Renovations to the site of the Primary Health Care Clinic are taking longer than expected, causing the opening date to be pushed to December, says Wanda Miller, Regional Director of Primary Health Care for the Sun Country Health Region.
As the completion date draws closer, the Sun Country Health Region will notify the public and explain how to access the doctor and other health care professionals available there and what programs and services will be offered in the clinic.
Primary health care is different from the existing model of health care in that it uses a collaborative model, a team of health professionals.
"We thought this was a good opportunity to look at the model that provides choices. Carlyle has one and patients have been very receptive to it," said Miller.
The health care professionals accessible at the clinic would include a nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, doctor, nurse, dietitian, social worker and a psychologist all working together to look after illness and help people stay well if they suffer from chronic disease.
Potentially, the Sun Country Health Region has four doctors for this model enrolled in a program that trains foreign doctors.
"Weyburn has the capacity for 12 to 13 physicians and the clinic will have the capacity for nine," said Miller.
As the clinic will be a collaborative practice, it will give patients better access to specialized treatments. The nurse practitioner on site will play a role in patient education.
"Patient access is very important right now," said Miller noting there are patients waiting for doctors. However, the Sun Country Health Region will not be creating a wait list for the clinic. The community will be notified of the official opening date and when patient appointments can be made.
Residents in Weyburn and area have other options in the meantime if they need to find someone to look after their health care needs by going to suncountry.sk.ca and clicking the "Find a Doctor" tile.
The health region has also posted Primary Care Clinic information boards at Tatagwa View, Weyburn General Hospital and MNP Place that are updated regularly.
