What is the After-Hours Clinic?
The After-Hours Clinic is an after-hours service available to the enrolled patients of the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team. The doctors within the CKFHT have an alternating schedule, 6 days a week, where they see patients with acute (urgent) conditions that require immediate attention.
Please note that this is not for emergency cases. Any emergency should be taken to the nearest emergency department or reported to 9-1-1.
What is considered “acute”?
A condition that “comes up suddenly” is acute – including, but not limited to: a sore throat, ear/eye infection, rashes, animal bites, etc.
Chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, medication refills, form completions, or annual physicals) are not considered urgent and should be managed through routine office appointments.
I work during the day, so can I wait for an After-Hours Clinic to see my doctor?
No. These clinics are intended for urgent/acute cases only. For any regular office appointment, you must call your doctor’s office and schedule a regular visit with your doctor.
How do I get an After-Hours Clinic appointment?
Through your family physician’s office. When an acute condition comes up, call your family physician’s office.
Is the After-Hours Clinic only in Chatham?
No. The After-Hours Clinic is offered at all CKFHT sites (Blenheim, Chatham, Dresden, Ridgetown, or Wallaceburg) – depending on which doctor is holding the clinic. The clinics will be held in each doctor’s regular office, unless otherwise stated.
Can I only see my own doctor for After-Hours Clinic?
No. If something requires immediate attention and your own doctor cannot see you – you will be offered the After-Hours Clinic, regardless of which doctor or which site within the health team is holding it.
I don’t have a doctor; can I see a doctor in After-Hours Clinic?
No. Unfortunately this is a service available only to patients who have a doctor within the Chatham-Kent Family Health Team.
If you do not currently have a doctor contact Health Care Connect at 1-800-445-1822 or http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/healthcareconnect/public/ and they will connect you with a doctor.
If this is a medical emergency please seek medical care at the nearest emergency department.
For directions to the After Hours Clinic, we have provided the link to MapQuest. Just enter in your starting location, for clinics in:
Blenheim
Chatham
Dresden
Ridgetown
Wallaceburg