FAQs

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced university education and clinical training in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. NP’s provide personalized care and have the clinical competencies required for expanded comprehensive practice. Ontario Nurse Practitioners provide a full range of health care services to individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings including hospitals and community-based clinics in cities and smaller towns in Ontario.  At a Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, NP’s serve as the patients primary health care provider leading their clinical care in conjunction with a range of health professionals who work as a team to support your optimal health.

“NPs are authorized to diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications and other treatments for clients. NP practice includes health promotion with the aim of optimizing the health of people, families, communities and populations. This enables NPs to practice with diverse client populations in a variety of contexts and practice settings such as acute care, primary care, rehabilitative care, curative and supportive care, and palliative/end-of-life care”.

(College of Nurses of Ontario, 2019)

What is the difference between a Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor?

Traditionally, physicians have provided the majority of primary care services, and unfortunately, many Ontarians have not been able to access a family doctor. In order to meet this demand, Ontario has created a new type of clinic called Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics. These clinics enable Nurse Practitioners (NP’s) to assess, diagnose and treat medical conditions using an evidence based approach and team-care environment. 

How do I become a patient?

Simply contact our clinic at glengarryclinic.ca or 613-347-1260 to inquire about becoming a client. You may be asked to add your name to our waiting list depending on our capacity to enroll new clients. You will be asked to complete a registration form, as part of our enrollment process.  Please note that the GNPLC’s target population is to serve those without access to a family doctor or other primary care provider. If you are registered with another family doctor or Nurse Practitioner and wish to transfer your care to the GNPLC you will be asked to sign a formal request to transfer your care and health records and de-register with your current provider.

Will I have the same Nurse Practitioner for my visits?

When you become a patient at the clinic, you will be assigned to a Nurse Practitioner who will oversee your care and continue to see you for future visits. Occasionally, you may see a different Nurse Practitioner if your appointment was booked on the same day as requested or because of NP availability.

Who is part of the GNPLC team?

The Glengarry NPLC offers you access to a multi-disciplinary team of professionals such as Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, mental health workers, a Dietitian, Physiotherapist, Chiropractic services and administrative staff.  The entire team works together to provide quality primary health care. Clients also have access to specialized programming such as our Hypertension Program. Smoking cessation, Psychiatric services, Spirometry and EKG services and on-site blood work/ diagnostic testing.

Is the GNPLC a walk-in clinic?

No. The clinic does not offer walk-in services. You must be a registered client of the clinic and book an appointment to be seen.

What if I have a sudden illness and need to be seen soon?

We offer same day or next day appointments based on medical need. Call our clinic and we will triage you and do our best to have your urgent health concern addressed that same day either in person or thru a virtual (telephone or video) visit.

Do you have any appointments after hours?

Yes, we offer extended hours 4:00-7:30 pm every Wednesday and Thursday.

Does the clinic offer virtual appointments?

Video and virtual visits are available: In addition to in-person visits, we also offer telephone consultations and video visits for your convenience. Depending on your health concern or reason for consulting with our clinical team, a video visit or telephone consultation may be appropriate. If this is method is your preference it can be arranged. Alternatively, we are available for in-person appointments at the clinic.