New healthcare clinic aims to help lighten emergency department’s load

Lisha Van Nieuwenhove

An additional option for health care is now available in Uxbridge.

Oak Valley Health, the healthcare organization that operates the Uxbridge Hospital, along with the Markham Stouffville Hospital recently announced that, in partnership with the Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team, and Uxbridge Health Centre, it has expanded the Community Health Clinic (CHC) and has opened a CHC in Uxbridge.

Located in the Oak Tree Medical Building beside Uxbridge Hospital, 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.

According to Ronald Ma, a communications specialist with Oak Valley Health, 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.

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.

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

Emergency department visits per 1,000 people in Uxbridge are about 13.5 per cent higher than the provincial average, says Ma. Services like the CHC Uxbridge aims to alleviate crowded emergency departments.

UPDATE (Wednesday, Dec. 18): The CHC Uxbridge will not be open until Jan. 2, 2025.