Welcome to our Unattached Patient Clinic

*OPENING SEPTEMBER 2, 2024!

If you do not have a family doctor, this clinic is for you!

It is becoming increasingly difficult for Ontarians to find a family doctor, especially when they are new to a community. At Escarpment Health Centre (EHC), our team has worked with our local health system to develop an innovative model for individuals and families who do not have a family doctor and require access to primary care. EHC’s Unattached Patient Clinic (UPC) is being opened this September to help address this problem. The term 'unattached' refers to people who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner for routine, ongoing primary health care. Unattached patients are often new to communities or even to Canada; their family doctor may have retired without a replacement; perhaps they've always relied on walk-in clinics. EHC has developed this model in response to this growing problem and would be happy to welcome you and/or your family. Please note that EHC is a community-based teaching site within the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University meaning that at times, there may be health professions learners involved in delivering your care.

Registering with the EHC Unattached Patient Clinic means that:

• You may receive medically necessary care from our team of health care providers until you are able to find a permanent family doctor / primary care provider elsewhere.

• Your care will be provided by a rotating team of family doctors, an internist, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and will often involve learners.

• You are not ‘assigned’ a primary care provider; your care will be provided by our interprofessional team.

• We may be unable to guarantee you perpetual access to our unattached clinic due to unforeseen changes such as, provider availability or funding from the government. However, we will always do our best to provide reliable care within the best of our abilities.

• You are free to leave at any time and choose to register with a family practice elsewhere.

• As our local health system evolves, you may become eligible to join a permanent family practice within the Greater Hamilton Health Network.

• You can benefit from EHC’s evolving innovative care programs - examples include consultation with certain types of specialists and home care coordination.

• You may be able to access preventative health screening, however, we do not provide annual health / complete physical exams. Choosing Wisely recommends against complete physicals, opting for focused periodic health reviews. 

Who is NOT eligible to attend our Unattached Patient Clinic?

• You already have a family doctor. Even if you are unhappy with them and want to change, we are not intended to replace your existing family doctor.

• You already have a family doctor but are unable to get timely appointments with them. Please contact your doctor's office for their unique options (their colleague who can see you, their locum, or their after-hours clinic).

• You are rostered with a FHO, FHG, FHT family practice and have access to after-hours care. You may access your usual after-hours care options.
  THE UPC is NOT A WALK-IN CLINIC.

• You require virtual care. Our Unattached Patient Clinic is an in-person clinic for local residents who are able to access our clinic location in person.

You must complete an online registration by clicking here.

If you are unable to use the online link, please call 289-309-4488 to book an appointment. This phone line is staffed Monday to Thursday 1pm - 7:30pm.