Women’s Healthcare

Scarborough Women’s At-Risk Newcomer’s (SWAN) Clinic

In 2006 a group of women family medicine physicians doing their residencies at the Scarborough Hospitals saw the need for a full healthcare service and medical home for refugee and medically uninsured women and girls new in Canada.

Long and dangerous journeys leave many women and girls at high risk for deteriorating health and premature death from undiagnosed and untreated medical conditions, including the devastating impacts of sexual abuse and assault, female genital mutilation (FGM). 

The resident physicians approached CCRIHC with a plan for a clinic and SWAN was started. The clinics provide a safe, confidential and culturally sensitive and supportive healthcare home for our diverse, vulnerable and unserved female patients. 

On learning of the SWAN Program”s work, Dr. Rachel Spitzer an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Mt. Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto’s Global Health Program approached the CCRIHC team to offer help. This specialist support continues today through her team.

The SWAN clinic is accepting patients for assessments, diagnosis and treatment. We provide a safe and confidential medical home for refugee women’s healthcare. 

Upon completion of SWAN’s care patient’s return to their primary care provider at our Centre. Health cards are not necessary to get care through the SWAN clinic

SWAN Program Supports Include:

  • Assessments and Diagnoses 
  • Cancer Screening
  • Family Planning
  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Medical Care
  • General Well-Woman Exams
  • Mental Health Support
  • Pap Smears
  • Partner Violence Support
  • Sexual Health & Testing
  • Refugee Claim & Immigration Medical Information Support.


No Health Card Necessary for Care

If you have any questions regarding our Women’s Healthcare program Program or wish to make an appointment please contact the centre’s main line at (647) 267-2176 or email us at info@healthequity.ca  

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Bay Centre: The Bay Centre offers comprehensive and inclusive sexual healthcare services for people of all genders.

Let’s come together to provide a lifeline to refugees & asylum seekers inside our borders. If you want to join us and become part of the humanitarian solution, consider donating to the Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant Healthcare.