Find a Primary Care Provider
If you do not have your own primary healthcare provider, you should get on the waiting list for one as soon as possible.
Call 811 or visit needafamilypractice.nshealth.ca.
When a provider in their area is accepting new patients, the people higher up on the list get called first.
Why do I need a primary health care provider?
Your primary health care provider takes care of your basic health care. They can find illnesses early and prevent you from getting sick. Your primary health care provider will send you to a specialist when you need it. Finally, your primary healthcare provider gives you continuity of care. That means they know these things:
- Your health history
- the medications you take
- how you have reacted to treatments in the past
In Canada, health care services are confidential. This means that your primary health care provider must have your permission to discuss your health information with someone else.
What if I don’t have a primary health care provider or can’t see them when I need to?
If you do not have a primary health care provider, or need to see one when yours is not available, these are some other ways to get health advice or treatment:
- 811
- primary health clinics
- virtual care
- community pharmacies
- mental health and addictions services
811
When you are worried about a health issue that is not an emergency, call 811. You can call any time of day or night. Registered nurses are available to advise you. 811 provides services in more than 125 different languages including Arabic, Cantonese, Chinese, Farsi, and French.
To find health information on more than 500 topics visit 811.novascotia.ca.
Primary Care Clinics
The following primary care clinics offer services to different populations. Some are walk-in clinics and some require you to make an appointment. It’s best to visit their website or contact the clinic to see if it is the right fit for you.
Primary Care Clinic – Colchester
316 Willow Street, Suite 205 Truro
They do not offer walk-in services. You must make an appointment. Appointments are only for those who do not have a primary health care provider. To book an appointment, call 902-843-2577 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Truro Walk-In Clinic
68 Robie Street, Truro
The Truro Walk-In Clinic accepts patients with or without appointments. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 902-893-3635 to book an appointment. To find out more, visit truro-walk-in-clinic.edan.io
Millbrook Health Centre
The Millbrook Health Centre offers health care and health education to women living in the Millbrook community. Call 902-895-9468
Truro Sexual Health Centre
The Truro Sexual Health Centre is open Wednesday evenings only from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. You need an appointment to get health services here. For a list of their services, visit ns.211.ca/services/truro-sexual-health-clinic/truro-sexual-health-clinic-services/ To make an appointment, call 902-956-1550 or email admin@trurosexualhealth.com
Virtual Care
If you are on the “need a family practice waiting list” you can get free online care from a primary health care provider. To get this care, you must have an email address on file with 811. You can register for this service at virtualcarens.ca
Community Pharmacies
Pharmacists do more than fill prescriptions. They can also do the following:
- renew some prescriptions
- assess minor or common ailments such as allergies, coughs, nausea, mild headaches, and so on
- suggest medication substitutions or adaptations
- review medications
Pharmacists may charge a fee for some of these services.
To find out more, visit pans.ns.ca
Lawtons Pharmacy
The Lawtons Pharmacy on Willow St. in Truro provides a Walk-in Clinic. This clinic is first-come, first-served. You will need to pay a fee for this service.
Mental Health Services
Mental Health and Addictions Intake Service
If you think you need mental health care in a hospital, You can call this service yourself, or your primary health care provider can call for you. There are interpreters available, ask for the language you need. Call 1-855-922-1122
To find out more, visit mha.nshealth.ca/en/help
Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line
Call this number if you are experiencing a mental health crisis: 1-888-429-8167
Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone offers counselling and crisis support to young people in Canada. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868 to connect with a trained crisis responder. Your conversation is private.
To find out more, visit kidshelpphone.ca
RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone
RiseUp offers online or text mental health support for Black youth. Text RISE to 686868 to connect with a trained crisis responder. Your conversation is private.
To find out more, visit kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/support-for-black-youth-riseup-powered-by-kids-help-phone
Emergencies
911
Call 911 as soon as you think someone’s life is in danger. You don’t need a SIM card. Mobile phones in Canada can call 911 without one. 911 has access to interpreters of more than 170 languages. Ask for the language you need.
Calling 911 connects you to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). An ambulance and paramedics will come to you. When they reach you, they will do these things:
- assess your medical need
- give you emergency treatment on the spot if needed
- take you to the hospital if needed
What to do when you call 911
When you call, stay calm. Give the following information:
- your name
- the address of the emergency. Include the name of the town or city.
- your phone number
- the reason for your call
Follow any instructions they give you.
Emergency Departments
Go to the emergency department when you need medical help right away and do not need an ambulance. Staff there assess your medical needs. The most serious injuries and illnesses are treated first.
Visit the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Emergency Department at 600 Abenaki Road, Truro.