Emergency Department

Toronto's Virtual Emergency Department (ED) is a virtual urgent care program supported by Ontario Health. It brings together nurse practitioners from the University Health Network and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre to provide a unified virtual urgent care service that is available to all Ontarians.

Virtual emergency visits are optional – in-person Emergency Departments at Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospital are still available for walk-in visits if all virtual appointments are full or if you feel that option is right for you.

What is a virtual visit?

During a virtual visit, you do not come to the hospital to meet in person. Instead, you speak with your care team using a smartphone, tablet, computer or regular phone.

Who can have a virtual visit in the Emergency Department?

To book a virtual visit to the Emergency Department, you must:

• be 18 years of age or older
• have an urgent medical condition that is not life-threatening
  
• be physically located in Ontario at the time of the appointment

If you have a family doctor or primary care provider, we recommend speaking with them first. If you are not able to access your Primary Care Provider OR you do not have a provider, Virtual Emergency Department visits may be right for you.

Examples of symptoms and conditions that are urgent but not life-threatening:

If you think you need a COVID test, please check the Ontario COVID-19 screening site.

How do I book a virtual visit?

You can also book a Virtual Emergency Department visit by phone. Please call 416 357 2984 and we will complete the registration for you. You will be able to continue with your virtual appointment by phone, if you prefer, or if you don't have access to the internet or video.

What do I need for my virtual ED visit?

• A computer, smartphone or tablet with video and microphone, or a telephone
  
• A strong internet connection
• A valid email address (to access the appointment link and reminders)
• A quiet, private space to have your virtual ED visit
• Your Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) card, if you have one (note: you can still have a virtual ED appointment without OHIP)

What can I expect at my virtual ED visit?

The nurse practitioner will talk to you about your concerns. Depending on your needs, the nurse practitioner may suggest the following next steps:

• Sending a prescription to your pharmacy
• Making an appointment with a specialist doctor or clinic
• Ask you to see a family doctor or visit another Urgent Care Centre
• Ask you to go to your nearest Emergency Department for an in-person visit
• Nothing further, if your need can be addressed through the virtual visit

Learn more about Virtual Care at UHN »

For UHN Clinicians

We are now offering UHN Clinicians the option to call our Virtual Triage Nurse Practitioner (NP) directly at 647 309 0042 for clinical consultation with either the NP or the on-call ED Physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the privacy and security risks with ED Virtual Visits?

Electronic communication, including virtual visits and email, may have some risks. Third parties may take over electronic communication and introduce malware, phishing scams, or other unauthorized access.

UHN is not responsible for the security of patients' internet service providers, email domains, personal devices or personal computers.

We suggest that you use your personal email when communicating about your health and not a work email address, as your employer may have the right to inspect your work email.

Use a secure internet connection. Do not use a public internet connection such as at the airport internet café, public library or other open area. Other people may be able to use the link to listen in on your appointment without you knowing.

For more information on how to protect yourself against security risks associated with electronic communication, read this article on UHN.ca: Don't let a phishing attack reel you in.

Should you have any questions about the privacy of your information while participating in virtual visits in-hospital, please contact UHN Privacy at privacy@uhn.ca.

Can I record my ED Virtual Visit?

You will not be able to record your virtual appointment using Microsoft Teams. If you would like to record your appointment using another device, talk to the nurse practitioner to get their permission.

Can I book an appointment for a family member?

Yes, you can book an appointment for a family member. When you are filling out the booking form, you can provide your own name as the contact, and your family member's name and information as the patient. The appointment link will be sent to the email address provided in the intake form.

Can I book a virtual ED appointment if I don't speak English?

Yes, interpretation services are available. If you prefer to speak to the care provider in a language other than English we can provide you with an interpreter free of charge. Please call 416 357 2984 and let the booking agent know that you require an interpreter for your appointment.

What do I do if there are no appointments available?

There are a limited number of virtual ED appointments each day. If you need medical help today, contact your primary care provider, if you have one. If you are unable to book a virtual appointment and you need urgent care, please go to your nearest Emergency Department or Urgent Care Centre.