Innisfil’s new nurse practitioner-led clinic has the stamp of approval from Ontario’s health minister.
Sylvia Jones got a tour and helped cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Georgian Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, which actually began serving its first patients over a month ago.
“This really is wonderful,” she said, noting there are more than 30 similar clinics across the province. “Congratulations … on the exciting milestone. Under the leadership of Premier (Doug) Ford, our government is making record investment to ensure everyone who wants a primary care provider can connect to one. We are increasing access to primary care.”
Jones called the clinic an “innovative model of care."
It is expected to serve more than 3,000 patients and offer primary care, registered dietitian services, mental-health support, physiotherapy and occupational therapy out of the Rizzardo Health and Wellness Centre.
This clinic will gradually accept patients over the coming months, prioritizing local residents without a primary care provider and equity-deserving populations.
Georgian also operates a similar facility in the north end of Barrie.
“This new clinic is a very welcome addition to the town,” Mayor Lynn Dollin said. “As outlined in our latest strategic plan, (Innisfil is) committed to bringing services our residents need and want and access to health care is always at the top of the list. We are so grateful to the province for their investment in this clinic as well as the staff and board of the … clinic for choosing Innisfil as their new location.”
Clinic executive director Kevin MacLeod said this model is a "vital resource" that "truly works” and noted similar sites across the province show just how important nurse practitioners are within the healthcare system.
“This day represents more than just opening up a new facility,” clinic executive director Kevin MacLeod said. “It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together to address the health-care needs of our community. (Nurse practitioners’) dedication to providing compassionate care plays a critical role … today’s success demonstrates the impact and importance of continued investment in this model.”
Funding for the project was announced by the Ontario government back in March.
"We're creating a complete community here in Innisfil," Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin said, while holding her young daughter, Anastasia. "More and more people are choosing to make Innisfil their home. One thing we've been lacking for a while is healthcare services. We need more primary care as the community grows. Where do my (children) go for those early years checkups that are so vital? We're very fortunate to have this place. We're really putting the 'care' back in health care."
Registration cannot be done directly through the clinic.
Residents interested in receiving care must go through Health Care Connect (hcc3.hcc.moh.gov.on.ca). Due to high demand, those in need of a primary care provider are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
