Contents of the page :

• To look for a family doctor
• To consult a general practitioner
• To consult a specialist
• To consult a nurse
• Be well prepared for your appointment

Links :

• CLSCs
• Network Clinic
• Medical Clinics
• Hospital

To look for a family doctor

There is a shortage of doctors in Quebec. Various measures have been taken and new doctors are being trained, but it will be a few years yet before the situation rights itself. Right now, not all Montréal residents have access to a family doctor. If you need to see a doctor but do not have a family doctor, go to your usual clinic or a network clinic. Try to always go to the same clinic. The medical team will have access to your file and will be better able to help you over the long term. Remember to call ahead so that you don’t waste a trip.

Your CSSS can help you find a family doctor

Your CSSS can help you find a family doctor if:

• you are 70 or older;
• you have a chronic illness: diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, etc.;
• you are pregnant;
• you have just been discharged from hospital and require medical follow-up.

FOR INFORMATION : 514-484-7878, extension 1589

To consult a specialist

Usually, specialists only see patients who have been referred by a general practitioner. If you feel that you need a consultation with a specialist, you must first speak with your family doctor or a doctor at a walk-in clinic. If your doctor requests an EMERGENCY consultation, he or she will direct you appropriately. If the consultation request is not urgent according to your doctor, he or she or the clinic staff will provide you with the coordinates of hospitals or clinics that you may contact to make an appointment. You must then handle the process yourself.

To consult a nurse

Nurses can offer advice and provide the required care following an injury, a chronic illness or surgery: removal of stitches, wound care and dressings, catheter and colostomy care, intravenous medication, etc. You can also see a nurse for questions about your health, or to obtain emergency oral contraception (morning-after pill). To consult a nurse with or without an appointment contact your CSSS:

CLSC de Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Montréal-Ouest
2525 Cavendish Boulevard

CLSC René-Cassin
5800 Cavendish Boulevard, Suite Y-201

With or without appointments
Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
One number: 514-484-7878

Or call Info-Santé: 8-1-1

Be well prepared for your appointment

Here are several recommendations to help you prepare for your appointment with a doctor or other health professional.

1. Write down the following information:

• your symptoms, their frequency, when and in what circumstances they appear;
• your personal history, such as illnesses, injuries, hospitalizations and operations, along with their dates;
• vaccinations that you have received and the dates;
• any specific conditions (allergies, disabilities, pregnancy, nursing, etc.);
• the results of your latest tests (bloods tests, urine analyses) and recent x-rays, if you have them.

2. Take a complete, up-to-date list of your medications. Your pharmacist can provide a list of your prescribed medications. You should add any non-prescription medications, vitamins, food supplements and natural products that you are taking. If this is not possible, take all your medications with you.

3. Prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask.

4. On the day of your appointment:

• arrive on time with a pen and paper so that you can take notes;
• if you are unable to arrive at the scheduled time, notify the clinic as early as possible so that your appointment can be given to another patient;
• do not hesitate to ask questions and write down the answers;
• if necessary, ask a relative or friend to accompany you.