New app makes health navigation easier
North York General Hospital (NYGH), together with North York Toronto Health Partners (NYTHP) recently launched a new online application called the North York Navigator, which acts as a ‘digital front door’ for patients and caregivers to seamlessly access hospital and health care services through the convenience of their personal devices, from wherever they are.
North York Navigator enables patients to:
- pre-screen for COVID-19 ahead of their hospital visit
- book and manage their COVID vaccination appointment(s) at an NYGH-NYTHP clinic
- securely access their personal health records
- access information and resources about health care services and programs available at North York General and other local organizations
- create and use an Ontario trusted account to access these digital health services and resources using a single secure log-in
“North York General is always looking for ways to empower and support patients and caregivers in their personal care whether they are in the hospital, in the community or at home,” says Karyn Popovich, President and CEO of North York General Hospital. “The health system is complex and challenging to navigate. The North York Navigator is one more way we can simplify people’s experience and bring personalized health and wellness services and information to where people are through a single device.”
Over time, the North York Navigator will grow to include more health services and information for those accessing care in North York. As part of a broader digital initiative called the Ontario trusted account, in time people will be able to access a full range of health services and resources using a single secure log-in, eliminating the need for multiple passwords.
“North York General is dedicated to building the connections patients need to access their health information and interact with the hospital in the moment from wherever they are,” says Duska Kennedy, Chief Digital Officer, North York General Hospital. “COVID-19 has proven to us how important digital innovations are to patient-centred health. Through this partnership we aim to provide patients with streamlined and secure access to online health services, such as vaccine appointment booking and accessing their health records, through their personal devices.”
The Ontario trusted account was developed in partnership with Niagara Health, North York General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and Southlake Regional Health Centre. It is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and hosted by Niagara Health. It offers patients a convenient, reliable, and secure method to access health services and their health information online.
More information on how to register and use the Ontario trusted account can be found here.
Both the North York Navigator and the Ontario trusted account are central to North York General’s Digital Health Strategy which aims to use digital health solutions and technologies to enhance people’s care, experiences, and health outcomes.
The North York Navigator app is available on Apple and Google Play. Online support is available from the North Navigator support team at: 1-866-259-4329.