​April Ting, patient at the Community Health Clinic Uxbridge​

​By: Ronald Ma, corporate communications specialist, Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team

Oak Valley Health in partnership with the Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team, and Uxbridge Health Centre have expanded the Community Health Clinic (CHC) by opening a new site - CHC Uxbridge -- to ensure the communities of Markham, Stouffville, Uxbridge, and surrounding areas have access to the services they need during the cold and flu season.  

CHC Uxbridge offers health care services to individuals of all ages who do not have access to a primary care provider or cannot get an appointment with one in a timely manner.

The clinic is nurse practitioner-led and serves as a gateway for health care for the unattached community to access primary care, from initial appointment to follow-ups and referrals as needed.

April Ting, a newcomer from the Philippines, resident of Uxbridge, and one of the clinic's first patients, found the accessibility and convenience of CHC Uxbridge to be one of its biggest advantages.

“In speaking with some of my friends about their health care experiences in Canada, I was expecting a longer wait," April says. “But the service was fast, convenient, and accessible since same-day and next-day appointments are available."

Like many others in Canada, April does not have a primary care provider. Having access to a service like the CHC not only offers her access to quick and easy health care, but also peace of mind.

“I was able to see Shahnaz (the nurse practitioner) within a couple of hours after making a phone call," April says. “It brings comfort knowing that I can see a health care professional and get the care that I need."

CHC Uxbridge operates Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and is available for same day or next day appointments.

CHC Stouffville continues to provide health care services to individuals of all ages who do not have access to a primary care provider or cannot get an appointment with one in a timely manner for all types of primary care issues and urgent needs.

The CHC Stouffville also offers a year-round children's rapid access clinic run by providers who specialize in paediatric care. During this cold and flu season, this clinic will ramp up to support timely access to a provider to avoid emergency department visits and improved access to care. This year, CHC Stouffville is offering RSV immunization for high-risk infants.

Along with both in-person clinics at the CHC Stouffville and CHC Uxbridge, a Virtual Urgent Care Clinic (VUCC) is also available for patients to access virtual care, after hours from 1-9 p.m, 7 days a week. Appointments can be made online for same or next day appointments. The VUCC sees patients of all ages and a broad range of urgent, non-life-threatening health issues including mental health.

Same and next-day appointments can be made for the CHC Uxbridge, CHC Stouffville, and VUCC at oakvalleyhealth.ca/community.

​