Areas currently served include:
Brampton, Bramalea, North Etobicoke, Malton and West Woodbridge
There is one dedicated phone number to call: 1-888-582-1943
In response to the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on vulnerable people in LTC homes, William Osler Health System (Osler) launched a program to provide fast access to virtual consultations with Medical Specialists and the Nurse Practitioner Led Outreach Team (NLOT) on April 24, 2020.
The Virtual Consultation Program is intended to provide medical support for frail and vulnerable residents in LTC homes who are ill; a virtual consultation can potentially reduce the need for a hospital visit.
The Program is new and will expand and change in response to the needs of this community.
When a LTC home contacts Osler, they will receive a response to a consultation request within 30 minutes. They will have access to:
| Specialist | Availability (every day) |
| Emergency Medicine | 24/7 |
| Palliative Care | 24/7 |
| Geriatrics | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| General Internal Medicine | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Mental Health Urgent Consultations: – Critical Incidents – Assessment for Form 1 – Suicidal Thoughts – Aggressive Behaviour | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Nurse Practitioners | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
Osler will arrange a secure Zoom meeting and send the invitation link by email or make a telephone call. The LTC home’s most responsible physician (MRP) or appropriate alternate will consult with the Specialist(s)/NLOT to recommend the best plan of care.
Advance Preparation by LTC home
To participate in the Virtual Consultation Program, we ask that the designated callers from your organization (e.g., Medical Director, physician, charge nurse, Director of Care or alternate) learn how to use Zoom. This is the preferred virtual care channel.
Osler will set up the Zoom meeting through their secure Enterprise version (PHIPA compliant). Training materials for Zoom are available from Osler, as well as online training from the Zoom application.
Ideally, the LTC home will have access to Apple iPads, equivalent tablets or cell phones with a camera to help conduct virtual visual examinations. The devices must be equipped with both sound and a camera.
Alternatively, Osler will set up a phone call for the consultation. However, this will preclude a virtual visual examination, if required.
Quick guide to using the Virtual Consultation Program: 1-888-582-1943
Resources for LTC Homes
Please check the CCRC Reviews page for further information. Particularly relevant are as follows:
