Family Health Teams (FHTs) are a key part of Ontario’s plan to build a stronger health care system. They help keep Ontarians healthy, they give Ontarians better access to doctors and nurses, and they reduce wait times for services.

Family Health Teams are groups of health care professionals, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and dieticians who work together to provide primary care for a group of patients. They provide a wide range of services including health promotion, treatment services, chronic disease management and prevention, rehabilitation and palliative care. They are often available for extended hours to provide health advice and care so their patients do not have to go to busy hospital emergency departments for non-emergency care. They also help their patients navigate their way through the other parts of the health care system to receive the best possible care.

The North Renfrew Family Health Team, located in the medical building attached to the Hospital, commenced operation in 2006 to provide services to residents of the Towns of Deep River and Laurentian Hills and the Township of Head, Clara and Maria.  The present staff of 2 nurse practitioners, one registered practical nurse, and office administration, along with part-time dietician and pharmacist support, provides access to primary medical care to approximately 1300 local residents registered with the team. The team continues to accept new patients in this geographic area that are not registered with a family physician.  Although there are no family physicians presently aligned to this team, there are aggressive efforts underway to recruit two additional family physicians to address this need.  In the interim period, the two nurse practitioners can access appropriate physician support on a consultative basis as required.   

Patients enjoy the experience of primary care received from a Family Health Team because the service is relatively easy to access on short notices, provides access to a broader range of health professionals within the same office, and often allows for more time and discussion of patient health concerns than might be possible in many more traditional medical offices.

Health care professionals like to work as part of a Family Health Team because it is a satisfying way to provide patient care. They are able to make the best use of their skills in being part of an interprofessional team where they can share their knowledge and learn from one another. They are able to focus more on helping people stay healthy, rather than just treating illnesses; and they like the fact that their patients are partners in their own health and care.

For more information about receiving primary care services from the Family Health Team, please call 613-584-1037