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LGBT Primary Health Care - Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQs)

Who are the health care providers at Sherbourne Health Centre?

If you are a member of the LGBT community, you can rest assured that our team of experienced and specially trained LGBT health care providers are knowledgeable and sensitive to the physical, mental and emotional needs of LGBT people and their families.

 

Our LGBT Primary Care Team includes:

 

           Physicians

           Nurses

           A Nurse Practitioner

           A Health Promoter

           Mental Health Counsellors

           Medical Secretaries

           Outreach and Client Resource Workers

 

                            

What health services can you offer me?

We take a holistic approach to LGBT primary health care and strive to provide you with dignified, non-judgmental services to help you to feel better, access community resources, cope with trauma, and address specific LGBT health issues. There is a wide variety of culturally appropriate LGBT programs and services available for you to access at Sherbourne Health Centre - in a welcoming and safe environment.

 

I haven’t seen a doctor in years – can I still receive services?

Even if you haven’t seen a doctor in many years, our experienced team can help you. Whether you need a routine physical examination, consultation about a new illness or care for a chronic condition, our LGBT health care team is trained in dealing with the special health issues faced by the LGBT community. We will work with you and if necessary, with other community agencies to ensure you receive health care services to keep you well, informed and safe. If you would like to meet with a member of the LGBT health care team, contact medical reception to make an appointment.

 

I’m interested in Hormone Therapy – how can I access services and information?

If you are a member of the Trans Community or are questioning your gender identity we can help you. At Sherbourne Health Centre, we offer responsive, respectful services to the transsexual and transgender community – including hormone therapy.

 

Our approach focuses on building client autonomy and promoting improved health status within an established medical protocol – a protocol developed in consultation with the Trans community. To make an appointment or obtain further information, contact medical reception.

 

I’m a health care provider. Where can I get information/training on delivering culturally competent LGBT services?

Since 2003, Sherbourne Health Centre has delivered innovative LGBT health care programs and services to a rapidly rising client base. In 2005, over 1,600 LGBT clients benefited from our services. Through research, education and community development activities, we work to promote health and wellness in the LGBT community.

 

We have extensive experience working with agencies and organizations promoting awareness and providing training and outreach programs to promote the provision of culturally competent LGBT services – including services for LGBT youth.

 

How do I make an appointment?

New clients

If you are a new client, you or your referring health provider can make an appointment for general or LGBT primary health care by contacting medical reception at 416-324-4180 during clinic hours.

 

Advanced Access Scheduling for existing clients

Our goal is to offer registered clients of Sherbourne Health Centre an appointment within 24 hours, unless the clinic is very busy. To make an appointment, contact medical reception at 416-324-4180.

Please note that Advanced Access Scheduling does not apply to counselling services.

 

Mental Health Counselling

To make an appointment with a Mental Health Counsellor, contact medical reception at 416-324-4180 between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, weekdays and ask to speak to an Intake Counsellor.

 

Community Naturopathic Clinic for People living with HIV/AIDS

To make an appointment, contact the Naturopathic Coordinator at 416-324-4164.

 

Community Chiropractic Clinic

To make an appointment, contact the Chiropractic clinic at 416-324-4166.

 

Supporting Our Youth (SOY)

To make an appointment with a SOY counsellor, contact SOY at 416-324-5077 or refer to www.soytoronto.org.

 

What are your clinic hours?

Primary Health Care Clinic (General and LGBT)

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday

9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday

Tel: 416-324-4180

 

Community Naturopathic Clinic

9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesdays

2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Tel: 416-324-324-4164

 

Community Chiropractic Clinic

8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays

2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday

Tel: 416-324-4166

 

Unscheduled Clinics for the homeless and underhoused

12:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Fridays

Tel: 416-324-4180
 

What if I can’t attend my appointment?

If you cannot make your appointment, please contact medical reception at 416-324-4180 at least 24 hours before your appointment to cancel or reschedule. To cancel an appointment with the Naturopathic or Chiropractic clinic, please contact the clinic(s) directly.

Please Note: If you fail to show up for your appointment, you will be noted as a no show in accordance with our No Show Policy (this policy does not apply to counselling appointments)

 

What if I don’t have an OHIP card – do I have to pay for services?

Sherbourne’s primary health care programs and services, with the exception of chiropractic services, are covered under the province’s health insurance plan. If you have an OHIP card, services are free for covered services.

 

It is important that you bring your OHIP card with you to each and every appointment. If you do not have an OHIP card, you can still receive services free of charge.

 

Please note that additional charges may apply to services which are not covered by OHIP, such as medical reports, records transfer etc. Chiropractic clinic fees are appointment based and determined on a sliding fee scale.

 

Where is Sherbourne Health Centre located?

Clinical Site: 333 Sherbourne Street Tel: 416-324-4180  Fax: 416-324-4181

We currently offer primary health care services in the two-storey Annex building

that runs south of the old Central Hospital building. Enter by the glass door under the blue canopy that says “Sherbourne Health Centre” located off the south parking lot. Map and Directions.

 

Administrative Site: 365 Bloor Street East, Suite #301 (Bloor and Sherbourne

Streets). Tel: 416-324-4157  Fax: 416-324-4188

Our Finance, Human Resources, Communication departments, SOY and the office of the CEO, are located at this site.

 

Is Sherbourne Health Centre wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most of our clinics are accessible. For those that aren’t, special arrangements will be made to accommodate you. For more information, contact medical reception at 416-324-4180.

 

How private are my records?

Private discussions with your health care provider are kept in the strictest confidence. Your personal health information is only used for the purposes that you have consented to and/or to treat and care for you. We take strict measures to secure your health information and protect it from theft, loss and unauthorized access, copying, modification, use, disclosure and disposal. For more information about our privacy practices, please see our detailed privacy policy.

 
I was a patient at the old Central Hospital. How do I access my health care records?

Sherbourne Health Centres does not have any historic patient records from the old Central Hospital. All patient records were transferred to St. Michael’s Hospital upon closure of Central Hospital. If you are trying to locate historic patient records, please contact the St. Michael’s Hospital Records Department.