North York Navigator digital app enables patients to access hospital and health services from their mobile device

North York General Hospital (NYGH), together with North York Toronto Health Partners (NYTHP) has 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.  

Digital identity is a key enabler for the Digital First for Health Strategy and a key focus area for the government’s overall Digital Identity strategy. The Digital First for Health strategy will enable system integration and the sharing of information so that patients receive seamless care.

“Working closely with health system partners like North York General and North York Toronto Health Partners, our government is expanding access to digital and virtual care options,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Innovative digital solutions like the North York Navigator app and the Ontario trusted account will help patients conveniently and easily navigate their health care journey.”

“North York General Hospital is leveraging technology through North York Navigator and the Ontario trusted account that allows patients to fully control their digital health-related services and their personal health information,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our government is excited to support this important work as part of our Ontario Onwards Action Plan to transform government and deliver more convenient, reliable and accessible services for Ontarians. This initiative is also an important step towards delivering on our promise to introduce a Digital Identity to Ontarians by the end of 2021.” 

“Seamless access to public services, such as hospital and health-care services, is our vision for a more modern, effective and digitally enabled government,” said Kaleed Rasheed, Associate Minister of Digital Government. “By meeting people where they are at, and enabling the more convenient delivery of service, we are simplifying access for the people of this province by leveraging the power of technology.”

Learn more about the Ontario trusted account

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.

More information on how to register and use the Ontario trusted account can be found here.

North York General Hospital is a leading community academic hospital. NYGH provides a range of acute, ambulatory, and seniors’ care across seven sites to more than 400,000 people in North York and to populations beyond. NYGH has a 192-bed LTC home, Seniors’ Health Centre, among the busiest three Emergency Departments in the GTA and one of the highest volume single-site birthing centres in Canada (top five). The hospital is well known for its clinical excellence, research, and teaching. For the third year in a row, NYGH was ranked the top community academic hospital in Canada by Newsweek Magazine.

For more information contact:

NYGH Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
corporate.communications@nygh.on.ca