Photo caption: John Walsh participates in outpatient stroke rehabilitation at Providence Care Hospital. Through a new Health Home program, he was connected to a primary care provider following his hospital discharge.
By: Jonna Semple-Kloke, Providence Care Communications Officer
When 65-year-old Kingston resident John Walsh's doctor retired last year, he found life without a primary care provider inconvenient but manageable. That is, until June 2025, when a stroke while on vacation in New Brunswick changed everything.
“I didn't really worry about not having a doctor until this," explains John.
After a stay at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, John spent one month at Providence Care Hospital receiving rehabilitation.
“I'm lucky," says John. “For the most part, I could walk everywhere, but a lot of people [after a stroke] are in wheelchairs. I'm dizzy when I turn to the right, my right side is weak, and my face and tongue numb, but I consider myself lucky."
John's luck continued, too. Thanks to a brand-new Providence Care program aimed at connecting hospital inpatients to primary care at discharge, he now has a primary care clinic to turn to during his stroke recovery.
“I was so happy to be connected to a clinic, it's wonderful," explains John. “I was really surprised Providence Care did that for me, that everyone goes out of their way to ensure everything is set up for you when you leave the hospital. I really didn't have to do anything or worry about any step of the process. I just need to show up once the clinic gives me an appointment date."
Providence Care has partnered with five primary care clinics spanning nine locations. When possible, hospital inpatients without a primary care provider are connected to a clinic based on their place of residence. This ensures a smoother transition from the hospital to home or another care setting.
“This initiative helps individuals who haven't been able to access primary care through traditional routes, filling a critical gap while broader system improvements are underway," says Allison Philpot, Vice President, System Innovation & Executive Director, Medical Affairs and Research.
“With over 20,000 people in Kingston lacking primary care, the need is urgent. At Providence Care, we know recovery doesn't end when a hospital stay does. Connecting patients to primary care before discharge will help support smoother transitions, when possible," she adds.
Working within the Health Care Connect (HCC) registry and in collaboration with local primary care providers and the Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Ontario Health Team (FLA OHT), the initiative is already preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions, reducing care delays, and improving the overall patient experience, just like John's.
“This whole process has just taken the stress off," says John. “You know, now I need prescriptions and follow-up care, and I just can't imagine having nowhere to turn."
John has been connected to Medical Tree – Kingston and is in the process of getting rostered while he receives treatment in Providence Care's Outpatient Stroke Program.
“The doctor's office called, and they also asked if there was anyone else in my household who needed a doctor, so I mentioned my wife, but ultimately the decision is up to the clinic whether they take her on, too."
So far, 15 patients have been linked to primary care providers from Providence Care Hospital and Providence Transitional Care Centre. Patients experiencing homelessness are supported through a direct connection with Kingston Community Health Centre (KCHC). The long-term goal is to expand access to primary care for clients in community-based programs who also face barriers to care.
“We are putting patients at the centre of their care by making sure they have the support and follow-up they deserve," says program co-designer and Quality Integration Specialist Jennifer Lapeer. “While the path to ongoing care isn't always the same for everyone, we want patients leaving the hospital knowing their next step. This program will help provide that clarity."
As for John's next steps, he's busy challenging himself multiple times a week in the Outpatient Stroke Program, working with physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. His goals include returning to the garage to confidently use his tools and snowblower (when the time comes), signing his name, resuming driving, and walking unassisted with confidence.
“Things are moving in an upward direction. I am really grateful for the support. My care has been phenomenal both in the hospital and as an outpatient. The biggest things for me were in the small touches, the card on my birthday, the attention to getting me connected to a doctor once I leave, I'm really appreciative."
Recovery from a stroke is a long journey, but with the right support in place, people like John can move forward with confidence. Providence Care's new program is helping close the gap in primary care, ensuring patients leave hospital with the right support in place.