and Flu Care Clinics (CCFCCs) across the region starting Thursday, December 8. Health-care professionals at the CCFCCs are equipped to test, assess, and provide treatment for people with COVID-19 and other cold and flu-like illnesses.
"If a person has symptoms of a respiratory illness, they are encouraged to call their primary care provider as the first option for guidance and care,” said Dr. Darija Vujosevic, Primary Care Clinical Lead for the NOHT-ÉSON. "However, if a person does not have a primary care provider or their symptoms are worsening, they should reach out, book an appointment at a CCFCC, and we can determine next steps. These clinics are an important resource for Niagara area families during this COVID, cold and flu season. Of course, should someone develop severe symptoms, they are urged go to their nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1.”
The following is a list of CCFCCs and their hours of operation:
Niagara Health – Opens December 9
Niagara Falls site – 5546 Portage Road, Niagara Falls
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
All appointments for the Niagara Health CCFCC must be booked by calling 905-378-4647, ext. 41985. The Niagara Health CCFCC will be closed on statutory holidays.
All appointments for the primary care CCFCCs must be booked by calling 289-267-2879. Primary care CCFCCs will be closed on statutory holidays.
Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara – Opens December 10
Vanier site – 1 Vanier Drive, Welland
Saturday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Niagara North Family Health Team – Opens December 8
Carlton site – 145 Carlton Street, Unit 7, St. Catharines
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Niagara North Family Health Team – Opens December 8
Virgil site – 1882 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Thursday – 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
?
Quest Community Health Centre – Opens December 8
145 Queenston Street, St. Catharines
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In addition to visiting a primary care provider, a CCFCC, or the emergency department, Niagara residents are reminded that they can access Health Connect Ontario’s assessment tool, visit UrgentCareOntario.ca for an online appointment, or stop by a walk-in clinic. Niagara Health has also prepared Know Your Options, a resource that outlines when and where to access care.
A complete list of health care options and frequently asked questions are available by visiting www.noht-eson.ca/ccfcc.
The Niagara Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara (NOHT-ÉSON) is a steadily growing network of more than 45 health care providers, social service agencies, educational institutions, and patient/client and family/caregiver representatives. We are committed to working as one coordinated team to provide exceptional service, support, and care to you, no matter when or where you need it, now and for our future generations.
For additional information, please contact:
Ron Laroche
Manager of Communications and Engagement
Niagara Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara
Mobile: 289-547-7046
Email: communications@noht-eson.ca
November 30, 2022
Dear Niagara community members,
Our community has been through a lot in the past few years. It is now facing a triple threat of the flu (influenza), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, which is making many residents sick ? especially children. The current situation is putting a strain on our health care system in Niagara and across Ontario.
Everyone can be assured that, most of the time, these illnesses can be safely managed at home, and symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications, for example, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. As a first option, people having trouble accessing over-the-counter medicine should call their primary care provider if they have one or speak to a pharmacist for advice.
Parents and guardians know their children best and should reach out to a primary care provider or visit a walk-in clinic if they have concerns. Local health care providers currently have higher numbers of patient calls and visits than usual. For non-urgent visits, wait times may be longer.
While emergency departments are currently facing capacity issues, in some cases, it is the only place to get the appropriate care. If you or your child are experiencing any of the following, go to the closest emergency department or call 9-1-1:
• You or your child are seriously ill
• You have a baby who is younger than three months old who has a fever
• You or your child is struggling to breathe or is at risk of dehydration
You can learn about your health care options through Niagara Health’s Know Your Options resource or seek out urgent online medical care services through UrgentCareOntario.ca. More information on symptoms and advice for next steps can be found through Health Connect
Ontario’s assessment tool.
We know the pandemic has impacted everyone, and we’re grateful for everything people have done to protect those around them. However, now is not the time to stop. Niagara is filled with amazing people who have shown great care, compassion, and resilience. We need your help to
keep our community as safe and healthy as possible as we navigate these ongoing challenges.
Please, if possible, get up to date with your vaccinations, wear a mask and stay home when you’re sick. Together, we can get through this.
Thank you,
Niagara Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara
Mindfulness is paying attention deliberately and non-judgmentally to each moment of your life. Long term studies show how practicing mindfulness can help decrease anxiety, depression and burnout.
To kick off this holiday season we have prepared a mindfulness resource platform. We are excited to invite you to participate in our 12 Days of Mindfulness.
Consider this our gift to YOU! It is an opportunity for reflective reminders to help you find more balance and to learn strategies to support you to be able to show up as the BEST version of yourself this coming holiday season.
Who wouldn’t want to bring more presence to their presents!?
