Family doctors and nurse practitioners taking new patients at Health Care Connect

Doctor checks a tablet in a hospital in this file image. CTV NEWS

After years of paltry access to primary care in Barrie and area the situation may be improving.

The Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team (BAOHT) are urging residents without a family doctor or nurse practitioner to register with Health Care Connect (HCC).

Primary care partners of the BAOHT have made significant progress in reducing wait times and connecting residents to primary care.

“For years, people have waited on the Health Care Connect wait list and struggled to find a physician or nurse practitioner, but that is no longer the case,” said Dr. Chibuike Chizea, co-chairperson of the health team.

“With several physicians recently joining practices in Barrie, many are actively accepting patients through Health Care Connect. In fact, we’ve already cleared thousands of people from the wait list this year.”

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Registration is the first step toward being matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner in Barrie, Innisfil, Springwater, Oro-Medonte and Essa Township.

“Many residents in Barrie and surrounding communities may not realize that Health Care Connect is currently the fastest and simplest way to get attached to care,” said Chizea.

“With new providers accepting patients and spots filling quickly, we’re encouraging anyone without a primary care provider to register now.”