Family Health Team

Clinics and providers available at this site:

• Flu Vaccine Clinic – for a flu vaccine appointment
• Urgent Care Clinic – for an urgent new or worsening health concern
• Pap Clinic– for a cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) appointment
• Routine primary care for patients of the following staff providers:

• Routine primary care for patients of the following resident providers:

Book at our Hospital Site (30 The Queensway)

Alternatively, you can still call our office at 416-530-6860 or 416-530-6947 to book an appointment.

Clinics and providers available this site:

• Routine primary care for patients of the following staff providers:

Book at our Roncesvalles Site (27 Roncesvalles Avenue)

Alternatively, you can still call our office at 416-530-6860 or 416-530-6947 to book an appointment.

• August 2022 Update
• November 2021 Update
• October 2021 Update
• August 2021 Update
• July 2021 Update
• May 2021 Update
• April 2021 Update
• March 2021 Update
• January 2021 Update
• December 2020 Update
• October 2020 Update

We are excited to present our Strategic Plan for 2020-2025. Click here to view/download the booklet to learn more about our strategy framework, goals and priorities for the next five years.

How do I contact the St. Joseph’s Urban Family Health Team/Family Medicine Centre?

We have two locations! Contact us at 416-530-6860 or 416-530-6947.

How do I become a patient?

If you reside within our catchment areas and you are interested in becoming a patient, please call us at 416-530-6860 for more information

How do I make an Urgent Care appointment?

If you are a patient of our clinic and you have a health concern which requires urgent attention, please call us at 416-530-6860 or 416-530-6947 and we will do our best to accommodate your request with one of our providers.

How do I cancel an appointment?

If you need to cancel an appointment, please call us at 416-530-6860 or 416-530-6947.
Note: As a patient you must provide us with at least 24 hours notice to cancel your appointment.

Does this clinic use email?

We use email for one-way transfer of information from your healthcare provider at St. Joseph’s Urban Family Health Team/Family Medicine Centre to you. An email may be sent to you (and would replace a phone call) for a variety of reasons including:

• To inform or remind you of any upcoming appointments you may have
• To send reminders about a test being done
• To inform you of normal test results (but not abnormal results, and not all normal results)
• To send you patient education materials or resources
• To advise you of upcoming programs and services we will offer

Note: If you are interested in email communication, you will be required to sign a consent form. All email communication will become a permanent part of your electronic medical record at our office.

To view our email consent forms, click below:

• Email Communication Consent 16+ years
• Email Communication Consent under 16 years

What if I need medical care outside of regular hours of operation?

As an enrolled patient of our Family Health Team, you have access to the Health Connect Ontario. By calling Health Connect Ontario at 1-866-797-0007 or visiting https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca/ you can speak or chat with a nurse any time after hours. The nurse can also contact a doctor on call if necessary.

Note: In the event of a medical emergency, please visit your nearest Emergency Room.

How do I receive prescription refill?

To help us renew your prescriptions on time, please remember:

Review  your medication needs at each appointment. Bring your medications to each appointment with your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner.

Check  the amount of your medications between appointments to make sure you have enough.

If you run out of medications before your next appointment:

• Call your Pharmacy. They will send us a fax if needed.
• Allow up to three business days for us to respond to your Pharmacy.

How do I request a referral?

If you wish to be referred to a specialist, please book an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner to have the problem assessed. If you have a question regarding a current referral, please call our referral line at 416-530-6860 ext. 6241.

What services are not covered by OHIP?

Please note: You may have to pay for services not covered by OHIP. Common examples include:

• Notes for work or school
• Travel advice
• Insurance forms
• Release of medical records
• Cosmetic procedures

Generally, you will need to book an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner to discuss these services. For more information please visit this link: OMA Uninsured Services

How do I change my personal information?

In order to be able to contact you with important information, it is essential that you keep us informed of any changes to your address, telephone numbers, health card, and email address. Please call us at 416-530-6860 or 416-530-6947 if there are any changes to your personal information.

Family physician

• Provides all aspects of primary medical care.
• Acts as mentor to medical residents and students and conducts research to help improve medical practices in primary care.

Family medicine resident

• Under the supervision of a staff doctor, provides all aspects of primary medical care.

Family medicine registered nurse

• Provides comprehensive and collaborative health care with emphasis on health promotion, education, disease prevention and chronic disease management. We provide assessments, treatment and counseling for all of our patients in person or on the telephone.
• Care is provided to you and your family throughout the entire life span.

Pharmacist

• Has expertise in medication and medication therapy. Patient care is provided through medication assessments and education to ensure safe, appropriate and effective use of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins and herbal remedies.
• Works together with patients, their family members and the family medicine team to promote patient health and maintain wellness.

Social worker

• Provides psychosocial assessment and psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups. Psychotherapy is an interactive process to help people deal with issues that are preventing them from living more fully.
• Collaborates with patients and the healthcare team to coordinate care and to facilitate connections to community supports and resources.

