The Ontario College of Family Physicians says that in spite of the provincial government's efforts to improve access to health care, between 600,00 and 900,000 Ontarians still do not have family doctors.

Janet Kasperski, the college's chief executive officer, said walk-in clinics and hospital emergency rooms are no substitution for ongoing medical care.

"People without family doctors miss out on their flu shots," said Kasperski. "We worry about kids not getting vaccinations and the like. Family doctors do a great, great job of providing the preventative services that we all need."

The college released results of a survey on Monday that shows more than 70 per cent of those asked believe the doctor shortage in Ontario is very serious.

"The government has made strides in addressing the family doctor shortage, but we cannot get complacent now," said Dr. Renee Arnold, president of the OCFP. "More than 600,000 Ontarians without a family doctor is far too many. The family doctor shortage must remain a burning priority for our government."

The poll was conducted between June 19 and June 29, by Harris-Decima. Its results are considered accurate within 3.8 per cent 19 times out of 20.