Helping People Access Primary Care in
Mid-West Toronto

Over the past few months, the Partner organizations of the Mid-West Toronto OHT have been working together to bring more team-based care to our community. We know that, on average, people who have a family doctor have better management of chronic conditions and routine screenings, leading to better health outcomes. That is why we are proud to be part of a province-wide effort to help more Ontarians access primary care. 

Here is how we are making primary care more connected and accessible in our community.

New Support for Patients and Doctors

Across Mid-West Toronto, our Partners are working together to rethink how people find, access and stay connected to primary care.

We know that being matched with a family doctor is only the first step. People also need help knowing what to expect, where to go, and how to get the most out of their care. That’s why we’re thinking outside the box about how primary care works in our community.

This includes:

  • Making it easier for people to find and connect with a family doctor

  • Helping new patients feel welcome and supported at their first visit

  • Finding ways for family doctors to connect their patients with a wider circle of care and support, such as social workers and dietitians.

Our focus is on building a more connected experience over time, so people don’t feel like they’re figuring out the system on their own.

Looking Ahead: More Care, More Places

The work is just beginning. Our Partners have recently submitted proposals to further expand primary care for 2026 and 2027. These plans focus on reaching specific populations that often find it more challenging to navigate the system. They include:

  • Newcomers and Refugees: Exploring a specialized "bridging" approach to help refugees access care and support as they get settled in Toronto.

  • Youth and Young Adults: Expanding care that brings sexual health, mental health, and social supports together in one place.

  • Francophone Community: Increasing services for French-speaking residents, so language is never a barrier to great care.

  • Downtown Residents: Working to turn walk-in clinics into permanent family health teams, so more people have a consistent "home base" for their health.

Why This Matters

The healthcare system can be confusing and many people in our community feel like they are navigating it alone. By pooling our resources, sharing nurses, technology, and expertise across different organizations, we are building a system where no door is the wrong door.

Whether you are a newcomer, a young person, or someone who has been on a waitlist for a long time, our goal is the same: connected, compassionate care that treats you as a whole person.