Types of Health Care Hamilton
REMEMBER: If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 right away.
Non-Urgent Medical Care or Advice
Your family doctor should be your first stop for medical concerns and illnesses that are not urgent or life-threatening. Many practices offer weekend and evening clinics, 24-hour on-call services and/or virtual appointments.Some reasons to visit your family doctor include, but are not limited to:
Treatment for common illnesses such as strep throat, sinus infections, warts and minor rashes
Onset of new medical symptoms
Referrals for specialized care
Managing chronic illnesses
Mental health concerns
Routine vaccinations
Regular health check-ups and screenings
Prescription refills
Urgent Non-Life-Threatening Medical Care
Hamilton has two urgent care centres which offer care by emergency-trained doctors who can address a variety of health conditions requiring immediate medical attention, but are not life-threatening. This could include, but is not limited to:Minor cuts/wounds that may require stitches
Simple broken bones
Sprains, strains or deep bruises
Ear infections
Fevers, coughs, congestion, sore throats
Insect bites, rashes and scrapes
Severe, life-threatening issues
There are four emergency departments in Hamilton hospitals. They are designated to treat patients experiencing any type of life-threatening emergency or trauma. Care is provided based on the severity of symptoms. This could include, but is not limited to:Trouble breathing
Bleeding that won’t stop
Chest pain or pressure
Major broken bones
Partial or total amputation of a limb
Traumas or injuries to the head
Deep cuts or wounds
Severe burns
Severe pain
Poisoning
Loss of consciousness – unable to wake
Sudden headaches, dizziness, weakness, numbness, trouble seeing or speaking
Severe mental health issues
Severely ill or injured children
Obstetrical emergencies (labour & delivery)
