Welcome to the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team website!

Our team of family physicians and interdisciplinary health providers serve people in Mississippi Mills and the surrounding area.

Our mission is to increase the level of and access to primary care services by building an integrated team of health care professionals, so that all residents will have access to timely, high-quality primary care medical services, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention and improved management of chronic disease.

Please visit our Patient Info page if you are interested in becoming a patient of our Family Health Team.

NEWS AND EVENTS

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Changes to mask requirements for patients and visitors entering the clinic

Effective August 8, 2023, univerwsal masking is no longer mandatory for patients and visitors entering the clinic, however there are exceptions to this rule.

Masks are REQUIRED for all patients arriving with the following symptoms:

- Cold and flu like symptoms, (cough, sore throat etc.)

- Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms

- Respiratory symptoms

Masks are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED in all patient care areas; including waiting room and reception area, exam and treatment rooms.

Patients and visitor can continue to wear a mask for their own personal or medical reasons. Masks will be provideer at the entrance of the clinic.

Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions, please as to speak with a manager.

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Our new on-line booking system offically launches July 21.

Things to know about the new platform;

1) New booking link - https://tinyurl.com/OVFHTOAB

2) No registration required to book appointments - you will need - your full name, health card number and your date of birth.

3) We have started implementing our new system in phases and have only open a couple of providers at a time.

4) If there are no appointments available on-line please call the clinic at 613-256-9370 ext 1 and one of our medical office assistants will be happy to help you.

Thank you for your continued patience as we transition to our new system.

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We are seeing a spike in respiratory illness, especially in children and receiving a high volume of calls for appointments. Here is some helpful information from the Ontario College of Family Physicians to help you understand what you can do at home, when you should call our clinic and when you need to go to the emergency room.

What you can do at home

Most people with respiratory symptoms - whether from flu, COVID, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), or other infections - will recover on their own and do not require prescription medication. We recommend patients self- isolate and rest, drink plenty of fluids and take analgesics (as needed) for headaches or muscle aches until they are better.

When to call our clinic

There are specific considerations for respiratory illness in children. Family Doctor Tips on Caring for Children with Respiratory Symptoms is a resource which answers many common questions - including when to call your doctor's office.If you or your child are at higher risk for complications from respiratory illnesses, please call our clinic right away so we can determine whether you need to be seen and should be prescribed treatment.

You may be offered a virtual appointment if it is appropriate for you. This is one way we can determine if you need to be seen in person.

When to go to the emergency room

Emergency rooms are currently facing capacity issues. However, in some cases, it is the only place to get the right care. Click on the following link to help determine if your child needs to visit an ER.

Wear a mask if

Please be reminded that masking is required in our clinic if you have any respiratory or GI symptoms or cold,cough and flu syptoms.

Our clinic (like most clinics at present) is handling much higher numbers of patient calls and visits than usual, including care "backlogs" from the pandemic. For some routine, non-urgent care (eg well child visits not associated with immunization, followup for chronic disease that is stable), wait times for your appointment may be longer - we appreciate that you continue to be patient with us as we work hard to help you.

We are always here for you and will ensure you get the care you need, when you need it!

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Our triage nurses get alot of questions from concerned patients and family members this time of your regarding antibiotics and the difference between viruses and bacteria - here are some resources to help you out.

Antibiotic Q&A and What's got you sick? Viruses or Bacteria

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Please note: due to the increased clinical obligations at the Family Health Team and the Almonte General Hospital - prescription renewals may now take up to 7 days to renew.

Local pharmacies are aware of this and will utilize their good judgement with their expanded scope for any delays that might occur.

Please plan ahead - if you are running out of a medication contact your pharmacy sooner for the renewal.

Thank you for your understanding.

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Ottawa Valley Family Medicine Obstetrics Program

The team provides comprehensive pregnancy care to low risk women in west Ottawa, the Ottawa Valley and Lanark county. The group has privileges for delivery at the Almonte General Hospital. The unit has five private postpartum rooms with their own washroom and shower, two labour and delivery rooms, showers, and an operating room for cesarean sections. Ultrasound services are available on site.

A full range of pain management options are available, including 24-hour epidural service. With a commitment to best practice, they have the distinction of being Ontario's top performer in Maternity care.

If you wish to become a patient you can have your doctor refer you to the group for pregnancy care, or you can complete the intake form on the website and a team member will contact you within 7 days.

Visit our website - www.ottawavalleyfmob.ca

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