All referrals to Ontario Shores are received by a triage nurse in our Central Intake department. An interprofessional team of intake and specialized clinicians work collaboratively with medical staff to provide prompt feedback on all referrals that include disposition, supported system navigation and recommended next steps. Patients are referred to the most appropriate service based on individual criteria. Each program or service will have its own criteria for referral source and eligibility.
Toll free: 1.877.767.9642
Fax: 905.430.4000
Email: CentralizedReferral@ontarioshores.ca
Individuals (Self-Referral)
Individuals are able to self-refer to the following services; Assertive Community Treatment Team, Ontario Structured Psychotherapy, First Responder Assist, Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Health Care Worker Assist. For all other services please ask a health care provider such as a family doctor, nurse practitioner or emergency room doctor to submit the referral.
Make a Self-Referral
Health Care Providers
Ontario Shores is now live on the Ocean eReferral Network (see our Ocean Healthmap listing). We encourage you to consider taking advantage of this Ministry of Health funded initiative which is free for senders. It greatly simplifies and streamlines the referral management process as it provides a more effective means to submit, process and track referrals over the traditionally paper-based Fax referral process. For users on EMRs/HISs that are (or can be) integrated with Ocean eReferral (including Accuro, Telus PS Suite, and Oscar Pro), you can also seamlessly launch auto-populated referrals directly from the patient chart in your EMR/HIS. Referrals processed through this mechanism will be consistently clearer and comprehensive and will provide an improved ability to communicate more effectively and efficiently with both the referring providers and patients.
Please note: Ontario Shores also offers a Primary Care Consult Service for family doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners looking to consult with an Ontario Shores psychiatrist. This service allows primary care providers to quickly access specialists at Ontario Shores via telephone consult. Learn more
Already integrated with Ocean using your Accuro, TELUS PS Suite, or OSCAR Pro EMR?
You can now launch auto-populated referrals directly from the patient chart in your EMR.
For assistance in getting setup on Ocean eReferral (including integration with Accuro, Telus PS Suite, or Oscar Pro EMR), you can complete this support form. Alternatively, you can also email the eReferral team supporting Ontario Shores at @email. (Please include your clinic/organization name, postal code, and EMR/HIS.)
Please note that before sending an Ocean eReferral you need an Ocean user account AND an associated Ocean site. If you prefer to create your Ocean site and account yourself, follow Step 1 and Step 2 on Ocean's Getting Started page for detailed instructions. (Please ignore the "Note for Ontario Users" on that page). Once you have completed these steps, continue by using the "Make an Ocean eReferral" button below.
Referral Addendums
Please include the relevant addendum if referring to one of the following services:
Referral Process
Step 1: Referral is received.
Step 2: Once a referral is received, our team ensures that all necessary information is included and assigns the appropriate clinician based on the requested service.
Step 3: The screening process may involve seeking clarification on the information provided, requesting additional details, and occasionally conducting an in-person assessment.
Step 4: We understand that waiting for a referral result can be stressful, and we want to assure you that we will inform you of the results as soon as possible. If it is determined that a different care provider would better suit your needs, we will provide you with all the necessary information and guidance to help you navigate the system seamlessly. Please rest assured that we are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the best possible care.
Waitlist Notifications
Patients will be notified once they have been referred and placed on the waitlist. Throughout their time on the list, they will receive periodic reminders and have access to helpful resources.
Appointment Reminders
When scheduling appointments, patients have the option of receiving appointment reminders via email or text message at various intervals based on the service or program.
Missed Appointment Protocol
It is important that patients keep their scheduled appointments. During orientation or the initial appointment, the guidelines for missed appointments will be clarified. We recommend that patients become acquainted with these policies in order to avoid any unwelcome disruptions in care.
Accessibility
If you have a disability which requires supportive accommodation please contact Central Intake at 1.877.767.9642 or CentralizedReferral@ontarioshores.ca.
Locations
Ontario Shores' main hospital site is situated on the shores of Lake Ontario in Whitby, Ontario. We have outpatient clinics in Whitby, Peterborough, York Region and Lindsay, and also offer services virtually across the province for several services. Location Details
Forensics
For information pertaining to admission to the Forensic Program and for court related inquiries, please contact:
Robin Bowerman
905.668.5881 ext. 6580 (local)
800.341.6323 ext. 6580 (toll free)
905.665.2460 (fax)
@email