Patient Information

Clinic Policies & Health Education

Everything you need to know about visiting Parkside Family Health — plus trusted health resources to help you and your family stay well year-round.

Know Before You Visit

Clinic Policies

Our policies exist to protect the health, safety, and time of every patient and member of our team. Please review these before your visit.

Your Time Is Important to Us

Our standard appointments are enough to address one major health concern or two minor ones in detail. If you have multiple concerns, your doctor may ask you to book a follow-up. We believe it is safer to investigate one issue thoroughly than to address several superficially. If your concern requires more time, please mention this when booking.

Prescription Policy

We do not prescribe narcotics, controlled substances, or medications outside the scope of primary care. Our physicians adhere to all College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario guidelines to ensure safe, evidence-based prescribing.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Parkside Family Health Clinic is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful environment for all patients and staff. We do not tolerate any form of aggressive, abusive, or threatening behaviour — verbal or physical — including harassment or inappropriate language.

Missed Appointments & No-Shows

A $50 fee applies to missed appointments. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer your appointment slot to another patient who may need urgent care.

If You Are Running Late

We do our best to run on time for every patient. If you arrive more than 10 minutes past your appointment time, we may need to ask you to wait for the next available slot or rebook. We appreciate your patience — it helps us give every patient our full attention.

Prescription Refills

Prescription refills are best managed during a scheduled visit. This gives your doctor the opportunity to review your current health and ensure the medication continues to be right for you. An administrative fee may apply for refill requests made outside of an appointment.

Forms & Documents

School forms, workplace letters, insurance documents, and other paperwork requiring your doctor's signature need a minimum of 72 hours to process. Complex forms may take longer. Please plan ahead — we are unable to accommodate same-day requests. Fees may apply for documents not covered by OHIP.

Sick Notes

If you believe you will need a sick note, please book an appointment on the first day of your illness. We are unable to issue notes for days we did not have the opportunity to assess you — this protects the accuracy of your health record and ensures the note genuinely reflects your condition.

Have questions about your visit? We're happy to help.

Health Resources

Health Education & Wellness Tips

Practical, evidence-based health information from our clinical team — written to help Toronto families make informed decisions about their health.

Preventive Care

Why Annual Check-Ups Matter at Every Age

Routine annual physical exams allow your doctor to detect early signs of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol — often before symptoms appear. Regular visits also ensure your vaccinations are current and provide an opportunity to discuss any changes in your health. Early detection saves lives and reduces long-term healthcare costs.

Tip: Book your annual physical early in the year to avoid seasonal delays.

Pediatric Health

Keeping Your Child Healthy: A Parent's Guide to Well-Baby Visits

Well-baby and well-child visits are scheduled milestones that track your child's growth, development, and immunisation schedule. These visits — at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months — are essential for catching developmental concerns early. Your family doctor can also offer guidance on nutrition, sleep, and age-appropriate activity.

Tip: Bring a list of your questions — no concern is too small at a well-baby visit.

Chronic Disease

Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Small Changes, Big Impact

Type 2 diabetes affects over 3 million Canadians and is closely linked to lifestyle. A combination of balanced nutrition, regular physical activity (as little as 30 minutes of walking per day), and consistent medication adherence can significantly improve blood sugar control. Your family doctor plays a central role in monitoring HbA1c levels and adjusting your care plan as needed.

Tip: Track your blood sugar readings between appointments and share them with your doctor.

Mental Health

Your Family Doctor Is a Mental Health Resource

Primary care is often the first — and most accessible — point of contact for mental health concerns. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, or stress, your family physician can provide initial support, prescribe appropriate medications, and refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You don't need a crisis to seek help; early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Tip: There is no shame in asking your doctor how you are doing mentally, not just physically.

Seniors & Aging

Healthy Aging: What Every Canadian Over 65 Should Know

As we age, the risk of falls, cognitive decline, polypharmacy complications, and isolation increases. Annual senior health assessments allow your doctor to review all medications for interactions, screen for early cognitive changes, and assess mobility and fall risk. Staying socially connected and physically active are among the most powerful tools for healthy aging.

Tip: Ask your doctor about a medication review — many seniors are on prescriptions that can be safely reduced.

Immunisation

Vaccines Are Not Just for Children

Adult immunisation is frequently overlooked but critically important. Recommended vaccines for adults include the annual influenza vaccine, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), shingles (Shingrix) for those 50+, pneumococcal vaccines for seniors, and COVID-19 boosters. Your family doctor maintains your immunisation record and can advise which vaccines are due.

Tip: Ask about the shingles vaccine at your next visit if you are over 50.

Your Family Doctor in Toronto's Bloor West Village

Comprehensive, compassionate primary care for every stage of life — from newborns to seniors, in Toronto's Bloor West Village.

Serving families, children, adults, and seniors — Mon to Sat.