Virtual Care

Virtual care is an interaction between patients and their healthcare providers, which may include: telephone, video, or secure electronic messaging. Your healthcare team talks to you about your current health status, any symptoms you are experiencing and your needs.

Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) provides virtual care to offer new ways of caring for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient appointments, rather than asking you to come to the hospital to meet in person. MGH uses Zoom and the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) for video visits and some clinics offer telephone visits.

Please keep in mind that not all appointments are suited for virtual care. Speak to your care team to find out if a virtual appointment is an option for you.

How Virtual Appointments are Booked

Your care team may call you to discuss changing your upcoming appointment to a virtual one.

• They will talk to you about options for virtual care. This may include offering a regular telephone call or a video call using a system called OTN or Zoom.
• They will give you instructions on how to prepare. 
• They will also ask for your verbal consent for the upcoming appointment.
• They will let you know the day and time of your virtual visit and confirm they have your preferred contact information.
• They will send you an e-mail with instructions and a link to your appointment.

The decision on which type of virtual visit you have will be made based on your care needs and the technology you and the clinic have access to.

Types of Virtual Appointments

Telephone Appointment

Your care team will call you on the phone at a scheduled time. You and your care team talk about how you’re feeling, your questions and next steps in your care plan.

You can expect a phone call from your care team within 1 hour from your scheduled appointment start time. 

Video Appointment: OTN or Zoom for Healthcare

MGH uses a secure video conferencing tool provided by Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) for video calls. OTN is funded and fully supported by the Government of Ontario to enable people to receive care at home. Zoom for Healthcare is another secure video conferencing tool which can be used by hospitals.

Your care team will call you on your smartphone or computer using OTN or Zoom for Healthcare at the scheduled time. You and your care team talk about how you’re feeling, your questions and next steps in your care plan. If you have trouble with the video system, your care team will call your telephone number instead.

Please log on 15 minutes before your appointment time. Your appointment will begin within 30 minutes from your scheduled appointment start time.

Basic Technology Required for Video Appointments

• An e-mail address
• Device for video calls
  • a personal computer with a webcam, speaker and microphone
  • a smartphone or tablet
•  A secure, stable internet connection in a private location