How to find a doctor for a pregnant woman

[tyatca]

Hi, Seniors:

I am on a work permit status and my wife is on the dependent visa (V-1). We will arrive in Ontario and my wife is currently pregnant for 24 weeks. May I ask you guys whether we have any chance to find a doctor for her? Your any feedback is so appreciated! BTW, we got the insurance which covers fees related to pregnancy.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Pippin]

There are a couple of things you can try. Once you arrive and start work you can ask people there for recommendations. You can call Public Health and ask if they have any lists of doctor's accepting new patients. You can access a walk-in clinic and ask for a referral to an OB. You can call the local hospital with a maternity ward and ask their advice. Find out about prenatal classes as well. I hope one of these suggestions does the trick. All the best.

 

[SenoritaBella]

Great suggestions by Pippin. Find out whether there is 'Family Focus' in your city, they have walk in clinics or by appointment. It is so hard to find a family doctor and if all else fails, then the first physician you have an appointment with and like, stick with them.lol This way you can always go back to the same person, your records are in one location and your results can be sent to them.

 

[tyatca]

Dear Pippin and SenoritaBella:

Thanks so much for so detailed suggestions and explanations. I am working in Waterloo and actually I already contact the local public health center. They reply me to mention they don't have a list of physicans who accept patients and ask me to sign up a Health Care Connect Program. No idea how long will it take and whether they may provide any help. It's really worried me as the baby will be delivered in three months.

Thanks you guys so much again!

 

[amikety]

Your wife being female and an immigrant has access to women's immigrant groups. They may be able to help her find a doctor. We have one here in Calgary that I go to and they are so helpful with all sorts of things. Try doing a Google search on 'Women's immigrant group' and include your city name.

For instance, I searched 'women's immigrant ontario' and got several results - but they aren't helpful unless they're near your city. Some examples:

Riverdale - http://riwc.ca/

Ottawa - http://www.immigrantwomenservices.com/

Windsor - http://windsoressex.cioc.ca/record/WIN0698

Hopefully they will be as helpful to your wife as they have been to me.

PS, a lot of them offer free legal help too, if you and your wife need help filling out any forms or paperwork. Many offer classes to help adjust to life in Canada and coffee groups to make friends. If your wife is interested, it would get her out of the house at the very least

 

[Pippin]

A well earned +1 Amikety. Nice reply!