Appointments by Telemedicine

Telemedicine gives Ontario residents access to medical specialists through videoconferencing. Patients may consult with specialists, no matter where they practice in Ontario. Telemedicine saves time and reduces inconveniences associated with traveling to city hospitals. This service is provided in collaboration with Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN).

The consultation is held at HGH in a room equipped with a monitor, a camera and medical devices. A nurse accompanies the patient and handles the technology and the equipment.

Services and medical consultations available by telemedicine

How to access our services

  • You must have a doctor’s referral to see a medical specialist.
  • You may ask to have a telemedicine consultation with your specialist by calling our office or by asking your specialist directly .

About The Program

What to bring

  • Valid Ontario Health Card
  • List of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines

When you arrive

  • Please use the Main Entrance and register at one of the self-serve kiosks at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Clerks are available to help with the registration process.
  • Upon registering, take a “puck”. It will buzz and light up when your turn comes up, and its screen will indicate the room number where to report.
  • Use the Ambulatory Clinics door to go to the telemedicine room.
  • Room numbers and other public interest messages are presented on the TV screens.

The telemedicine consultation

  • A nurse accompanies you and explains the process.
  • When needed, the nurse does a health assessment (weight, blood pressure, etc.) before the consultation. She will send the information to your specialist directly or through Epic, our health information system.
  • During the consultation, you communicate with your specialist via a monitor. You can see and hear each other. You have enough time to ask questions, and if needed, the nurse will help you understand the physician’s questions and advice.
  • If needed, the nurse can also help with translation into French or English.
  • If an examination is required, the nurse handles the medical instruments. For example, the physician may listen to your heartbeat with a special stethoscope. Exam results are transmitted immediately to the physician.
  • The nurse will leave the room if your condition does not require an examination and you prefer to have a private consultation with your specialist. A family member or a loved one may accompany you during the visit, depending on the COVID-19 situation.
  • Due to the technology in use, telemedicine consultations are usually right on time.

Follow-ups

  • After the consultation, the specialist sends the results or a report to your family doctor.
  • If a follow-up with the specialist is required, we will call you to book another appointment.

The team

  • Registered nurse
  • Registered practical nurse

Business hours

Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m., except public holidays

Telephone

613-632-1111, extension 52401

Toll-free: 1-800-790-8870, extension 52401, or option 1 (Ambulatory Clinics), then option 3 (Telemedicine)

Address

HGH – Main Campus
1111 Ghislain Street
Hawkesbury, ON K6A 3G5

The telemedicine service is part of the Ambulatory Clinics located in Block B, level 1. View a hospital plan.

External resources

Referring a patient for a telemedicine consultation at HGH

To refer a patient, please see the specific referral process and criteria for the needed specialty. If it’s not in the list, refer your patient directly to the specialist and clearly ask for a telemedicine appointment.

For any questions about booking telemedicine appointments at HGH, please contact the Telemedicine Department at 613-632-1111, extension 52401.

 

 

The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) provides more than 40 specialized medical clinics for residents of Prescott-Russell and surrounding region. For a list of clinics, departments and services, visit Refer a patient.