Thousands Connected to Primary Care Across Hastings Prince Edward

Residents in Hastings Prince Edward region still seeking a family doctor or nurse practitioner are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect.

Belleville, ON— The Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team (HPE OHT) has successfully reduced the Health Care Connect wait list for residents registered before January 1, 2025, from 11,105 unattached patients to zero. Through a collective effort involving the HPE OHT, Primary Care Network, and Ontario Health atHome, the wait list was thoroughly reviewed and updated. Following this validation process, which determined the actual number of unattached patients in the region, there were 5,147 residents identified as still needing a family physician or nurse practitioner and were successfully connected.

The achievement demonstrates what is possible when primary care professionals, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and community partners work together toward a shared goal.

“The commitment of many health system partners allowed us to reach this milestone, and we are now focused on connecting the remaining unattached residents in our region. Our physicians, nurse practitioners, and health-care teams care deeply about the people of Hastings Prince Edward, and this achievement reflects that commitment. We are grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise, and leadership to improve access to care. While we celebrate this important step forward, we remain focused on the residents who are still waiting and will continue working together until everyone has access to the care they need.”

• Barinder Gill, PCN Executive Co-Lead
• Dr. Sarah Le Blanc, Clinical Co-Lead
• Dr. Robert Pincock, Clinical Co-Lead

With this accomplishment, the HPE OHT and Primary Care Network are now focused on connecting the remaining residents on the provincial wait list to a family physician or nurse practitioner. As of today, there are 3,226 unattached patients remaining on the Health Care Connect wait list who registered after January 1, 2025; however, we know this is an under-representation: there are many more individuals who do not have a family doctor/nurse practitioner, or who have one outside of the region and must travel long distances for non-urgent care. Those two cohorts are strongly encouraged to register with Health Care Connect as this is the single pathway to a family doctor/nurse practitioner and comprehensive care.

To register, visit the Health Care Connect website or call 8-1-1. All that is required is a valid Ontario Health Card and a current mailing address associated with the health card. Residents already on the wait list should ensure their contact information is current so they can be reached when a family physician or nurse practitioner becomes available.

Having access to primary care close to home is the first step in high-quality care. It improves continuity of care and helps patients build long-term relationships with their family doctor/nurse practitioner. This connection strengthens the overall healthcare system by ensuring non-urgent care, preventative services, and chronic disease management are addressed in the primary care setting, allowing emergency departments to focus on urgent and emergency needs.