Announcements
Couchiching Ontario Health Team Clears January 1, 2025, Health Care Connect Waitlist
Milestone reflects strong local partnerships and progress toward connecting every resident to primary care
July 14Need a Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner? Join the Health Care Connect Wait List!
Milestone reflects strong local partnerships and progress toward connecting every resident to primary care
July 14ORILLIA, ON – [July 14, 2026] – The Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT) is proud to announce that it has successfully cleared its January 1, 2025, Health Care Connect waitlist, marking a significant milestone in improving access to primary care for residents across Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Rama First Nation, Ramara, and Severn.
This achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of family physicians, nurse practitioners, primary care teams, and health system partners who worked together to connect unattached residents with ongoing primary care providers.
“Clearing our Health Care Connect waitlist is a significant milestone and a testament to the strength of the partnerships that exist across Couchiching,” said Angela Munday, Executive Director of the Couchiching Ontario Health Team. “This achievement demonstrates what is possible when organizations and providers work together toward a common goal.”
The milestone contributes to Ontario’s broader goal of connecting every person in the province to timely, comprehensive, and coordinated primary care by 2029.
In a letter recognizing the achievement, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones congratulated the Couchiching Ontario Health Team and its partners for their dedication, collaboration, and innovation in improving access to care.
“This milestone exemplifies the impact that Ontario Health Teams and their Primary Care Networks can have when working in partnership with local providers, communities, and patients,” wrote Minister Jones. “Connecting those on your local Health Care Connect waitlist to primary care helps ensure that more Ontarians can receive the care they need, when they need it.”
The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of family doctors, nurse practitioners, and primary care teams who have worked diligently to support patient attachment efforts across the region.
While clearing the January 1, 2025, waitlist is an important accomplishment, the Couchiching Ontario Health Team remains focused on ensuring all residents have access to ongoing primary care.
“While we celebrate this important accomplishment, our work is not finished,” added Munday. “Ensuring that every resident has access to a family physician or nurse practitioner remains a top priority, and we will continue working together to achieve that goal.”
Residents who are currently without a family physician or nurse practitioner are encouraged to register with Ontario’s Health Care Connect program.
How to Register with Health Care Connect
Residents can:
Questions or need assistance getting registered? Call Emily, the COHT Attachment Navigator, at 705-329-3649 ext. 241.
About the Couchiching Ontario Health Team
The Couchiching Ontario Health Team brings together health care providers, organizations, patients, families, and caregivers to deliver more connected and coordinated care for residents of Orillia and surrounding communities. Through collaboration and innovation, the COHT works to improve access, patient experience, and health outcomes across the region.
Media Contact
Stephanie Brady
Community Relations Specialist
Couchiching Ontario Health Team
705-619-4701
s.brady@coht.ca
www.coht.ca
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