The Manitoba government has opened its first ever Extended Hours Primary Care Clinic, which will be open on evenings, weekends and holidays so patients can access care when and where they need it.
“People don’t get sick exclusively during business hours,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “We’re helping you see a family doctor by opening new clinics that stay open late into the evening, during the weekends and on holidays. It’s going to make life more convenient for parents, families and working people. Plus, by increasing primary care options in our communities, we will improve overall health outcomes across our province.”
The clinic, located at Access Winnipeg West at Grace General Hospital, offers family doctors and nurses who can treat patients for common ailments and support the ongoing management of chronic conditions. It will be open after hours from 5:30pm to 11:30pm during the week, 1:30pm to 11:30pm on weekends and offer special hours during the holidays. Patients can register for same-day appointments online at myrightcare.ca and some walk-in spots will be available every day.
“There’s been a gap in care for hardworking Manitobans who can’t book appointments during the workday,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “Our government promised to make health care more accessible and convenient, and that is exactly what Extended Hours Primary Care Clinics will do. Folks won’t have to take time off to get an appointment and their primary care practitioners will be well-informed of all the care they receive during extended hours.”
“As a person who lives with Type 1 diabetes and is a parent of two kids, finding the time during the workday for primary care appointments is hard and that can delay care,” said Dylan MacKay, resident of west Winnipeg. “We all lead busy lives and having an extended hours clinic nearby will benefit my family and my community.”
Enhancements to primary care, including the recently announced Minor Injury and Illness Clinics, are ensuring everyone can conveniently access care in their local community, noted the minister.
Extended Hours Primary Care Clinics are an excellent way to supplement the care patients receive from their regular providers, offering options when their primary physician is unavailable.
“The relationship between a patient and their family physician remains vitally important,” said Dr. Amanda Condon, department head of family medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, and provincial lead of family medicine, Shared Health. “Your family physician or health-care provider knows you and your medical history, which is why it’s crucial that these clinics ensure a connection back to your primary care provider. This continuity of care is invaluable in providing safe and quality care.”
The clinic at Access Winnipeg West is the first extended-hours clinic to open in Winnipeg. Visit the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s ‘Find Your Right Care’ page at myrightcare.ca for more information.
