Email Consent
The East Wellington Family Health Team (EWFHT) offers secure messaging for non-urgent admin needs, prioritizing privacy. Do not use for emergencies; contact emergency services or visit the ER.
⚠️ DO NOT USE EMAIL FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: Not monitored in real time.
Appropriate Topics for Patient-Initiated Email
Use for non-urgent, routine, and administrative matters:
- Appointments: Requests (name, reason, preference).
- Updates: Demographic and health card changes (Update Link).
- Logistics: Specialist referrals, imaging scheduling, and billing queries.
- Clinical: Non-urgent lab result inquiries, routine screening checks, and chronic disease updates.
Turnaround: 2 business days; call if no reply.
What EWFHT May Communicate Via Email
- Appointment reminders, virtual visit links, and wellness notices.
- Responses to admin inquiries and urgent alerts (e.g., closures).
Strict Prohibitions: What NOT to Email
🚫 Prohibited Content: No medical advice/diagnoses, complex clinical questions, or sensitive photos.
Email Communication Do's and Don'ts
- Subject Line: Must include full legal name and date of birth.
- Limits: 250-word maximum.
- Conduct: Professional, polite communication required.
- Provider Security: Avoid Hotmail/Outlook/Live; they flag clinic emails.
Pediatric Email Consent Rules (Under Age 14)
Parents/guardians can provide consent for minors under 14.
The Age 14 Privacy Transition: At 14, youth must provide independent consent; otherwise, parental data is removed.
Complete Your Legal Verification Form
Complete the EWFHT Secure Patient Email Communication Agreement Form, or view the agreement: