Healthcare & Finding a Family Doctor

Finding healthcare in a new city can be challenging. This guide covers how to find a family doctor in Waterloo Region, access walk-in clinics, and navigate the local healthcare system.

Finding a Family Doctor

Like much of Ontario, Waterloo Region has a shortage of family doctors accepting new patients. Here's how to get connected:

Health Care Connect

Health Care Connect is the provincial program that helps Ontarians without a family doctor find one. This should be your first step.

Government commitment: Ontario has committed to connecting everyone on the Health Care Connect waitlist as of January 1, 2025 by Spring 2026, with a goal of connecting every Ontarian to primary care by 2029.

Priority factors: You're prioritized based on:

• Health risk factors and medical needs
• Date of registration
• Availability of providers in your area

Additional Resources

Home and Community Care Support Services Waterloo Wellington can also assist with finding a family doctor:

• Phone: 519-748-2222

Walk-in Clinics

While searching for a family doctor, you can access non-emergency medical care at walk-in clinics throughout the region:

Waterloo

• Spruce Medical Walk-In Clinic: 519-725-1111 - sprucemedical.ca
• Waterloo Walk-in Clinic: 170 University Ave W, Unit 13 - 519-725-1514

Kitchener

• KW HL Walk-in Clinic: kwhlclinic.com

Cambridge

• St. Andrews Walk-in Medical Clinic: 190 St Andrews St, Unit B2 - 226-667-5777

Find more clinics:

• Medimap.ca - shows wait times and allows online check-in
• Call Health811 at 811 for suggestions

Hospitals

Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN)

On April 1, 2025, Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital merged to form the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN). The hospitals are now known as:

• WRHN @ Chicopee (Freeport Site): 3570 King St E, Kitchener - 519-742-3611

The network has over 650 beds and offers 15 specialized programs including surgery, children's programs, childbirth, medical imaging, mental health, emergency, and cancer care.

Cambridge Memorial Hospital

Cambridge is also served by Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

Health Resources

Health811

Need health advice but not sure where to go? Call Health811 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7:

• Phone: 811 (TTY: 711)
• Online: Health811 website for chat and searchable database

KW4 Ontario Health Team

The KW4 Ontario Health Team provides resources to help you find the right care at the right time:

• Website: kw4oht.com
• Know Your Care Options: knowyourcareoptions.ca

For New Ontario Residents

If you're moving to Ontario from another province or country:

1. Apply for OHIP at a ServiceOntario centre within 30 days of arrival
2. Required documents:
   • Proof of Ontario residency (lease, utility bill, driver's license)
   • Proof of Canadian citizenship or immigration status (passport, birth certificate, PR card)
3. Register for Health Care Connect to get on the waitlist for a family doctor
4. Locate nearby walk-in clinics for immediate healthcare needs