Beginning Feb. 15, this service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the six million residents of the 416 and 905 area codes. The Ontario government is planning to make Telehealth Ontario available to the rest of the province by the end of 2001. All Ontario residents will benefit from this service, but it may be especially useful for certain demographic groups, such as senior citizens.
Seniors make up an increasing proportion of Ontario's population.
For example, this service could help those seniors who are at risk for certain diseases and conditions, as well as those who may have limited mobility and may prefer to get health advice over the phone. Telehealth Ontario does not replace 911 as the number to call in emergency situations. It also will not diagnose a caller's illness nor does it replace a visit to the doctor. Our province's population is aging, and the health of the elderly continues to be a prominent concern. Coronary heart disease 2.