A non-profit organization in Vernon is spearheading efforts to address the significant shortage of primary healthcare services in the community by proposing the establishment of a community-based health clinic. With approximately half of Vernon’s 47,000 residents lacking access to a family doctor, the closure of the city’s sole walk-in clinic last fall has exacerbated the situation.
Leigha Horsfield, Executive Director of Community Futures, highlighted the pressing need to support vulnerable groups such as seniors and maternity patients who currently lack a healthcare provider. She underscored the integral link between health and economic vitality, emphasizing that a robust healthcare infrastructure is essential for attracting skilled labor and supporting local employment.
Community Futures is in the initial stages of developing a proposal to submit to the Ministry of Health for the creation of the proposed clinic. This facility aims to offer comprehensive primary care services and facilitate long-term physician attachments for currently unattached residents. The proposal includes plans for allied health services and envisions collaborative partnerships with existing healthcare providers to ensure alignment with community needs.
Responding to inquiries, the Ministry of Health acknowledged the community’s efforts and indicated readiness to review the proposal upon submission. The approval timeline for such initiatives varies based on specific community needs and existing healthcare investments, exemplified by the Vernon Urgent and Primary Care Centre established in 2019 as part of broader Primary Care Network initiatives.
Community Futures anticipates further refining their proposal in collaboration with community stakeholders to ensure the envisioned clinic effectively meets the healthcare needs of Vernon residents, pending Ministry approval.
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