Follow us on Facebook for daily tips starting December 1st, or visit our webpage for more info: Mindfulness for the Holidays
Dear patients,
We are seeing a spike in respiratory illness, especially in children, and receiving a high volume of calls for appointments. Please see the information below to help you understand what you can do at home, when you should call our office, and when you need to go to the emergency room.
What you can do at home
Most people with respiratory symptoms – whether from flu, COVID, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), or other infections – will recover on their own and do not require prescription medication. We recommend patients self-isolate and rest, drink plenty of fluids and take analgesics (as needed) for headaches or muscle aches until they are better.
When to call our office
When to go to the emergency room
Emergency rooms are currently facing capacity issues. However, in some cases, it is the only place to get the right care. Use this guidance to help determine if you or your child need to visit an ER.
Wear a mask
Please be reminded that masking is required in our clinic – masking reduces the spread of viruses and protects others, including our patients who have cancer, are elderly or are especially vulnerable for other reasons. Please bring your mask to your appointment and wear it throughout your visit, including when you are alone in an exam room.
**********
Our office (like most clinics at present) is handling much higher numbers of patient calls and visits than usual, including care “backlogs” from the pandemic. For some routine, non-urgent care (e.g. well child visits not associated with immunization, follow up for chronic disease that is stable), wait times for your appointment may be longer – we appreciate that you continue to be patient with us as we work hard to help you.
We are always here for you and will ensure you get the care you need, when you need it.
Oct 19, 2022
Dear patients,
It has been an incredible experience working with you over the last nine years. I have met so many amazing people through this job, and I am very grateful for the trust you have placed in me over the years.
It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my departure from Welland McMaster Family Health Team. My last day will be Dec 18, 2022 and I plan on retiring from family medicine permanently. It was a very difficult decision but ultimately the best one for me and my family.
I have spent a long time looking for a replacement but unfortunately I could not find a physician to take my place. None of the other doctors at our clinic are accepting new patients. I will continue my search in the next few weeks and send you another letter if I find someone. In the meantime, I encourage you to look for a new physician listed on Niagara Region’s website (https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/find-a-doctor.aspx), and register at Health Care Connect (https://hcc3.hcc.moh.gov.on.ca/HCCWeb/faces/layoutHCCHomePage.xhtml) after Dec 18 to help with your search for a new primary care provider.
I also encourage you to contact your pharmacy and ask them to send me a faxed request for prescription renewals. I will renew your prescriptions for 1 year, free-of-charge, and no appointment is required. I will not be seeing any patients from now on, but you can continue to request same day services (eg. nurse practitioner, after hours clinic) for urgent medical issues until Dec 18.
Your electronic medical records will be stored at our clinic for a minimum of 10 years. Even after my departure, you can call the office and request a copy of your records or a direct transfer to your new doctor for a standard fee.
Details regarding my departure will be available on our website (https://wellandmcmasterfht.com/) and Facebook page.
Thank you for your understanding, and it has truly been a privilege knowing you. The kindness I’ve experienced within our community has been overwhelming and unforgettable. I wish you all the best, now and always.
Sincerely,
Jie Min, MD
Welland McMaster Family Health Team
Niagara Health will be closing the Port Colborne Urgent Care Clinic at 4pm on Sat Oct 8 due to staffing shortages. It will reopen on Sun Oct 9 at 8am. See image below for your healthcare options, or visit niagarahealth.on.ca/KnowYourOptions.
The Centre de Sante offers free exercise programs for seniors!
The Centre de Sante hosts a drop-in walking group on Thursdays @ 9:00am!
Welland McMaster Family Health Team has partnered with Niagara EMS since 2018 to provide a Mental Health Registered Nurse to the Mental Health and Addictions Response Team (MHART). Niagara EMS recently won an Excellence in Integration Award from the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration organization for the MHART program. Congratulations MHART!
Read the full article here: niagararegion.ca/news
Beginning Saturday, July 9th we will have After Hours Clinic appointments available every Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. To book an appointment, you can call your family doctor's office on Friday, or call on Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.
You can also book online by clicking here. Spots will be available to book 24 hours in advance. You will need your health card number to book.
*Please note: Saturday phones are only for booking same-day urgent care issues. The receptionist will not be able to book appointments for other dates or do any other tasks. If the Saturday clinic is full, phones will be turned off.*
We have been featured in the "Made in Welland Spotlight On..." section of MyWelland!
Check out the article here.
Health Promoters from Primary Care Teams (FHTs and CHCs) across Niagara as well as our partners at Niagara Connects and INCommunities, are working together to co-design a more user friendly one-stop hub to share information and to strengthen how we can connect people of all ages to Health and Wellness Workshops and Services in Niagara.
Niagara Connects created this great poster for us to introduce this project and have hosted it on the Niagara Knowledge Exchange website:
Primary Care Partners Health and Wellness Poster