Dietitian

• Counsels on diet and lifestyle changes, working with each individual patient to establish the best nutrition plan for them.
• Focuses on the prevention and management of chronic diseases, as well as a multitude of other health conditions in all age groups.

Nurse practitioner

• Provides comprehensive primary care services independently and in collaboration with physicians and other members of the team.
• Focuses on disease prevention and health promotion, as well as diagnosing and treating episodic illness and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

Behaviour change and health promotion specialist 

• Provides psychotherapy to individuals and groups. Psychotherapy is an interactive process to help people deal with issues that are preventing them from living more fully.
• Helps individuals to make conscious choices about health information and behaviours which support optimal health.

Community mental health worker

• Provides support, resources, assessments and referrals to individuals who have severe and persistent mental illness.
• Works in collaboration with other members of the clinical team and clients to navigate the psychiatric system and assess resource needs for referrals to hospital services and community agencies.
• Maintains/creates community partnerships and engages in education of team members, students and community members in treatment of mentally ill, system navigation and systemic barriers to recovery.

Administrative team

• Brings experience and knowledge to their respective roles in order to provide the best patient and client service possible.

Addictions registered nurse

• Responds to all clinical enquiries related to addiction medicine services.
• Completes the initial assessments of Rapid Access and T-CUP clinics.
• Coordinates collaborative care with internal and external resources to ensure smooth, timely and appropriate referrals to ongoing supports for patients seen by the addiction medicine team.
• Participates in education opportunities to create awareness through in-hospital presentations to nurses and staff on screening, assessment and treatment of signs and symptoms of substance withdrawal and addiction.

Community addictions worker

• Provides clinical care for addiction shared care patients. This includes bio-psychosocial assessments, therapeutic counselling, treatment planning and case management.
• Coordinates all concurrent disorders services, facilitates mindfulness-based relapse prevention groups.

Is your employer or child’s school requesting a medical note in order to return to work or school?

The Ontario Medical Association recommends that you complete the COVID-19 Self-Attestation Form to assess whether it is safe and/or prudent to return to work or school according to COVID-19 clearance guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Use the Ontario COVID-19 screening tool if you are sick to determine if a visit to the hospital assessment centre is necessary. Please visit covid-19.ontario.ca to complete the questionnaire about your symptoms. A virtual nurse will help triage your next steps if necessary.

Try the Community Resources for Patients and Families online tool – A guide to crisis, financial, abuse, housing, mental wellness and newcomer related community services offered outside of Unity Health Toronto.

COVID Care at Home

• COVID at Home Overview
• COVID at Home Oximeter Instructions
• COVID at Home Patient Log
• COVID at Home – Reasons to go to ED or Call the Clinic

General Resources

• Canada’s Food Guide — nutrition resources from Health Canada
• Canadian Diabetes Association — programs, services, publications and resources from The Canadian Diabetes Association
• Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care – information about preventative health screening guidelines in Canada
• Canadian Hearing Society – arrange a hearing test for adults and children
• Choosing Wisely Canada — a campaign to help physicians and patients engage in conversations about unnecessary tests, treatments, and procedures
• Eat Right Ontario — nutrition and healthy eating information, including free access to dietitians
• Fertility – Website written by Canadian fertility doctors addressing numerous questions around getting pregnant and fertility
• Heart and Stroke Foundation — programs, services, publications and resources including healthy eating, healthy weight and physical activity
• Living with Arthritis — programs, services, publications and resources from The Arthritis Society
• Online Health Library — Unity Health – easy to read health information and was created specifically for patients, their families and members of our community. Online Health Library will link you to handouts and other resources that you can use to manage your health
• Ontario Physiotherapy Association — information from The Ontario Physiotherapy Association, including a link to locate a physiotherapist near you
• Osteoporosis Canada – recommendations for calcium and vitamin D intake as well as a dietary calcium calculator
• Sexuality and U — information on sexual health from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• Smokers’ Helpline — tools to help with quitting smoking from the Canadian Cancer Society
• Toronto Central Health  — health related resources/ services and events by region
• Toronto Public Health — information on breastfeeding, pregnancy, child development, parenting, immunization, etc.; includes free online information and programs

Parenting Resources

• City of Toronto – We all want to be good parents and caregivers, and raising children is not always easy. These pages include information and tips on common topics related to parenting.
• Nobody’s Perfect – is a facilitated parenting program for parents of children from birth to age five. Its goal is to improve participants ‘capabilities to maintain and promote the health of their children.

