If you live in Ontario and have ever needed to access an Emergency Department at your local hospital, then you are likely familiar with the experience of waiting long hours to be seen. Combined with the needs of a physical disability, such as pre-planned transportation, accessing urgent medical care can become challenging and stressful. That is why the Virtual Emergency Department (ED) is here and available to anyone in Ontario.

The University Health Network now offers a Virtual Emergency Department, with the expertise of nurse practitioners from the University Health Network and Sunnybrook Health Sciences. The service is supported by Ontario Health and is available to anyone in Ontario at the time of the virtual appointment.

To access a virtual visit in the Emergency Department, these are the only requirements:

• You must be 18 years of age or older
• Have an urgent medical condition that is not life-threatening
• Be physically located in Ontario at the time of the virtual visit
• Have access to either a regular phone line, a phone, tablet or a computer/laptop – just one of these is enough, and you can decide which option works best for you

If you have a primary care provider, it is recommended that you first speak with them, however, if they are unavailable or you do not have a family doctor, the virtual Emergency Department may be a fitting option for you.

How to Book a Virtual Emergency Department Visit:

By phone:

You can book a Virtual Emergency Department visit by calling (416) 357-2984 – this option is best if you prefer to speak over the phone with the ED team, instead of connecting over a virtual platform like Zoom.

Book online:

You may also book your appointment online by visiting the following link.

What you will require:

• Computer, smartphone or tablet with video and microphone, or a telephone
• A strong internet connection (only if you prefer to speak to the ED team on a virtual platform)
• A valid email address (to access the appointment link and reminders)
• A quiet, private space to have your virtual ED visit
• Your Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) card – note: if you do not have an OHIP card, you can still have a Virtual Emergency Department visit

To learn more about Ontario’s virtual Emergency Departments, visit this link to access Frequently Asked Questions and determine if the Virtual ED is right for you.