Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) is launching a new pilot project to offer virtual urgent care appointments.
GBHS says as of March 2, the pilot project will allows any qualifying patients to access a virtual visit with a GBHS physician from their own home. Patients must, however, have their own device like a tablet, laptop or smartphone with audio and video capabilities.
GBHS partnered with Maple, a leading Canadian provider of virtual healthcare solutions to host this pilot project.
Chief of Emergency Medicine at the GBHS Owen Sound Hospital Dr. Sunil Mehta says, “this new service will work well for patients who need same-day medical attention, but are unable to see their family doctor.”
GBHS says about 10 same-day virtual care appointment will be available three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Anyone who wishes to book an appointment can do so online on the day they wish to see the doctor, with registration open at 11 a.m. on the days of the virtual clinics, and must be booked by 3:30 p.m.
Virtual visits will be free to Grey Bruce residents who have a valid OHIP card.
VP of Clinical Operations at Maple Shelly-Ann Rampersad says, they are proud to come together with GBHS to bring the residents of the Grey and Bruce counties timely access to medical care, all without having to travel to the hospital in person.
“Embracing innovation, patients will be able to access a GBHS doctor through the Maple platform, allowing those with non-life threatening medical issues to receive effective and convenient care,” says Rampersad.
GBHS says this new program will help reduce the strain on their emergency departments. People who do need emergency medical attention should call 911 or go to their closest ER.
More details on the appointment system can be found on the GBHS website.