If approved, a proposed urgent care clinic at the former Minden ER could be up and running within a matter of weeks.
That from Executive Director Marina Hodson of the Kawartha North Family Health Team, which submitted a funding request to Ontario Health earlier this month.
According to Hodson, the ask is for two Nurse Practitioners and two Registered Practical Nurses, who could provide primary care as well as some services that are a “step up” from a walk-in clinic.
“While it’s obviously not going to replace the ER, I think it can go a really long way to alleviating the pressure, in that it offsets some of the need,” says Hodson. “Because not everything that went to Minden Emerge was probably, actually an emergency. So people who don’t have other access might be going there for primary care.”
She notes the large number of residents who do not have a family doctor, as many physicians have retired without being replaced.
Hodson also assures that should there be an opportunity to bring back the Minden ER, the health team would relinquish the space.
“It’s very important for the community to realize that if HHHS vacates the space and we don’t move in there, they’ll give it to somebody else,” says Hodson. “They need to offset the expenses. So ideally, let’s put something in there that can fill in the gap in the meantime, and potentially act as a placeholder to return it to emergency department use.”
Hodson says Ontario Health has been very receptive to the idea, and is trying to expedite approval. She adds all levels of government have expressed interest, with Minden Hills Council backing them with a letter of support, and MPP Laurie Scott also pledging to help fast-track the proposal.
If funding comes through, Hodson says they’d be able to get the clinic going part-time within a few weeks, hopefully in time to take the pressure off the busy cottaging season. After that, she says it’s a matter of recruiting staff, as well as consulting physicians and the public about opening hours and potential services.