811 services

What is 811?

The 811 services offer free and confidential telephone consultations to provide professional advice about non urgent health issues, psychosocial support, or, when needed, refer you to the service that best meets yours needs.

IMPORTANT 

If your life or someone else’s life is in danger, or if urgent care is needed, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

OPTION 1 - Info-Santé (Nurse)

This service provides access to qualified nursing staff for non urgent health issues.

When is this service available ?

At all times (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

What role do staff play ?

When you call Info Santé, a nurse will :

  • Assess your situation;
  • Offer advice and guidance for self-care, including what to watch for at home;
  • Refer you to the right service or to the right resource person, if necessary.

Examples of situations in which you can call 811, option 1 : 

  • Flu that persist for several days;
  • Child with high fever and wondering if you should go to the emergency;
  • Self-care advice to relieve itching and swelling caused by an insect sting.

OPTION 2 - Info-Social

This service provides quick access to a psychosocial worker for a social, psychological, or mental health problem.

When is this service available ?

At all times (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

What role do staff play ?

When you call Info Social, a psychosocial worker will :

  • Assess your needs;
  • Listen and make suggestions based on your specific situation;
  • Provide you with an opportunity to pause and to talk to a counselor about the issue you are concerned about; 
  • Refer you to the right resources, if necessary.

Examples of situations in which you can call 811, option 2 : 

  • A situation that is causing you considerable anxiety or stress;
  • Worried about a loved one;
  • Grief and loss (you or a loved one);
  • Family or marital/relationship problems.

Option 3 – Primary Care Access Point (GAP - Guichet d’accès à la première ligne)

This service is intended for people who do not have a family doctor or a nurse practitioner (NP) and provides access to a needs assessment to direct them to the right professional.

When is this service available ?

GAP hotline is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.

Examples of situations in which you can call 811, option 3 :

  • Prescription renewal if it cannot be extended by your phamacist;
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI);
  • Chronic illness.

For more information : Primary-care access point | GAP Estrie

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