Women’s Health Resources

• HPV Info  — information on HPV from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• Menopause and U — information on menopause from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• Pelvic Health Solutions — information on pelvic health and the role of pelvic floor physiotherapy

Mental Health and Substance Use Resources

• Anxiety BC ― a comprehensive online resource for patient with anxiety; highlights include the Resource Documents section and Mind Shift CBT Groups
• Beacon 2.0 Depression Services ― list of internet-based resources for depression that are based on CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) principles, including MoodGYM
• BounceBack Ontario – a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Big White Wall – an online mental health and wellbeing service offering self-help programs, creative outlets and a community that cares
• Calm Clinic – resources on mental health
• Canadian Mental Health Association ― resources on mental health including information on how to find help
• ConnexOntario ― free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness, or gambling
• Drug and Alcohol Helpline ― provides information about drug and alcohol addiction services in Ontario
• Health Canada’s On The Road to Quitting Guides for Adults and young Adults These guides will give you the information and skills you need to successfully stop smoking
• Gerstein Crisis Centre ― 24-hour community based mental health crisis service
• Mental Health Helpline ― provides information about mental health services in Ontario
• Ontario Psychological Association Referral Service ― searchable database of registered psychologists for a variety of counselling needs
• Psychotherapy Referral Service ― helps match patients with a psychotherapist based on his/her individual needs
• Self-Help Resource Centre ― includes a directory of self-help groups in Toronto
• Sleep Hygiene ― helpful tips on improving sleep habits
• STOP on the Net program – is an online research program (cohort single arm study, no placebo) designed to support individuals 18 years and older to attempt to quit smoking.
• Eligible individuals to learn more about and access the program at www.stopstudy.ca

Pregnancy Resources

• Durham Region Online Prenatal Classes ― free online prenatal classes
• Health Canada Food and Nutrition Guide on Prenatal Nutrition
• Prenatal Screening Ontario — information on prenatal screening tests
• Toronto Public Health Pregnancy Resources ― free online information and programs for pregnancy, parenting, and breastfeeding; includes contact information for the Public Health nurse
• Developmental Services Ontario ― Developmental Services Ontario helps adults with developmental disabilities connect to services and supports in their communities.

Pediatrics

• About Kids Health — health information for parents and children from The Hospital for Sick Children
• Autism Parent Resource Kit – Government of Ontario resource to help parents navigate available services, supports and programs
• Breastfeeding Information — breastfeeding resources from Dr. Jack Newman
• Caring for Kids — health information for parents and children from the Canadian Pediatric Society
• Feeding Your Baby from Six Months to One Year — guide to help introduce solid foods to babies
• Immunization Well-Child Toolkit
• Why Vaccinations Are a Healthy Choice for a Strong Immune System – guide to address top concerns from parents about vaccines to help them make informed and healthy choices for their children.
• Tips for a Positive Immunization Experience – steps to take before, during, and after a vaccine for a better immunization experience.
• If You Choose Not to Vaccinate Your Child – disclosure of the risks of not vaccinating your child.
• Introducing Solids — guide to starting solid foods from The Hospital for Sick Children
• Best Start — Ontario’s Maternal Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre supports service providers working on preconception health, prenatal health and early child development.
• Rourke Baby Record for Parents — health information for parents and children from the Rourke Baby Record; includes information about normal child growth and development, along with information on common health topics
• Toronto Preschool Speech & Language Services — provides resources and supports to infants, toddlers, preschool children and their families living in the City of Toronto experiencing challenges with communication development, hearing loss, and visual impairment.

Primary health care for all ages

• Preventative health care, including screening tests for colon, cervical and breast cancer, etc.
• Health check-ups
• Diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and injuries
• Support in managing chronic conditions
• Referrals to health-care specialists
• Primary pediatric care

Low risk obstetrics

We provide low risk antenatal and intrapartum care for our patients and we also accept referrals from external providers. For more information on the obstetrical care we provide, visit our St. Joseph’s Toronto Primary Care Obstetrics website.

Home visit program for frail home-bound patients

We provide primary health care services to stable and frail home-bound patients who meet certain criteria living within our local catchment area.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

We provide individual and group support to patients with anxiety, depression, chronic pain and other issues related to life transitions.

Well Baby/Child Clinic

Our team of family doctors, nurses and medical residents provides comprehensive care for children from newborns to those aged six and younger. These visits include counselling for families to improve language development and school readiness in young children. Our Reach Out and Read (ROAR) program encourages the development of literacy skills by providing appropriate books and connecting families to local resources.

Minor Procedures Clinic

We provide a specialized clinic for patients requiring the removal of skin lesions, gynecological procedures and joint injections.

Addiction medicine services

For more information about Addictions Services at Unity Health, please visit our Mental Health and Addictions page.

Inpatient palliative care consultative service

We provide palliative care consultations to inpatients at St. Joseph’s. For more information about palliative care at Unity Health please visit our Palliative Care page.

Mental Health Group Programs

We facilitate several psychoeducational groups for UFHT patients throughout the year, both in person and virtually to improve the daily psychosocial functioning of specific patient populations. These groups include Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy Group and the Mental Health for All (Mindful Eating Solutions).

Ground Floor East Wing
416-530-6860
Fax: 416-530-6160
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Satellite Clinic Location
27 Roncesvalles Ave. Suite 101
416-530-6947
Fax: 416-530-2070
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4:45 pm (closed each day 11:45 am to 12:45 pm)

After-hours access through main switchboard and calling 416-530-6860 for MD on call as well as through Health Connect Ontario: 1-866-797-0007 or https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca/