Thousands of Hastings Prince Edward residents have been connected with a family doctor or nurse practitioner through a regional effort to improve access to primary care.
The Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team says it has eliminated the Health Care Connect wait list for people who registered before Jan. 1, 2025. A review of the list identified 5,147 residents still in need of primary care, and all have now been successfully matched with a provider.
Health officials say the milestone was made possible through collaboration between the Ontario Health Team, Primary Care Network, Ontario Health atHome and community partners.
The focus now shifts to the 3,226 residents who joined the wait list after Jan. 1, 2025. Officials say the number likely understates the need, as many people remain without a local provider.
Residents still seeking a family doctor or nurse practitioner are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect or call 8-1-1.
