Carefirst Family Health Team Expands Primary Care Access Through Integrated Hub-and-Spoke Model of Care
Carefirst Family Health Team (FHT) continues to expand access to team-based primary care across Scarborough, Markham, and Richmond Hill as part of Ontario’s Primary Care Action Plan (PCAP) Interprofessional Primary Care Team expansion initiative.
Carefirst FHT has expanded services with new clinic locations at 105 Gibson Centre in Markham and 360 Highway 7 East in Richmond Hill, with an additional co-located site planned at the upcoming Unionville Commons Seniors Hub.
Carefirst FHT’s integrated “Hub-and-Spoke” model of care is at the core of this expansion. Community-based clinic sites (“spokes”) provide local primary care, while centralized interprofessional “hubs” coordinate access to chronic disease management, allied health, rehabilitation, mental health and wellness, prevention, and navigation services. This approach supports a “no wrong door” philosophy — helping individuals access the right care, support, and community services regardless of where they enter the Carefirst system.
The model also strengthens integrated care between Carefirst Family Health Team and Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association, creating more seamless connections between medical care, social supports, wellness programs, and aging-at-home services. Carefirst’s Chronic Disease Prevention and Management programs are also available to support other primary care providers and community partners across the regions.
Working closely with our Ontario Health Team partners, including the Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team (EYRNDOHT) and Western York Region Ontario Health Team (WYROHT), Carefirst continues to support patient attachment efforts for Ontarians without a family physician or nurse practitioner, including individuals waiting through Health Care Connect.
While awaiting ongoing attachment, individuals may access Carefirst’s Nurse Practitioner-led Access Clinic for interim primary care support, navigation, and connection to ongoing care.
This integrated approach reflects the growing vision of Neighbourhood Health Home Model championed by Ontario’s Primary Care Action Team — bringing together primary care, interprofessional teams, community supports, and prevention services closer to where people live, age, and belong.
Learn more about Carefirst’s primary care:
Access Clinic: https://carefirstontario.ca/medical/accessclinic/
Chronic Disease Management Program: https://carefirstontario.ca/medical/chronic-disease-management-program/