Finding a family doctor or nurse practitioner in Niagara just got easier

Niagara Falls, ON – For many Niagara residents, finding a family physician or nurse practitioner has meant waiting, wondering, and trying again. That’s changing. The Niagara Practitioners’ Healthcare Alliance (NPHA), Niagara Region Economic Development, and the NOHT-ÉSON are working with partners and municipalities across the region to make the path to primary care clear and supportive.

Primary Care System Navigators now offer one-to-one help so residents can connect more quickly to providers currently accepting new patients. A System Navigator can sit down with someone to complete intake forms, help identify nearby clinics, arrange a first visit, and follow up to make sure the connection is successful. The System Navigators are supportive, solution-focused and provide services that are culturally safe and people-centered.

Get connected today!

• Primary Care System Navigators (personalized assistance):
  • Email: info@npha.ca • Phone: 905-354-9393

• Niagara Region – Find a Doctor (self-serve listings):
  • https://www.niagararegion.ca/health/find-a-doctor.aspx
  • Email: FindADoctor@niagararegion.ca • Phone: 905-980-6000

“Access to a family doctor is one of the most important foundations of good health. By removing barriers and improving connections to primary care, we can prevent illness, reduce emergency room visits, and support better health outcomes for everyone in our region. These efforts are vital to building a healthier, more resilient Niagara,” said Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health for Niagara Region.

If a resident prefers to reach out to a doctor or nurse practitioner themselves, they can use Niagara Region’s Find a Doctor webpage, which lists doctors and clinics by municipality with contact information and locations. In Niagara, people can contact any doctor or clinic on the list—no matter where they live. Navigators work alongside that tool to turn information into an actual appointment.

“Primary Care System Navigators meet people where they are—online, by phone, or in person—so no one has to figure it out alone. Working with Niagara Region’s Find a Doctor page, we’re turning information into real, timely connections for residents across Niagara,” said Tara Galitz, Executive Director of the NOHT-ÉSON.

Starting this month, residents will also see “Connect to Care” information across more than 1,600 community locations—libraries, community centres, pharmacies, housing and settlement agencies, and other public spaces.

“More than 300,000 Niagara residents are now connected to family doctors and nurse practitioners through our collective efforts, but there’s more to do to reach Ontario’s goal of connecting everyone to primary care by 2029,” added Frank Ruberto, Planning Table Co-Lead, NOHT-ÉSON.

“You’ll start seeing our posters and QR codes in community spaces across Niagara. If you need a family doctor or nurse practitioner, this is your sign: reach out. A Primary Care System Navigator will be happy to answer questions and walk you through every step until you’re connected.”