Northern Health is going to plan B when it comes to the opening of Quesnel’s Primary Care Clinic.
It will still open up on time on February 1st but in a temporary location at the Avery Health Clinic on Front Street.
Debbie Strang, Quesnel’s Health Services Administrator, confirms that the permanent location on Front Street across from GR Baker Memorial Hospital isn’t ready.
Strang says it’s simply a case of being a bit behind with the renovations which she says they want to make sure they get exactly what they need.
She says this clinic will not be a regular physician’s office as we know them.
Strang says there will be space for group medical visits and a space for video conferencing technology so people can connect with specialists down south without having to leave the community.
She says for now they will open with the existing Avery staff which includes two physicians, two nurse practitioners and three office staff.
The Primary Care Clinic, once it’s fully operational in the fall, will consist of 8 physicians, two nurse practitioners and staff as well as an inter-professional team of primary care nurses, social workers and mental health and addiction clinicians.
Strang says they have received a lot of interest for these positions, including from professionals in neighbouring communities.