Connecting More Patients to Primary Care Providers

Having access to primary care is one of the key foundations for lifelong health. Being enrolled with a family doctor or nurse practitioner means having someone who knows your health history, can help manage ongoing conditions, and guide you through the healthcare system. Connecting people with primary care is a vital part of helping create healthier individuals, families, and communities.

This past year, through funding provided by Ontario Health, the Hamilton Family Health Team and partners across the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN) Primary Care Network (PCN) were recognized for connecting over 15,500 people to primary care.

6,799

total patients connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner by all Primary Care Network partners

3,146

patients connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner by the Hamilton Family Health Team

140+

meetings with partner organisations who are now referring new patients to our attachment team

HFHT at the Hamilton Public Library

Through an incredible partnership with the Hamilton Public Library, our attachment team and many of our healthcare providers have a regular spot at the Central Branch’s Partner Desk every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come say hi if you need a family doctor or have questions about your health. We’d love to see you!

Baldeep, an HFHT pharmacist, sits at the Hamilton Central Library Partner Desk and smiles at the camera.
Samm, an HFHT social worker, sits at the Hamilton Central Library Partner Desk and smiles at the camera.
Natasha, a HFHT registered dietitian and Melissa, an HFHT patient care coordinator sit at the Hamilton Central Library Partner Desk and smile at the camera.
Mary, an HFHT certified respiratory educator, sits at the Hamilton Central Library Partner Desk and smiles at the camera.
Caroline, a McMaster physiotherapy student, and Jake, an HFHT physiotherapist, sit at the Hamilton Central Library Partner Desk and smile at the camera.
Hamilton Family Health Team signs with information on how we can support connecting with family doctors.

Words from our partners

“We recognize that primary care is an integral part of our health system, affording our citizens with services that keep them healthy. Whether you are a cancer patient, someone having a surgical procedure or someone visiting our Emergency Department, having the wrap around primary care services offered by the Hamilton Family Health Team is critical to your health. It’s for that reason that we value the opportunity to partner with the HFHT to help to refer Hamiltonians to be rostered for care. We see the value of partnership with the goal of connecting those that we serve who lack a primary care home.”

– Neil Johnson, Site Executive at the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre

“Both presentations received great compliments and praise from the participant surveys based on their professionalism and knowledge of the subjects. They are a local family health team and the plan is to continue our partnership with them and offer more educational series and workshops at both of our YWCA Senior Centres. Some of the topics will cover cholesterol, diabetes, isolation, and pelvic floor training. These sessions are being booked to start April 2025 and run over the year. Our community couldn’t be happier with this newly formed collaboration.”

– Duncan Young, Supervisor, YWCA Active Living Centre

“Hamilton Family Health Team is an important partner for Hamilton Public Library’s new Community Desk as the caring staff answer healthcare-related questions and support patients to access primary care. This partnership is making vital community connections and improving Hamilton residents’ health outcomes.” 

– Paul Takala, Hamilton Public Library CEO and Chief Librarian