“SCOPE Niagara is part of a broader provincial network, enabling collaboration across regions to ensure patients can access specialized care when and where they need it.”
A News Release from Scope Niagara, a group operated by Niagara Health to help community physicians connect patients with the care they need
Posted May 26th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
For many primary care providers in Niagara, navigating referral pathways and accessing timely specialist care can be challenging. Over the past four years, SCOPE Niagara has helped change that by connecting physicians to real-time specialist advice and support.
Launched on May 25, 2022, SCOPE Niagara — Seamless Care Optimizing the Patient Experience — was designed to help community physicians connect patients to the right care, at the right time. Through a simple phone call, fax or email, primary care providers can access hospital-based specialists for clinical guidance or outpatient referrals, often avoiding unnecessary visits to the Emergency Department (ED).
To date, the program has helped divert 96 per cent of cases that may have otherwise resulted in an ED visit, improving patient access to appropriate care while reducing pressure on hospital services.
“Being introduced to SCOPE proved to be a genuine turning point in my career here in St. Catharines,” says Dr. Masood Dadras, a family physician. “Having moved from the UK last year, I initially found navigating referral pathways challenging. Through SCOPE, we’ve been able to make our patients’ journeys safer, more efficient and far more comfortable.”
Since its launch, the program has grown from approximately 30 providers to more than 250 clinicians across Niagara, with increasing demand reflected in rising call volumes and expanded services.
“SCOPE has really evolved based on what we’re hearing from the community,” says Sarah Furnival, Registered Nurse with SCOPE Niagara. “We’re not only growing in numbers, but we’re also expanding how we support both primary care providers and specialists.”
Today, SCOPE offers eight clinical pathways, including internal medicine, mental health and addictions, medical imaging, pediatrics, home and community care, nephrology, palliative care and Nurse Navigators. These pathways ensure patients — including children — can access timely care without unnecessary hospital visits.
“This collaborative approach has resulted in an impressive 96 per cent ED avoidance rate,” says Tanya Groeneveld, Manager of Clinical Services at Niagara Health. “It reflects our commitment to delivering patient-centred care in the most appropriate setting.”
Beyond day-to-day care coordination, SCOPE Niagara has played a key role during periods of system strain — including the regional CT scanner replacement project — helping manage urgent cases and set expectations for timely access to diagnostic imaging.
The team also supports vulnerable populations, including evacuees from Kashechewan First Nation, by coordinating access to essential healthcare services and reducing barriers to care.
SCOPE Niagara is part of a broader provincial network, enabling collaboration across regions to ensure patients can access specialized care when and where they need it.
“The SCOPE program operated by Niagara Health is a provincial leader in connecting family physicians and nurse practitioners to timely resources,” says Pauline Pariser, Provincial Primary Care Lead, SCOPE Program.
By the Numbers
- * 251 primary care providers enrolled since launch
- * 6,188 calls received since May 2022
- * 96 per cent of potential ED visits avoided
- * 8 clinical care pathways established
- * Diagnostic imaging calls increased from 19 to 128 in one year
Read more: Celebrating four years of SCOPE Niagara – Niagara Health News, Updates & Publications<https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/news/2026/05/26/celebrating-four-years-of-scope-niagara–>
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