1. What is a family health team?

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides this definition of a Family Health Team: “A Family Health Team is an approach to primary health care that brings together different health care providers to co-ordinate the highest possible quality of care for you — the patient.”

2. What is primary care?

Primary health care is your first point of contact with a doctor, nurse practitioner or health care team member. Primary health care includes, but is not limited to: disease management and prevention, acute care and health promotion.

3. What type of health care providers work at our family health team?

The interdisciplinary team at the Tilbury District Family Health Team includes:

• family physicians
• nurse practitioners
• a dietitian
• social workers
• pharmacists
• foot care nurse
• registered nurses and practical nurses
• certified diabetes and lung health educators
• a respiratory therapist
• an administrative support team

4. How do I enroll as a patient with one of the health care providers?

Each physician and nurse practitioner determines whether they accept new patients depending on their current patient caseload. To find how to enroll as a patient with one of the health care providers please email: Direct E-mail link to find out how to enroll as a patient with one of the health care providerscontact@tdfht.ca.

5. Where do I find more information about all of the services offered at the TDFHT?

View our services section above to find detailed descriptions of all of our services offered here at the TDFHT.

6. Where is the TDFHT located?

The TDFHT has two locations. Our main office is located at 22 Mill Street West, Tilbury, ON. We also have a satellite office in Chatham located at 226 Wellington Street West Chatham ON. View our location mapView map.

7. How can I provide feedback to the TDFHT?

Please fill out our survey at this link to provide us with feedback. Your input matters to us and helps us determine where and how we need to improve.

8. Does the TDFHT have an e-mail address I can contact if I have a question?

Yes. Please feel free to e-mail us at E-mail address for general questionscontact@tdfht.caif you have a general question. Please note that this e-mail is not frequently monitored on a continuous basis, and if you have an urgent question that requires an immediate answer, it is best that you call or come in to the office. In addition, it is important not to use this e-mail if you have medical questions regarding your health.

9. What is considered an urgent issue?

Urgent Care is a service we offer where our patients can see one of our health care providers for a health concern that needs immediate attention such as a sick child, a worsening condition, sore throats, earaches and minor injuries.Please note that it is not for emergency situations. Emergencies need to be seen in an emergency department at the hospital. It is also important to know that patients are seen in urgent care on a priority basis, depending on your presenting condition. See our home page for current wait times and hours that urgent care is available.

10. 2. Where can I find current wait times for urgent care?

Visit the home page of our website at http://tdfht.ca/ for the most up-to-date wait times for our daily urgent care service.

11. Is there urgent care on the weekends?

Yes. We offer urgent care on Saturday mornings from 9-11am, except for on holiday weekends. If urgent care is cancelled, it will be posted on our website.

12. Why do some patients get seen quicker than others?

There are many providers that are seeing patients. Your wait time will depend on which provider you have an appointment with and the reason for your visit.

13. What happens if I can no longer attend my appointment?

Please call our cancellation line at (519)-682-2307 ext.333 and leave a message stating your name, the name of the health care provider, and the time of your appointment. It is important to cancel with our office as soon as possible if you cannot attend, as we have many patients that are waiting for appointments with our health care providers.

14. How can I find out about upcoming events at the TDFHT?

To find out about current and upcoming events held by the TDFHT, see our calendar section on our website.

15. Do I have to speak to my provider’s receptionist to make an appointment?

No. Any of the clerical staff members can make an appointment for you with your provider.

16. Is this location wheelchair accessible?

Yes, our sites are wheelchair accessible. There are extra wheelchairs at the front door that can be used within the building.

17. How soon do I have to let my doctor or primary pharmacy know that I need refills?

It is important that you let your pharmacy know 2 weeks in advance when you are going to need refills on your medication(s). This process can take time as it involves more than one person and several steps.

18. How do I obtain test results?

Depending on test, return time for tests vary. If you have not heard back from our office within two weeks you can call and follow-up.

19. Do you have a lab?

Yes. Our on-site phlebotomist can do your routine blood work for our patients with a requisition from your health care provider.

20. What services are not covered by OHIP?

Most services are covered through OHIP however some services such as forms, driver’s medical exam, sick notes and insurance paperwork require payment based on OMA guidelines. See link for more information.

21. Do I need to bring my health card to every visit?

Yes. Your valid health card allows us to ensure your current eligibility for OHIP.

22. What happens if my health card is expired?

If your health card has expired please go to your nearest Service Ontario location to renew your health card.

23. Do I need to bring my medications with me to my appointment?

Yes, you should bring your medications with you to every appointment. This allows us to ensure we have an up-to-date record of all of your medications in our system.

24. If I was recently discharge from the hospital should I notify my doctor?

Yes. The period immediately after discharge from hospital can potentially be high risk and a vulnerable
transition point for patients. In order for you to receive proper follow-up care it is important to book an appointment with your primary care provider generally within 7 days after being dismissed from the hospital.

25. Who do I contact if I have a complaint?

If you have a complaint about the TDFHT or the care that you have received, please contact 519-682-9623 and you will be directed to the most appropriate person.

26. How do I become a volunteer at the TDFHT?

Our volunteers support and work with staff to achieve this vision. If you feel that you can make an impact and would like to contribute to your community through this volunteer program please email e-mail link for making volunteer inquiries volunteer@tdfht.ca to request an application form, and to submit your resume. To find out more information about volunteering click here.

27. Where can I find job postings for the TDFHT?

For information about current employment opportunities with the TDFHT, visit our latest news section of our website.

28. How do I make a donation to the TDFHT?

If you are interested in making a donation please print and complete the following document: Donation Form. Cheques from donors should be made out to Tilbury District Family Health Team Charitable Trust and mailed with the attached document, or delivered to:

Tilbury District Family Health Team
22 Mill St. W. P.O. Box 760
Tilbury, ON N0P 2L0

Click here for more information on donations.