Press Release
Pembroke Regional Hospital
PEMBROKE – In partnership with local representatives of Renfrew County’s Primary Care Network, the Pembroke Regional Hospital is working to ensure all residents have attachment and timely access to a family physician or nurse practitioner.
However, for many local residents, fulfillment of that vision won’t come quick enough following the recent retirement announcement by Dr. Roland Hing who has served the community for many years and has a large medical practice.
Dr. Hing has told his patients that he will be retiring effective September 30th.
While there is a shortage of primary care providers taking on new patients in the region, those seeking health care do have a number of options available to them and both PRH and the Primary Care Network want to ensure those needing care know where to turn.
First, anyone requiring a family physician is urged to register with Health Care Connect by visiting www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect or calling 1-800-538-0520.
Health Care Connect refers Ontarians who don’t have a physician to a family health care provider who may be accepting new patients. To successfully register, unattached patients must have a valid OHIP card and complete a health questionnaire to determine their need for family health care services. Priority is given to individuals who have greater health needs. Once registered, program participants are assigned to a Care Connector who works with family physicians and nurse practitioners who are accepting new patients.
There are limitations with Health Care Connect, however, in that individuals must be unattached from a primary care practice at the time they register. This means, that Dr. Hing’s patients would not be eligible to register until October 1st.
Residents with an urgent health concern who do not have a family physician or cannot access their family physician or alternative primary care provider can call the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RCVTAC) which can be reached by calling 1-844-727-6404.
The new Health Connect Ontario service is also available for health advice by calling 811or you can chat online with a registered nurse at https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca.
Residents with a medical emergency should attend their nearest Emergency Department or call 911.
