Setting up health services for refugees
Because they are fleeing conflict zones and have spent long periods in refugee camps, refugees often arrive in Canada with little or no access to health services and virtually no medical records. Many have experienced trauma and violence.
Initial health assessments seek to screen for early needs, but many medical conditions arise over time as they adjust to their new lives in Canada.
The following resources have been developed to support health-service providers caring for refugees:
- Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health: A series of evidence-based, clinic-ready screening tools and checklists when providing preventive care to refugees. Tools are customized according to a refugee’s region of origin.
- eConsult: A secure, web-based platform, hosted by the Champlain Local Health Integration Network, for health-service providers seeking rapid online consultations from medical specialists about specific patient cases. Refugee and immigrant health is one of the specialties available. If you are not already registered with eConsult, email econsultsupport@lhinworks.on.ca to get set up.
- Infectious disease and health-system surveillance: Up-to-date bulletins from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-term care on disease surveillance, immunization and dental coverage for Syrian refugees.
- Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term care: Contact information to connect Syrian refugees with health-care services.
Other useful resources
- Ottawa Public Health: Resources for providers on infectious diseases, immunization, maternal-and-child health.
- Canadian Medical Association Journal: Canadian Guidelines for Immigrant Health
- Ontario College of Family Physicians: Tools and resources for refugee resettlement
- Canadian Medical Association: Resources for Syrian refugee resettlement
- The City of Ottawa has a list of available doctors, dentists, walk-in clinics, hospitals and emergency resources.
