Our community
Supporting community access to primary care
When Carol Goddard moved to Ontario from British Columbia, she did not have a family doctor. Fortunately, Carol’s daughter-in-law told her about the Community Health Clinic (CHC), located in Stouffville, which provides care for patients without access to a primary care provider.
“Having access to the Community Health Clinic was helpful, because I really needed a safety net,” says Carol. “I have mental health issues and moving from one province to another was trying.”
Oak Valley Health, in partnership with Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team (EYRND OHT) and Well Plus Compounding Pharmacy, opened the CHC in May 2023. It provides virtual care, as well as in-person care. The CHC offers same and next-day appointments for all patients six months of age and older seeking care for urgent, but not emergency, health concerns.
Carol receiving care at the CHC.
At the CHC, Carol saw Dr. Cristina Popa, Medical Director, and Physician Lead for the EYRND OHT. “Dr. Popa prescribed a number of different tests she felt were imperative to have as a baseline for my health,” says Carol.
Primary care at the CHC is also provided by nurse practitioners, including Ryan Saunders, who has been part of Carol’s health care team. “Ryan is fantastic,” says Carol. “He knows what he is doing and he exudes kindness.”
Ryan says Carol’s health care journey is far from unique. “Across Canada there are many patients like Carol who are having difficulty accessing a primary care provider or being rostered to an attached provider to manage their ongoing medical needs,” he says.
The Virtual Urgent Care Clinic (VUCC) opened in July 2023. Same-day or next-day appointments can be made to see a nurse practitioner for urgent, non-life-threatening conditions. People who use the VUCC can receive care in the comfort of their homes and avoid travel time, which is helpful to those who have accessibility and mobility concerns. Available to anyone in central region, the VUCC is open seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and offers patients medical advice, diagnosis, test results, treatment, education, and referrals if required. Patients do not need to be covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to use the VUCC. Between July 2023 and March 2024, the VUCC had more than 1,800 visits and served 1,300 patients.
Ryan providing care to a paediatric patient at the CHC.
In the fall of 2023, the CHC expanded services to specialize in paediatric care during the cold and flu season. In addition to assessing and treating urgent, non-life-threatening conditions such as cough, cold and flu, sprains, wounds, and infections, the CHC provides management for chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. It also provides mental health care, pregnancy testing, renews prescriptions, and provides work-related assessments and notes. Most days, clinic staff see more than 30 patients, a number that can rise to more than 50 patients a day during cold and flu season.
“We are able to offer residents of Stouffville and the surrounding areas timely access to primary care,” says CHC nurse practitioner Kim Harkness. “These individuals may otherwise seek care from emergency departments, which are already over capacity. We offer an alternative at a more appropriate level of care for urgent and non-urgent care needs.”
Kim adds that the CHC has been working to further increase access by adding providers and other services, such as TB testing, vaccinations, and minor procedures.
Kim providing care to a patient at the CHC.
Demand for the CHC’s services has increased exponentially since its launch, says Cheryl Osborne, Oak Valley’s Senior Director, Mental Health Services, Community and Integration. The clinic had more than 3,300 visits in 2023-2024 and served more than 2,200 patients. “The clinic’s central location within the EYRND boundaries provides convenience for local residents and beyond, with ease of booking appointments and same-day appointment availability most days,” says Cheryl. “Wait times at the clinic are very reasonable and we receive excellent feedback on interaction and patient experience.”
The community has expressed a great sense of appreciation for the health care providers, delivery of services and commitment to patients’ overall health outcomes.
Cheryl adds that the clinic supports timely access to care and promotes disease management, preventing longer-term consequences. “This is acute episodic care and so much more for this community,” she explains. “It is primary care, consistency, quality, and compassion.”
Cheryl, Ryan and Kim say they are honoured to be part of something that is making positive changes to primary care in the community. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a kind, respectful, and professional team,” says Kim.
The CHC provides health care for patients with urgent, non-life-threatening conditions.
For her part, Carol says the clinic has gone “above and beyond” to meet her health care needs. “It’s their warmth and professionalism and the way they follow through,” she says. “They give me space to ask questions. The continuity of care has been seamless.”
Carol describes the clinic as a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space. “It’s very different from any other health care experience I’ve had,” she explains. “The clinic is special. It’s been fantastic.”
“It’s their warmth and professionalism and the way they follow through. They give me space to ask questions. The continuity of care has been seamless.”
“Across Canada there are many patients like Carol who are having difficulty accessing a primary care provider or being rostered to an attached provider to manage their ongoing medical needs.”
“We are able to offer residents of Stouffville and the surrounding areas timely access to primary care. We offer an alternative at a more appropriate level of care for urgent and non-urgent care needs.”
“The clinic’s central location within the EYRND boundaries provides convenience for local residents and beyond, with ease of booking appointments and same-day appointment availability most days.”
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